How to Use Dirt as Ground Cover in Desert Landscaping

In many respects, the landscape that surrounds your home is just as important and influential as the paint color of your house. Landscaping can make your home seem lush, boring, magical or classic, depending on the choices you make. The desert provides its own challenges when it comes to landscaping, as water is so scarce. While desert soil is either sandy or hard, you can cover your landscape with dirt to create a more aesthetic appearance.

Shovel
Red clay dirt
White or gray gravel

Instructions

- 1
  Walk around your landscape and determine areas where you want to use dirt as a ground cover. This might just be in areas that don't have shrubs or potted plants or on a path to the house or around the yard.
- 2
  Scoop a shovel into your bag or barrel of red clay dirt. Spread a thin layer of red clay on designated areas to give your landscape a splash of color evocative of the desert backdrop.
- 3
  Dip your shovel into your bag or barrel of gravel. Choose white or gray shades of gravel to contrast with the red and brown tones of the clay soil. Sprinkle the gravel generously over the clay soil. The gravel will prevent the soil from being picked up by the wind. When finished, the soil should be mostly covered yet still visible.

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