How to Grow Succulents in the Ground

Remove all weeds and debris from a planting area in an open, sunny area. For succulents, the more sun, the better they grow. Stack large rocks on the ground to the height of 18 to 24 inches tall. Push them together so they do not shift. Fill the cracks between the large rocks with small rocks and pea gravel as you create your pile.

Using a shovel, mix together six parts sand to one part potting soil in a large wheelbarrow. Fill the holes in the rock pile with the soil mix. Lightly pack the soil mixture around the rocks.

Spray water on the rock pile until water runs out the bottom of the pile. Let the rock pile settle for two days, watering the pile every day. Fill any new holes and low soil areas with more soil.

Dig holes in the soil areas and plant your succulents. Wear thick gloves when handling spiny plants. Firm the soil around the base of the succulents to hold them in place. Do not water the plants after planting since the potting soil will retain enough moisture for the succulents.

Pull any weeds that invade the rock pile and grow up around the succulents. Weeds grow much faster then succulents. If a weed is crowding a succulent, hold the succulent in place with your hand and gently pull the weed out of the soil.

Water the succulent bed when there has been no natural rainfall for over a month and the succulents are starting to shrivel. Soak the pile until the water runs out from under the bottom rocks.