How to Use River Rock in Plant Beds

River rock absorbs heat, so use with caution around plants.

River rock in a garden bed gives your planter the look of a dry stream bed. The rock absorbs heat during the day, making the soil warmer for plants during the evening. River rock in planting beds also increases the water needs of the plants around them. Since the rocks absorb heat, they dry out the soil quickly. Only drought-tolerant rock garden plants should be planted with the river rock, advises NC State University.

Things You'll Need

• Shovel

Instructions

1. Set out the plants in your garden bed before adding river rock. Dig holes for the plants as deep as the root balls and twice as wide. Place the plants into the holes and fill with soil. Water the plants for 10 minutes.

2. Pour the river rock into the plant bed slowly to avoid knocking over any of the plants in the bed.

3. Arrange the river rock around the plants to make an even, single layer of rock around all of the plants. The river rocks shouldn't be perfectly flat. Arrange them so some are at angles to add interest to the bed.

Tips & Warnings

• Use river rock in shade gardens to avoid overheating plants.

References

• Colorado State University: Mulching With Wood/Bark Chips, Grass Clippings, and Rock
• NC State University: Mulching Trees and Shrubs