When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.
There are many useful mulches to use on the garden bed. Some help retain moisture, as does the gravel garden bed. Gravel beds are something you won’t see in every garden, but they can provide something different in your landscape. Read more to see if laying a gravel garden is an option for you.
Gravel can be an excellent material to incorporate into your garden beds and pathways. Not only is it attractive, but gravel offers many functional benefits that can improve drainage, suppress weeds, and protect your plants. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the pros and cons of using gravel in garden beds and provide tips on choosing the right type of gravel, designing eye-catching beds, proper installation, and ongoing care.
Why Use Gravel in Garden Beds?
There are several key reasons why gravel makes a smart addition to garden beds
-
Improves Drainage – Gravel allows excess moisture to quickly drain away from plant roots, preventing them from getting waterlogged. This is especially helpful for gardens with heavy clay soils
-
Suppresses Weeds – A thick 3-4 inch layer of gravel acts as an effective mulch that stops weed seeds from germinating. Less weeding means more time to enjoy your garden!
-
Defines Beds – Gravel borders provide a crisp, clean edge that visually sets apart planting beds from lawns and pathways.
-
Adds Texture – Mixing rounded pebbles with lush plant foliage creates appealing visual contrast and depth.
-
Footpaths – Gravel walkways keep feet tidy by avoiding mud and grass. Natural decomposed granite packs firmly.
-
Protects Plants – Gravel mulch stops soil from splashing onto plant leaves during heavy rains.
-
Retains Moisture – Though it improves drainage, pea gravel does shade soil to help reduce moisture evaporation.
-
Affordable – Gravel is relatively inexpensive compared to other landscaping materials.
With the right approach, gravel can take your garden beds to the next level, both aesthetically and functionally.
Popular Gravel Types for Gardens
Choosing the right gravel involves considering size, texture, and color options:
-
Pea Gravel – Rounded pea-sized stones from 1/8-3/4 inches. Available in buff, tan, brown, gray. Provides intricate, natural look.
-
River Rock – Larger stones sized 1-6 inches with tan, brown, gray, white mixes. Adds bold impact.
-
Decomposed Granite – Crushed granite screened from 1/8-1/4 inch particles. Muted natural pink, gold and tan palette.
-
Lava Rock – Jagged, porous black or dark gray lightweight stones. Improves drainage.
-
Pebbles – Smooth, consistent 1/4-1/2 inch rounded stones. Come in white, gray, tan, brown.
-
Gravel Mulch – Blend of tiny gravel and coarse sand. Top dressing improves moisture retention.
Consider both aesthetics and functionality when selecting gravel materials for your specific needs.
Designing Gravel Garden Beds
Incorporate gravel thoughtfully into your landscape design for maximum impact:
-
Winding pea gravel pathways between planting beds provide easy access for maintenance.
-
Border beds with 2-3 foot wide pebble or lava rock bands. Use landscape edging to contain gravel.
-
Mix larger accent rocks into beds of smaller gravel to add striking depth.
-
Choose smoother gravel like pebbles or crushed granite for high-traffic zones.
-
Surround focal points like water features or specimen plants with expansive gravel beds.
-
Use sloped gravel mulch beds to control erosion on hills. Replenish annually.
-
Pair warm gravel with hot colored plants like yellows, reds and oranges for lively contrast.
-
Echo gravel used on patios or walkways in nearby planting beds for cohesion.
Installing Gravel Garden Beds
Follow these tips for creating crisp, clean gravel garden beds:
-
Mark layout with garden hose or spray paint. Excavate 2-4 inch depression.
-
Line inside of bed with landscape fabric to separate gravel from soil.
-
Build reinforced borders on all sides with metal, plastic, stone or wood to contain gravel.
-
Fill bed fully with desired gravel, distributed evenly. Tamp down with landscape rake.
-
Top off gravel to uniform height. Avoid rounded, bumpy beds.
-
Leave 1-2 inch gap between gravel and adjacent lawns or borders.
Invest time in proper base preparation and edging for gravel beds that maintain their structure for years to come. Avoid compressing new gravel beds by stepping directly on them.
Caring for Established Gravel Beds
Keep gravel gardens looking pristine with regular maintenance:
-
Pull any emerging weeds, grass and invasive plants quickly.
-
Rake beds smooth when gravel becomes uneven. Refill any sunken or low spots.
-
Replenish beds with 1-2 inch fresh gravel layer annually to restore appearance.
-
Use edging tool along borders to prevent grass and soil from creeping in.
-
Re-level gravel shifted after heavy rains to keep beds tidy.
-
Remove excess gravel buildup along edges.
With routine care, gravel beds should last beautifully for 5-10 years or longer. Time to try out this versatile landscaping material!
Gravel Adds Beauty and Function to Garden Beds
Used thoughtfully, gravel can decorate your beds while making gardening easier. Match the gravel style to your landscape for a cohesive look. Pay attention to proper installation and edging for gravel garden beds that thrive season after season. Incorporate gravel paths, mulch and patios to take your garden to the next level!
How to Install a Gravel Garden
Pick the spot for your gravel garden bed. Remove all grass, weeds, and existing plants. Till the soil well, at least 5 to 6 inches (13-15 cm.) deep. Mix in well-finished compost. If soil is clay or drainage is poor, compost will help improve it. You may also add coarse sand for a grittier mix and to help with drainage. Once the gravel mulch is in place, it’s difficult to enrich your soil. You can sprinkle dry fertilizer or use a liquid mix, but it is prudent to keep most plants growing in rich soil.
Level the soil with a rake. Add the border when soil is finished. As mentioned above, you can install a metal garden strip or use pavers for the border. This keeps the covering in place.
Choose plants appropriate to your garden spot and your area. Ornamental grasses, herbaceous perennials, and even trees or shrubs may be suitable. Install plants into the soil.
Add any hardscape features such as benches, water features, clay pots, or tin planters. Large boulders complement the gravel garden construction. Upcycle items for planters, keeping in mind that less is often more.
Gravel Bed Garden Design
Your gravel bed can be any shape and as large or small as you need. The secret to beautiful plants growing in the gravel bed is plant choice and soil preparation. Drought resistant plants are perfect for this type of bed. Once the gravel top cover is in place, you likely won’t disturb it.
Use a border. This helps define the area and keeps the gravel in place. Bury a metal garden strip around the edges, leaving half an inch (1 cm.) above ground to hold the rock. Or use a wider border made with garden pavers.
Installing Edging & Gravel! || Visit Our Garden
FAQ
What gravel is best for garden beds?
Pea gravel has a variety of uses and is particularly good for high-traffic areas, as well as drainage and pipe bedding. The colour and texture of this kind of gravel make it much more attractive for larger designed areas too. This is a very versatile gravel option in terms of colour options and sizing.
What is the best gravel for a garden?
Longevity must be a factor when buying the perfect gravel for your garden. The best gravel should be made from the most durable materials. Granites, basalts, quartz’ and flints are extremely hard-wearing, making them an ideal choice for high traffic areas.
Can you lay gravel directly on soil?
You can put your gravel directly onto the firm soil, though this isn’t recommended as it won’t be a stable base for your gravel driveway. If you are planning to forgo the driveway sub-base, we do suggest using a weed membrane underneath the gravel to keep it clean.
What’s the best thing to put in the bottom of a raised garden bed?
Start with a more durable, pest-deterring layer at the very bottom (like stainless steel mesh), followed by a weed-suppressing layer (such as landscape fabric …Dec 27, 2023