How to Remove River Rock From a Garden Bed

Put on a pair of heavy work gloves. While river rocks are usually smooth, rocks are known to have jagged edges. Roll a wheelbarrow and several buckets close to your garden bed.

Dig a shovel into your garden bed and lift out the river rocks. Transfer the rocks to the wheelbarrow or the buckets. If your river rock layer is not thick, use your hands to cup river rocks and transfer them to the wheelbarrow or buckets so you don't remove too much soil from the garden bed.

Dig a trowel into the soil once most of the river rocks have been removed. This will help you uncover river rocks buried in the soil. Wipe off as much dirt as you can and remove them with your hands.