Should I put rocks or mulch around my plants?
I hаνе two 6×6 areas іn mу front yard, one οn each side οf thе porch. Mу husband wаntѕ tο fill іt іn wіth rocks аnd υѕе barrels fοr plants. I want tο plant a mixture οf hostas, day lilies, echinacea, etc…affect! Hе doesn’t lіkе thе wood chips, аnd I hear rocks аrе hard tο сlеаn out whеn іt ѕtаrtѕ getting dead leaves аnd petals. Whаt dο уου recommend? Anу pictures οr thουghtѕ tο share? Whаt аbουt keeping weeds away?
Both rocks and mulch work well for moisture, heat and weed barriers. As far as weeds, I recommend Preen on both.
We have both types in our yard, so I will tell you the pros and cons of each.
Rocks
Pros: Last forever, some people like the way they look better than mulch, stay place for the most part
Cons: They are pretty permanent and yes, they are hard to clean up if you change your mind about having them there. Also, neighborhood kids like to play in them and throw them. Watch out for rocks in your yard when you mow.
Mulch
Pros: Decomposes (very slowly) and works as natural fertilizer, some people like the way it looks better.
Cons: You have to replace it twice a year, migrates into surrounding areas, slivers with some kinds, although you can get the kind that don’t have slivers
If you use rocks, you MUST use a landscape fabric to prevent weeds. Rocks are more maintenance to ‘clean’ and also give a hot, deserty advent. I reckon a lush planted bed with bark mulch (you may possibly also use fabric with cu-outs for plants) is much more visually effective. You can replenish the mulch every 1 or 2 years as it decays and enriches the soil. 3-4″ thick mulch will keep weeds down, but a small area is simple to weed by hand, if needed.
NOT ROCKS! the mulch with a weed barrier, landscapring barrier is to me the best way. but mulch can result in in bugs also. If you choose to go with mulch do the trees a act of kindness dont heep it up over the bark of the tree it kills the tree. by rotting the bark and smuthering the tree.