Easy-Care Rock Garden: When To Plant A Rock Garden
Have a rock garden? You should. There are many reasons to grow rocks in the garden and just as many things to do with them. Keep reading to learn more about planting an easy-care rock garden.
Rock Garden Bed Design
A well-planned rock garden is not only pleasing to the eyes but relatively carefree. And there are a number of rock-garden designs to choose from – they can be sprawling, naturalistic creations or rustic mounds of growing rocks. The overall design is limited only by your personal taste and growing space.
Likewise, the rocks you choose to grow a rock garden bed are up to you. While many people prefer sticking to one type of stone throughout the garden, using a variety of rocks in various shapes, sizes and earth-tone colors can create added interest. An occasional plant here and there looks nice, too.
When to Plant a Rock Garden
Once you’ve got the planning out of the way, then you’re ready to grow a rock garden. Growing rocks in soil that is well draining and weed free is preferable and yields better results. But when is the best time to begin?
Planting is best done in early fall or early spring, whichever you choose. In some areas, you can grow and harvest rocks continuously, as frost heaving churns the soil and pushes rocks easily to the surface, making early spring the most ideal time.
Creating an Easy-Care Rock Garden
Start by clearing the area of unwanted vegetation. Lay out the perimeter of your rock garden design, making the diameter as desired. Spacing can be anywhere from a foot or so (30 cm.) up to about 5 feet (1.5 meters) apart. As to depth, shallow planting is more prone to heaving, so this is what you want to achieve in order for your rocks to come up through the soil.
While, technically, you can evenly distribute the rocks throughout the garden, this can lead to a bland and unappealing look. Instead, go for something more impressive. For example, plant your tiny stones in massive amounts in some areas and then sparingly in others. This helps give it a more natural feel. Also, consider planting your rocks along a slope or small valley.
Gardening tips, videos, info and more delivered right to your inbox!
Sign up for the Gardening Know How newsletter today and receive a free download of our DIY eBook "Bring Your Garden Indoors: 13 DIY Projects For Fall And Winter".
Routine care of the rock garden is necessary but, if done right, is not too challenging. Growing rocks in soil, like all gardens, still requires regular watering. Instead of frequent watering, however, just water deeply every so often unless it’s particularly hot, dry weather. During the offseason, you’ll need to water much less, as winter wetness is the No. 1 killer of rock gardens. As Lao Tzu once said, “Water is fluid, soft, and yielding. But water will wear away rock, which is rigid and cannot yield…”
We all want vigorous rocks in the garden, but too much fertilizer will result in weak, spindly growth. Keep this in mind and be patient - growing rocks in soil takes some time, unless you’re lucky enough to live in an area where they grow like weeds. Also, it is better to use slow-release, organic fertilizers.
Be aware that issues can and do arise which can ultimately affect the rock garden bed. These may include temperature changes, like constant exposure to heat, or weather conditions such as continual rain or snow.
If all goes well, you should have plenty of rocks by summer’s end and a good harvest for replanting next season or use in other areas of the landscape. They make fine specimens for painting projects, labeling plants, edging garden beds, or creating stone cairns. Your most prized rock harvest can even take center stage in a pet rock collection.
Happy April Fool's!
Nikki Tilley has been gardening for nearly three decades. The former Senior Editor and Archivist of Gardening Know How, Nikki has also authored six gardening books.
-
Climate Change And Pests: Do Warmer Winters Mean More Pests?
Warmer climates can result in an increase of some pests and decrease of others, which isn’t always a good thing. Here's how to protect your garden.
By Bonnie L. Grant
-
What Is A Water Wick? How To Use One To Keep Houseplants Hydrated While You’re Away
A water wick for plants will give you a worry-free break if you need to leave your plant babies for a while. It’s easy to set up and pretty much runs itself.
By Amy Grant
-
Top 5 Tips For Growing Dogwood
Dogwoods are flowering trees and shrubs prized for their loyalty, intelligence, and stunning spring blossoms. Read on for more.
By Liz Baessler
-
Spring Plant Fashions
Spring is here, and that means it’s time for your plants to get out and strut their stuff. Read on for the top plant trends for Spring 2021.
By Liz Baessler
-
UFO Friendly Gardens: Tips On Attracting Extraterrestrials To Your Garden
Maybe you love looking at the stars, gazing at the moon, or daydream of one day taking a trip into space. Maybe you’re hoping to catch a ride on the mothership by attracting extraterrestrials to the garden. Learn how to welcome alien visitors in this article.
By Nikki Tilley
-
Marshmallow Peep Control - How To Get Rid Of Peeps In The Garden
While peeps in the garden may not pose a problem for some people, many of us simply don't appreciate it when the gooey, creeping menaces take over our beautiful Easter grass and gardens. Find out how to get rid of peeps in this article.
By Nikki Tilley
-
Creating Living Gardens: How To Make A Garden Come To Life
Gardens that appeal to all the senses make the most attractive landscapes. Use these same concepts in bringing your garden to life for home security while you're away or sleeping. Click this article to learn more about how to make a garden come to life...literally.
By Nikki Tilley
-
Planting An Ice Cream Tree – How To Grow Ice Cream In The Garden
Are you planning a garden this year? Why not consider something sweet, like an ice cream garden full of all your favorite treats - similar to Raggedy Ann?s lollipop plants and cookie flowers. Find tips on getting started in this article and become the envy of your neighborhood!
By Nikki Tilley
-
Money Tree Growing - Information On How To Grow A Money Tree
Yes, money does grow on trees, IF you grow a money tree. Growing money trees is easy, though somewhat time consuming - but it?s worth the wait! Click here to learn more about money trees in the garden.
By Nikki Tilley
-
Penguins In The Garden: How To Attract Penguins To The Garden
Penguins are very fun to watch! You don?t have to go to the North Pole to enjoy their antics. You can do it right from your own backyard penguin garden. Read on to learn more about how to attract penguins to your garden.
By Nikki Tilley