What is the best, fastest growing, toughest ground cover to control grass + weeds?

Question

I didn’t see an answer to my earlier questions so decided to try again. Would creeping thyme be the best for mostly full sun and moderate foot traffic? I am in zone 6. I read that it can take several years to prep the ground, and then you have to dig, plow and/or till. I am an older person, living alone, unable to do all of that. How about if I just lay landscape plastic over the areas for a year, then plant the plants or seeds? I need something to spread fast, beat the weeds, but not be invasive. Thanks!

Answer 1

Unfortunately, anything that is fast enough and tough enough to crowd out weeds will have to be more invasive than them.

With that being said, if you are still interested in groundcovers (Basically you will be selecting 1 particular weed to take over so that others can't.) then this article will help you to find good groundcovers: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/gardening-by-zone/zone-6/zone-6-ground-covers.htm

Answer 2

Creeping thyme is not a fast grower the first few years. It also doesn't do well in clay or wet soil. You can use self-sowing annuals in the gaps between plants. Love-in-a-mist, Nigella; snapdragons, nicotania and cleome all reliably self-sow in zone 6.

Answer 3

I just wanted to add that 2 good ground covers that I am having success with in my own garden is Creeping Jenny and Stonecrops.
Both grow quite quickly and hold back weeds fairly well. Both of these plants are available at most garden centers.

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/groundcover/creeping-jenny/creeping-jenny-ground-cover.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/cacti-succulents/sedum/growing-sedum-groundcover.htm