How to Make a Pea Gravel Garden

Prepare a site for the garden by removing any large debris. Turn over the soil and amend it so it is well draining but will still hold some moisture. Ideal soil will feel like a wrung-out sponge when squeezed. If the soil does not drain well, you can add sand or perlite to it. Add peat moss if it is too sandy and drains too quickly.

Sink any large boulders into the ground. These boulders should be at least one-third of the way into the ground for stability. Vary the way the boulders lay so it is aesthetically pleasing. Try laying one so it points at an angle and another that is mostly flat.

Add plants to the garden. Choose native perennials that are easy-to-grow and hardy. Drought-tolerant shrubs are good starter plants. Dig a hole for the plants and plant them according to their individual needs.

Lay 1/2-inch layer of crushed rock over the site. The crushed rock works as a base for the pea gravel. It keeps the gravel from shifting too much and works as a mulch for any plants that you add. Do not pour the crushed rock right up to the plant base. The rock can damage the plant. Move the rock by hand once you have laid it to avoiding any damage. Tamp the gravel down using a square tamper.

Pour the pea gravel over the crushed rock and spread it using a metal rake. You'll need 2 to 3 inches of pea gravel. Do not put pea gravel right up to the base of new plants. Wait until they are established. If you plant shrubs, you can move the gravel around the plant base by hand because they are stronger than smaller plants.