How to Lay Flagstone in Dirt With Herbs

Plan Your Project

• 1

  Measure the area you want to cover with flagstones and herbs. Calculate the overall square footage and determine how far apart you want the stones. Plan to place patio flagstones no more than 6 inches apart. For walkways, plan to place stones no farther apart than a comfortable step for the average user, from center to center of each stone.

• 2

  Check with a stone supplier or garden and landscape center to determine the amount of stone you will need based on your plan. Nurseries can help you estimate the square footage of plant coverage you will need as well.

• 3

  Choose plants that will withstand the conditions. They should be low growing and tolerant of being walked on, at least a bit. Walkway plants must be drought tolerant since the stones may prevent a good water supply to the roots. They need to withstand both heat and cold since the stones intensify either condition.

Installation

• 4

  Outline the installation area with stakes and level with string. Prepare the ground by digging out all turf and soil to a depth of 4 inches. Keep the dirt available for back filling later. Stake in temporary edging using the 1-inch-by-6-inch boards and make the top level with the ground or not more than 1 inch above it.

• 5

  Dampen the soil, then level and tamp the dirt bed with the tamper. Lay a test stone and check the position by using a long board across the stone and the edging. Raise or lower the stone by adding or removing dirt under it, and tamping. Use the rubber mallet to tap stones level.

• 6

  Continue to lay and level the flagstones, maintaining the planned distance between them. Back fill with leftover dirt brushing it into spaces with a broom and dampening it, and tamping.

• 7

  Plant herbs between the stones. Water the plants well. Water as recommended by the nursery until the plants are established.