How to Make a Sunken Garden
Converting part of your yard into a sunken garden, commonly called a rain garden, is a great DIY project for the average homeowner. A sunken garden, whether you want a vegetable or flower garden, rests slightly recessed in the ground. You then use natural irrigation, such as the rainwater from your gutters, to hydrate the garden. The sunken landscaping holds the water in and prevents the soil from drying out too quickly. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Mark a 150- to 200-foot rounded or square area with marking paint, in the shape of your choice. Position the area at least 10 feet away from your foundation wall to prevent the water from seeping into the ground and moving toward your foundation. If you make the area too small, the rainwater from the gutters will overwhelm the garden and flood it. If you make it too large, you will not adequately cover the area with water when it rains.
-
2
Dig approximately 3 to 6 inches of dirt out from the area with a shovel. Work to keep the ground level so the water distributes evenly over the entire area. If you receive a lot of rainfall annually, dig the ditch closer to the 6-inch depth. If you receive little rainfall annually, dig closer to the 3-inch depth.
-
-
3
Create a small mound or lip around the outside edge of the area with dirt you removed from the area. Make the lip approximately 2 to 3 inches tall. If you choose, you can plant grass seed around the lip, which will help to keep the lip from eroding.
-
4
Plant your vegetables or flowers into the garden. Follow the direction supplied with the plants to ensure you plant them properly. For best results, use plants that require moderate hydration if you receive a lot of rainfall, or use plants that require less hydration if you live in an area with little rainfall.
-
5
Fill the area with a thin layer of bark mulch. A 1- to 2-inch layer of mulch works nicely. Although the mulch helps to hold in moisture, do not completely fill the hole with mulch, as it will cause the garden to overflow when it rains.
-
6
Attach the downspout extension tube to your downspout and then place the other end of the extension at the edge of the sunken garden. If necessary, use a hacksaw to cut the tube to the proper length. When it rains, the water will filter into the garden and hydrate the plants.
-
1
