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How to Create a Drought Tolerant Gravel Border

Creating a drought tolerant gravel border is an excellent way of sprucing up your outdoor space. Not only does it add visual interest, but it also requires minimal maintenance and conserves water. In this article, we will guide you through the steps of creating your own drought tolerant gravel border.

1. Plan Your Design

The first step in creating a drought tolerant gravel border is to plan your design. Decide on the shape and size of your border, keeping in mind the plants you want to feature. Consider using drought-tolerant plants that can thrive in gravelly soil conditions.

You can visit your local nursery or do some research online to find out which plants are suitable for your area. Choose plants based on their color, texture, and height. Be sure to group plants with similar water needs together to make watering more efficient.

Drought Tolerant Plants
Drought Tolerant Plants

2. Prepare the Area

Before laying down the gravel, prepare the area by removing any grass, weeds, or unwanted plants. It's important to create a clean slate so that the plants in your border won't have to compete for resources.

Once you have cleared the area, spread a layer of landscape fabric over the soil. This will help prevent weeds from growing through the gravel and will also allow water to penetrate more easily.

Landscape Fabric
Landscape Fabric

3. Add the Gravel

When choosing your gravel, opt for a type with a rough texture that will help keep it in place. Pea gravel or crushed granite are excellent choices. Spread a layer of gravel about 4 inches deep over the landscape fabric.

Rake the gravel to create a smooth surface, then use a tamper to compact it. This will prevent the gravel from shifting over time.

Pea Gravel
Pea Gravel

4. Plant Your Border

Once you have added the gravel, it's time to start planting. Dig holes for your plants, making them slightly larger than the root ball. Fill the hole with soil and press down firmly to ensure the plant is secure.

Water your plants thoroughly after planting, then add a layer of mulch. This will help retain moisture and keep weeds at bay.

Mulch
Mulch

5. Maintain Your Border

Caring for a drought tolerant gravel border is easy. Water your plants deeply once a week, ensuring that the water penetrates the soil. You may need to water more frequently during extended periods of dry weather.

Remove any weeds as soon as they appear, and prune your plants as needed to keep them healthy and well-shaped. Adding a layer of compost each year can also help improve the soil quality.

Compost
Compost
Drought tolerant plants, landscape fabric, pea gravel, mulch, compost, maintaining your border

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