As I ’m memorise more about raising plants in containers , I came across this estimation of using rocks on top of the potting dirt . I was funny and did my research whether doing this is beneficial to my potted flora .
you could put rocks on top of stain as mulch to regulate temperature , keep sens , avoid soil erosion , and splash soil on the foliation . The rocks can be used to give an esthetic look to the plants .
Before you start adding rocks to your potting grease , you do need to be cognizant of the disadvantage of doing so . I ’ve also compose my research on how you could use the rocks and what alternatives you have like mulch or rubber .
Can You Put Rocks on Top of Soil?
localize rocks on top of the grunge is perfectly all right . In most cases , it ’s not going to harm your plants in any way . That said , there are a few pros and cons you might need to speculate over before you decide to expend them .
Benefits
Aside from impart a cosmetic speck to your precious plants , stone offer a handful of remarkable benefits . Here are the biggest .
Weedsaren’t just a problem in your garden . They can start out protrude up in potted plant , too .
Pesky weeds arehighly opportunisticand will develop anywhere there is room . All they need is some wet and sunlight .
rock can work wonder to keep gage under controller . A thick layer of tilt can block the sun from get through the dirt , thus forestall Mary Jane growth . Yet , the rock wo n’t forbid water and sun from feed the existing plant .
If your potted plants are outdoors , you may have to deal with pests with a penchant for digging . Squirrelsare notorious for hide their cache of nuts and seed in pot soil .
unluckily , this frame your plant roots at risk .
Once again , rocks come in to the delivery ! They create a protective barrier . Squirrels may endeavor to dig , but they ’ll arrest once they realise that it ’s easier to look elsewhere .
Soil erosionis something that all gardener have to deal with . Everything from harsh wind to frequent watering can make the surface soil vanish .
Landscapersuse rocks quite often to preclude erosion on hills . The same benefits apply when you apply them on your potted plant .
It might not seem like much , but even a few droplets of muddy piss on the leaf of your plant can do harm .
Splashing canspread pathogens , which ultimately leads to fungous maturation anddisease .
rock can efficaciously arrest splashing . They create a barrier over the soil , which go on those unwanted pathogens aside from your flora .
Speaking of fungal growth , careen can also foreclose common issues concern to traditionalmulchproducts .
Most mulch absorb water supply . While that ’s safe for keep the soil moist , it also makes the garden a breeding ground for fungi in many climates .
Rocksdon’t draw waterat all . They can slow up the charge per unit ofevaporationto keep the soil moist . But , they wo n’t physically arrest onto water .
They provide many similar benefits as standard mulch , but you do n’t have to occupy aboutmulch - based fungus .
Disadvantages
Now that you know the welfare rock render , let ’s take a face at some negative panorama worth thinking about .
The bragging disadvantage is that rocks do n’t provide much health benefit for your plant . Sure , they can prevent soil erosion , scale down fungus , and block weeds . But , they will not meliorate the soil like constitutive mulch .
Over time , constituent mulch decomposes . Thenatural decomposition reaction processinfuses the soil with nutrients that the plant will actively utilize to grow potent .
Rocks do n’t rot at all , so they ’re not ameliorate the soil quality in any path .
Ever equal a stone that ’s been sit in the Sunday all Clarence Shepard Day Jr. ? Rocksabsorb heat energy .
This added oestrus couldraise the filth temperaturebeyond an satisfactory range . If you do practice rock in your potted plants , ensure to keep them out of direct sunshine .
Most of the rocks you would practice for this type of software are on thealkaliside of the pH scale .
As a result , rocks have the potency toraise the pH levelof the soil . Many plants prefer an acid maturation surround . That ’s not always the pillow slip , so make certain that you empathize the pH requirements of your plants before using rocks .
What Rocks Can You Use on Top of Soil?
think about transcend the soil in your potted plants with some rock ‘n’ roll ? You have several different types of rocks to select from . Here are some of our favorite !
River Pebbles
River pebble are a favourite among gardeners . River rocksare smooth rather than jagged . They form over time by the constant wash of a locomote river .
These rocks are very lowly , which is why they ’re classified aspebbles . There are bigger river stone uncommitted . But , the smaller pebbles become pot plant life much well .
Gravel
Like pebbles , gravel piece are very small . Typically , gravel mixes check a commixture of differentrock fragments .
Gravel is cheap , pronto useable , and very versatile .
you’re able to even useaquarium gravelto contribute a touch of color to your potted plants !
Lava Rock
Lave rocks are beautiful and add some bold color to your plant . The tilt number from actualvolcanic lava .
In gardening , lava rocks are complete for succulents and other drouth - resistant plant .
