How to Set Stepping Stones

By eHow Home & Garden Editor

Set Stepping Stones Set Stepping Stones

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Stepping-stones are more delicate and more ethereal than wide-open garden paths; they hint of faery circles and hidden dells perfect for a romantic rendezvous. On a more practical note, they provide a nearly invisible pathway into a garden bed for weeding and other mundane tasks!

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

  • Garden Trowels
  • Sand
  • Shovels
  • Grub Axes

Step1
Choose your path. Look at your yard or garden and note where frequent travel or shortcutting has begun to wear a path: these are good areas for stepping-stones.
Step2
Mark your path, keeping in mind that stepping-stones should be spaced about as far apart as a normal stride. Walk alongside the envisioned path and with each step drop a little flour on the future path in a spot that is parallel to the arch of your foot - this will indicate where the center of each stone should go.
Step3
Figure out how many stones you will need, and get them.
Step4
Use a trowel, small shovel, or grub axe (depending on your soil type) to dig a hole for the first stone. Try to dig a flat-bottomed hole a bit bigger than the stone in diameter and not quite as deep.
Step5
Pack down the bottom, making it as flat and level as you can.
Step6
Spread a layer of sand, about 1/2-inch deep, in the bottom of the hole.
Step7
Place the stone on the sand and pack dirt loosely in around it. Stand on the stone and bounce a bit to set it firmly into place.
Step8
Stand on the stone again; adjust if necessary.
Step9
Firmly pack dirt around the stone.
Step10
Repeat steps 4 - 9 for each remaining stepping-stone.

Tips & Warnings

  • If your soil is very clayey and you're having trouble getting the stones to lie evenly, use a thicker layer of sand.
  • When you're doing your final packing down of the soil, don't forget to slip a few seedlings in - creeping plants like thyme look wonderful around stepping-stones.

Comments

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DogDay65 said

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on 6/12/2007 If you want to put stepping stones down in a lawn, make sure that you dig the hole deeper than the stone and set it slightly below the level of the lawn. That way, you will be able to mow over them without difficulty.

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eHow Article:  How to Set Stepping Stones

eHow Home & Garden Editor

eHow Home & Garden Editor

Category: Home & Garden

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