For the past few years, we tried growing tomatoes and herbs right next to our house, between the house and some hardscape; even had a sprinkler head installed there. Nothing really grows well there, most likely because it just doesn't get enough sun. (Well, cherry tomato plants grew like crazy and would have lots of green tomatoes, but they would never ripen.)
So, we want to not do a garden there but still make it look presentable. Someone had mentioned using those little white decorative rocks/pebbles and to just cover the area with them. Is it really as simple as buying bags of those rocks/pebbles and coving the area of interest? Is there more to it? I am attaching a picture of the area I would like to cover with the rocks/pebbles.
Do I simply remove like 2" of dirt from between the house and the hardscape pavers and put down like 2" of those white rocks? Anything I need to be concerned about or consider? (I would have the sprinkler company cap off the sprinkler head.)
First I would look at how the area is graded. You want water to flow away from the house. If you can dig out a couple inches of dirt and still have the water flow away from the house then I'd do that. If that 2" dig causes water to puddle next to the house I would not dig it out. I might install new edging to hold the pea gravel as it sits on top of the existing soil. Either way you can put down a layer of landscape fabric before the stone to help control weeds.
You mentioned white rocks that I interpreted to mean marble chips. And PD mentioned pea gravel.
There are many other types of landscape rocks that you might use: river rocks, gravel, crushed stone, lava rocks, small, medium, large, etc. Google "landscape rocks" for examples. The one you choose will make a big difference in how your project will look. Smaller chips, pebbles, pea stone, etc. will tend to migrate more. Larger stones will be harder to walk on.
I am going to extend the 6’ cedar fence around my yard to include a new 8’ x 16’ (128 sq. Ft.) section to create a small vegetable garden. This part of the yard is currently 16”-18” lower than my existing yard. I will need to build something to retain the garden soil in this area. The only thing I have come up with is railroad ties.
First question: Is there something that would be a better solution for this purpose?
Second question: Will the chemicals in the railroad ties adversely effect gardening?
Thanks for your input on this issue. It is greatly appreciated!
Ken
I have a drainage swale that runs across my backyard. I want to build a detached garage. The driveway extension to the garage will be in the path of the rain water from the swale. My fear is undermining of the concrete drive extension. I would prefer to not use a culvert pipe under the drive.
What are my other options?
01-25-21, 09:29 AM