Unlike other stone , lava rock have tinyair pocketsthat keep the ground ventilated . So , they tend to stay much cooler .
Crushed Marble or Granite
in conclusion , we have squeeze marble and granite .
Marble and granite chips come from the same stuff that ’s on your kitchen countertop ! They ’re beautiful stones that have a draw of shimmer and detail .
These rocks can be sharp . They ’re also love to have the biggest impact on pH levels , so exercise caution before using them .
How to Use Rocks on Top of Soil
Using rock for your potted industrial plant is simple . But , it ’s not as leisurely as just flump the rocks down and call it a day .
No matter what type of decorative rock you practice , it ’s going to behave differently than mulch . Thus , you should treat it as landscape gardening rocks rather than simple grime cover .
If you have a small-scale pot with a simple succulent , thing are going to be much easier . In this suit , all you have to do is remove any dope and debris .
Using a shovel , create a degree surface on the soil . For the estimable results , it ’s best to put on about an inch of tilt material . This ensures that the dirt is completely cover and unafraid in lieu .
Now , larger mass want a bit more body of work . You ’ll call for to use ageotextile framework .
These are simple woven cloth that help to stand the weight of the rock-and-roll above . They can also keep the soil intact , foreclose the rocks from getting buried .
Many landscapers utilize semisynthetic textile as a final level ofprotectionagainst erosion as well .
After even out the soil , consist sections of geotextile fabric all the style to the edges of the pile . make cutout for the plant base and provide rich way for any additional increase .
Your sections should overlap aboutsix to eight inchesfor maximal insurance coverage . If you need extra security , you could use holdfast or landscaping tins .
This is n’t always necessary , as the weight unit of the rock-and-roll should keep the material down in the small area . But , you could use them if you have a especially large plantation owner . Just make indisputable to watch out for the plant roots !
Once that ’s done , you’re able to contribute your rocks . You do n’t have to make the layer of rocks super chummy . The geotextile will take upkeep of all the drainage and auspices you need .
For potbelly of all sizes , ensure that the rocks get as nigh to the stem as potential . leave any open territory exposed will only unfold yourself up to trouble .
Are There Alternatives to Use Instead Of Rocks?
Small rocks and pebbles certainly meliorate the looking of your potted plants . But , they ’re not your only choice .
There are many alternatives to rock ‘n’ roll . They provide the same benefits . But , they may also better the dirt quality in the long streamlet .
Organic Mulch
You ca n’t go untimely withorganic mulch . As the name would involve , this is an all - natural product that will moulder with time . When it finally does , you may enrich your land with beneficial nutrient .
Any commercially - useable organic mulch work . At your local garden center , you ’re potential to see simple wood microprocessor chip from cedar tree , pine , and cypress tree trees .
Grass Clippings
When you mop the lawn , you may use those snip to ameliorate your potted plants ! Like organic mulch , skunk clippings break down to meliorate soil quality .
But , they get around downfasterbecause the end are already dead .
Gunter Grass clippings are particularly beneficial tovegetable plants . However , they work on virtually any plant . enforce only aninch or twoof clippings to get the best results .
Pine Needles
Have a pine tree on your property ? If so , you believably have tons of pine needle just sit in your railyard . you may easily utilize them for your potted plants .
They can protect the soil . serious of all , the material doesn’tcompactas it decay . So , the soil stays sluttish and well - draining .
Moss
Peat moss andsphagnum mossare great alternatives to rocks .
Moss is excellent for conserving moisture . In colder climates , it can also keep soil temperature in a right stove .
Coconut Fiber
Also known asCoir , coconut fiber is the unchewable textile that comes off of coconut husks . It ’s a democratic material in gardening . you may come up it in the form of fall containers , rolls , or even mulch .
Beyond the received benefit , coconut fiberwill not ruin the pH balance of your soil . It has anear - neutral pH leveleven when decomposing .
Rubber Mulch
Typically made out of reprocess car tires , rubber mulchis a synthetic product that lasts .
While it does n’t decay to meliorate filth , you do n’t have to interest about replacing it . It alsodoesn’t attract pests , which is a Brobdingnagian plus for outdoor pots .
Fact check over , Written , and issue by Kevin Rodrigues
Kevin is the founder of Gardening Mentor , a internet site that aims to teach people to raise their own food in a special blank . As a self - taught gardener , Kevin has spent several years grow plant and creating gardening content on the website . He is demonstrate in Home Horticulture and Organic Gardening from Oregon State University . He has a Post Graduate Diploma in Horticulture and Landscape Gardening from Mumbai University . Read more
