Want a lush, green garden?
Try Creeping Jenny!
This plant spreads beautifully. Here are 8 easy tactics to help it thrive.
Let’s grow that perfect garden together! Ready to start?
Read on!
Pick the Right Spot
Creeping Jenny loves soaking up the sun, but it does well in partial shade too. Make sure you choose a spot that gets at least a few hours of sunlight each day.
An area with dappled light works wonderfully! Don’t worry too much about which spot to pick because this plant is pretty adaptable.
Prepare the Soil
Good soil is key for Creeping Jenny. It thrives in well-drained soil with lots of organic matter.
You can mix in some compost to enhance the soil quality. Aim for a pH between 6 and 7 to keep your plant happiest.
Avoid waterlogged spots as this can lead to root rot.
Planting Time
You can plant Creeping Jenny in the spring or early fall. Just dig a hole big enough for the root ball, place your plant in, and cover it back up with soil.
Give it a nice drink of water right after planting to help it settle in. Space your plants about 12 inches apart so they have room to spread out.
Watering Tips
Keep the soil consistently damp but not soggy. This plant enjoys regular watering but doesn’t like standing in water.
Check the soil often and water when the top inch feels dry. During hot, dry weather, you might need to water more frequently.
Feeding the Plant
Believe it or not, Creeping Jenny isn’t a heavy feeder. A simple, all-purpose fertilizer once a month during the growing season will do the trick.
You can also use a slow-release fertilizer at the beginning of spring. Just make sure to follow the package instructions to avoid overfeeding.
Pruning and Maintenance
This plant can get a bit wild, so trim it back to keep it in check. Snip off any dead or damaged stems to encourage new growth.
If it’s getting too leggy, you can cut it back by about a third. Regular pruning helps keep it looking neat and tidy.
Pest Control
Creeping Jenny is relatively pest-free, but keep an eye out for slugs and snails. These little critters love munching on the leaves.
Use non-toxic slug pellets or create barriers with crushed eggshells to keep them at bay. Neem oil spray can also help if you notice other pests.
Overwintering Tips
If you’re in a colder climate, mulch around your Creeping Jenny in the late fall to protect it from frost. A nice layer of leaves, straw, or bark mulch will do the trick.
In super cold areas, consider bringing potted plants indoors for the winter.