If you're looking for a low maintenance garden that also provides some interest, then gravel could be the answer you're looking for.
Gravel is a great alternative to grass and can be used for pathways, any outdoor seating areas and areas where plants won't grow.Plus, you'll be bringing in different colours and textures to your garden which adds interest to your garden.
Reasons to use gravel in your garden
- It creates a neat-looking groundcover
- It reduces water evaporation
- You'll be alerted to anyone approaching due to the noise it creates when it's walked on
- Weeds are suppressed
How to choose the right gravel for your garden
Gravel comes in lots of different sizes, so if you are using gravel for your paths then you will want to choose something that is more comfortable underfoot. If you're using it to complement pond areas then you'll need to make sure it is fish friendly.
Generally speaking, the finer the gravel, the more comfortable it is to walk on.
Then there's the wide range of colour options to choose from, and it's here that you can choose something to complement the colour of your house, as well as making sure it's in keeping with the style of your garden. For instance, black stones are more suited to contemporary styles, while a golden gravelis more fitting for a traditional style garden.
How to lay gravel
- Start preparing the area by turning over the soil and removing any weeds. You can also dig in some well-rotted garden compost and, on heavy soil, add coarse sand or grit to improve drainage.
- Cut a piece of weed-suppressing membrane to fit the area you're wanting to gravel. For larger areas, you’ll have to join several strips together. Leave a generous overlap along each edge and pin securely in place.
- If you want to plant any borders surrounding any gravelled areas, do this beforehand so you don't end up with soil on top as this will promote the growth of weeds.
- Spread a layer of gravel over the membrane. Be generous so as to prevent the membrane from showing through, and level with a rake. Usually 2–3 inches should do it.
- If you are laying gravel next to a lawn then you'll need to add in an edge to prevent gravel going onto the grass.
Our range of decorative gravels are supplied in bulk bags and are available in a range of shades and sizes. Many of our products are also available in smaller 20-25kg bags. Shop our range of cobbles, pebbles and gravels now.
FAQs
Compact the soil: Use a tamper to compact the soil, creating a firm foundation for your gravel. This will help prevent sinking or shifting over time. Add landscape fabric: To help prevent weeds from growing through your gravel, add a layer of landscape fabric over the soil.
What do you put under gravel? ›
What should I lay under gravel? We'd always recommend laying a weed resistant membrane under your gravel. This helps to prevent weeds, whilst being permeable to water and air, and it's extremely easy to use. Best of all, the membrane provides long-term protection from weeds so you don't need to use unnatural chemicals.
Should you put sand down before gravel? ›
What is the recommended construction process for paving with blocks/slabs on gravel? Use a bedding layer of Grade C/Sharp Sand on a compacted sub-base for paving with blocks or slabs. This ensures stability and durability for the paved surface.
Can I put gravel directly on soil? ›
Laying gravel directly on soil poses several challenges. The soil's uneven surface and inherent shifting tendencies can lead to an unstable gravel surface, resulting in an uneven driveway that requires constant maintenance. This is where gravel grid systems shine.
How deep should gravel be in a garden? ›
Decorative Gravel Depth
If you choose to use a 10mm decorative gravel aggregate (for garden paths or borders), then it should be laid at a depth of 30-40mm. However, if you are using this for a driveway, it should be laid at least 50mm deep.
How do you keep gravel from sinking into the ground? ›
To prevent this from happening, place a layer of Geotextile fabric between your subsoil and the bottom layer of gravel.
How do you get gravel to stay put? ›
Tamp and Pack
One easy, DIY way to help prevent the spread of gravel is to tamp and pack it a bit. This simply means using a hoe or other tool to pack your gravel down tightly, and then spraying it down with water.
Should I put landscape fabric under gravel? ›
For gravel driveways, landscape fabric makes the most sense when you need to stabilize the ground that you're placing the gravel on top of. Otherwise, proper preparation and installation of a gravel surface may make landscape fabric unnecessary.
What will hold gravel in place? ›
The two most effective methods for stabilizing pea gravel are cement and permeable pavers. If you're stabilizing pea gravel with cement, it will hold for a while until it's eventually damaged by traffic and water exposure.
How to properly lay gravel? ›
To lay gravel, mark your area off with spray paint or rope. Then, use a spade to remove 4–6 inches (10–15 cm) of soil. Pour 2–3 inches (5.1–7.6 cm) of crushed stone into the pit and put landscaping fabric on top. Cover the fabric with your gravel and spread it out with a rake to finish laying your gravel.
Before laying pea gravel, use a shovel to dig out the walkway or patio section. Your trench should be 6 inches deep and as uniform as possible along the bottom. In terms of time commitment, some homeowners use a guideline of one hour per 10 feet of digging.
What is best to put under landscape rock? ›
Spun landscape fabric is a good choice for placing underneath pathways, gravel mulches, and even behind retaining walls. You can purchase landscape fabric for rocks at most home improvement, hardware, and garden supply stores.
Can you use gravel in a vegetable garden? ›
Gravel in our garden areas not only keeps the ground dry, you can't beat the look of gravel as the base material in a garden. Gravel is beautiful AND functional. Functionally, gravel helps with drainage of the garden beds. Remember, plants need water, but they don't like sitting in it.
What is the purpose of gravel in a garden? ›
This is no mere top-dressing — not a mulch layer, but a deliberate foundation four or five inches deep that the garden is planted into. That depth discourages weeds from finding a foothold, while minimizing runoff, directing available water to where roots can use it.
Which gravel is best 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.
