Q&A for How to Pebble a Garden

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How do I set up pebbles in my garden?

Ben Barkan
Garden & Landscape Designer
Ben Barkan is a Garden and Landscape Designer and the Owner and Founder of HomeHarvest LLC, an edible landscapes and construction business based in Boston, Massachusetts. Ben has over 12 years of experience working with organic gardening and specializes in designing and building beautiful landscapes with custom construction and creative plant integration. He is a Certified Permaculture Designer, Licensed Construction Supervisor in Massachusetts, and a Licensed Home Improvement Contractor. He holds an associates degree in Sustainable Agriculture from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst.

Ben Barkan

Garden & Landscape Designer

Expert Answer

First, dig down and remove some of the soil or compost. Then, press the soil down and place some layers of landscape fabric on top. Start with a layer of heavy-duty stones, then add something smaller, like pea stones, on top.

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Question

How do you prepare the ground for gravel?

Ben Barkan
Garden & Landscape Designer
Ben Barkan is a Garden and Landscape Designer and the Owner and Founder of HomeHarvest LLC, an edible landscapes and construction business based in Boston, Massachusetts. Ben has over 12 years of experience working with organic gardening and specializes in designing and building beautiful landscapes with custom construction and creative plant integration. He is a Certified Permaculture Designer, Licensed Construction Supervisor in Massachusetts, and a Licensed Home Improvement Contractor. He holds an associates degree in Sustainable Agriculture from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst.

Ben Barkan

Garden & Landscape Designer

Expert Answer

I suggest laying down landscape fabric or a weed mat. This will prevent any new plants from growing in the area.

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Question

I have a small river pebble around a rose bush in full sun. Will those pebbles get hot enough to damage the rose plant?

Maggie Moran
Home & Garden Specialist
Maggie Moran is a Professional Gardener in Pennsylvania.

Maggie Moran

Home & Garden Specialist

Expert Answer

In order to avoid damaging any plant with pebbles, be sure to leave a border of empty space between the plant and the start of the pebbles or stones.

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Question

Do I have to use a weed mat?

Maggie Moran
Home & Garden Specialist
Maggie Moran is a Professional Gardener in Pennsylvania.

Maggie Moran

Home & Garden Specialist

Expert Answer

While it is not required to use a weed mat, it can cut down on the maintenance of your pebble garden by preventing weeds from sprouting underneath and in between the rocks.

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Some invasive plants are just beginning to grow. Can i just cover them with the weed mat instead of pulling them out first?

Community Answer

It's probably best to pull them out first. Otherwise, it's possible they could grow through the weed mat and stick through the pebbles.

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Question

Can you put pebbles on top of grass?

Community Answer

You can put pebbles on top of grass, but make sure to put down a weed mat first so the grass will not show through the pebbles.

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Question

Can I use glue to stick the pebbles down?

Community Answer

You can glue the pebbles down, but it may be best for paths rather than gardens. Try an permeable aggregate resin binder, which is the best glue to hold down garden pebbles.

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Question

Will it damage the plant if I put pebbles around the base?

Community Answer

I have not heard of any problems associated with pebbles around plants or bushes.

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Can I lay pebbles on top of bark?

Community Answer

Yes, you can.

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