How To Landscape With Pea Gravel

Pea gravel refers to small, rounded stones that are about the same size as the green vegetable they are named after.

Like river rocks, they get their smooth texture from flowing water and are often found near riverbeds and bodies of water. 

Because the small stones are formed through natural weathering, fine gravel comes in all sorts of natural colors, including shades of brown, gray, and white. 

What Is Pea Gravel Used For?

Pea gravel has many uses thanks to its durability, malleable properties, and classic appearance. Runs, drains, and many other high-traffic places due to its smooth quality.

The soft, smooth texture of the stones makes them ideal for pathways, and xeriscaping and they make a beautiful edging for a garden or home. 

Pea gravel is a beautiful and practical landscaping element for mulching and building patios. It Improves drainage and is easy to install.

It is inexpensive, prevents weed growth, is low maintenance, prevents erosion, doesn’t break down like organic mulch, is used around the foundation of your home, and serves as a rodent barrier.

There is a tendency for rocks to spread, the risk of weeds if not installed properly, and the concern of furniture sinking into rocks. It needs topping up about every four years, can be painful walking barefoot walking around, and requires a perimeter barrier to contain it

It doesn’t provide a solid base for furniture, makes snow removal difficult, slips underfoot if bedrock isn’t installed,  and is difficult to remove if you decide to change the scenery later. Keep these things in mind if you have one DIY gravel finish installation.

Read Also: How Deep to Plant Peas in Your Garden

Ideas For Landscape With Pea Gravel

Gravel is perfect for your landscaping. They are just one of the types of landscape stones that you can use for your garden. 

some basic ways to use  gravel for landscaping:

• Keep potted plants stable
• Top layers for playgrounds
• Pavements combined with other stones 
• Separation of garden beds
• Overhanging terraces
• Top layers for retaining walls
• Safe and tidy dog ​​park fireplace

Installing Pea Gravel 

Pea gravel is fairly easy to install compared to other landscaping materials. 

Things you need: rope or heavy rope shovel, Weed fleece, edge material, rammer, garden hose, gravel (for underlay)

How To Install 

• Using heavy gauge rope or twine, mark the area where you want to spread the gravel. 
• Remove soil to a depth of six inches. 
• Install a rim to hold the gravel in place.
• Lay a layer of landscape fabric on the bottom. 
• Install 2 inches of bedrock with a rough texture often referred to as a crushed stone. 
• Evenly spread a 3-inch layer of gravel. 
• Stomp the area onto the level. 
• Spray the gravel with a garden hose to calm the rocks.
• If you’ve laid the gravel surface now, it was probably laid without bedrock. It can be stabilized by adding rock flour.

Pea Gravel Patio Ideas? 

Check out these ideas for the perfect gravel patio. the concept applies to a  gravel path with steps

Use gravel patio edging to enhance your existing outdoor space. An epoxy gravel patio gives you a much better grip than loose gravel and means more options for patio furniture. 

Gravel is a low-cost, low-maintenance decking material that can be used alone or with other elements such as stone, paving, or cement. 

Gravel terraces are very popular. To start building you need to find a flat site as gravel tends to fall into cracks and is not stable on hilly spots that are not level. 

Gravel is one of the most common sights in residential landscapes across the country. It is a very popular choice due to its smooth appearance and aesthetically pleasing colors. 

Gravel is a functional and beautiful material that can be used in many places in your interior design. 

However, there are some basic do’s and don’ts when incorporating this common landscaping material into your garden.

So find a good place to build your terrace. Also, gravel doesn’t lend itself to draining, as small pieces wash away and make a mess. So choose a spot with a good drainage system or build your drain before building your patio.

Once you’ve found your spot, you’ll need to dig up the area about four inches deep. Try to get rid of any rocks or large roots that get in the way and keep the area as level as possible. 

You need to create a border if you want a stable deck. You can use boulders or bricks to create a solid edge. That way the gravel doesn’t move every time you step on it, which could be dangerous. 

You now need to create a base layer to add extra stability. To do this, use crushed stone or other material used in base layers to create a thin layer a few inches thick but no more than two and a half inches thick.

Add a Weed Barrier. This is a simple step for adding a weed barrier over the base layer. This weave discourages weed growth and adds a more stable base layer for the gravel to rest on. lots of space for gravel. 

Add gravel about two to two and a half inches thick around the patio. This will be the top layer. If you want, you can add pavers for the sidewalks. also along the terraced landscaping with fine gravel.

Read More: How Much Water Do Peas Need?

Tips For Using Pea Gravel

Do Not Place Pea Gravel Directly On The Ground

A common mistake when using pea gravel is to place the gravel directly on the ground. When using fine gravel as an alternative to mulch or to create a path in your garden, it should never be placed directly on the ground. 

Before adding gravel to your landscape, apply a layer of landscape fabric to the soil. This will prevent weeds, plants, and other growth from forming between the cracks in the gravel.

If you don’t take this basic step, weed growth can crowd out and ruin your gravel. 

Creativity Is An Advantage 

As we mentioned earlier, much of gravel’s popularity is due to its flexibility. When most people think of gravel, they think of rough, hard pieces of rock that belong only on driveways or country lanes, but gravel isn’t anything like that.

Pea gravel can still be used traditionally, but it also makes a great garden edging or flower bed and even for creating a patio in your garden. 

Pea gravel is soft enough to be used in play areas or sand. boxes instead of sand. 

Do Not Use It Alone For Edges 

While gravel can be used for edging, it should not be used alone. Use a different edging material to prevent foot traffic or wind from shifting the gravel.

As this is a small, lightweight material,  it will move over time if you don’t take care to keep it in place. 

Work with a small local stone supplier to get the best possible quality and price.

Frequently Asked Questions

Still, need more answers? Explore the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) here.

Final Thoughts

Gravel landscaping is the perfect solution to freshen up your garden. These smooth pebbles are incredibly versatile, easy to install and require very little maintenance. 

When it comes to landscaping, nothing adds structure and attracts attention like good landscaping. Gravel landscaping can be the easiest and most affordable way to add functional and attractive landscaping to your yard.

Landscapes include garden paths, patios, seating areas, and any solid surface designed to reduce the stress of foot traffic on your lawn. You must know how to transform your garden through landscaping with gravel.