Having pebbles on hand is an excellent practice for any forward-thinking plant parent. I frequently use polished pebbles, rocks, and stones in a variety of colors and sizes. Pebbles have numerous advantages for the soil, but they can also cause a few problems.
The addition of pebbles improves the drainage capacity, water retention, aeration, and aesthetic appeal of the soil. Additionally, they can assist in preventing or controlling weed growth, soil erosion, and bacterial or fungal growth. Nonetheless, they can penetrate the soil, alter its pH, and contribute to heat build-up.
As a plant expert, I’ll also show you how to properly use pebbles in soil.
Contents
- Benefits of Using Pebbles in Soil
- [1] Improves Drainage Capacity
- [2] Stops Soil Erosion
- [3] Prevents Soil Compactness
- [4] Releases Nutrients
- [5] Helps Retain Necessary Moisture
- [6] Protects Soil from Overexposure to Sunlight
- [7] Aeration of Potted Plants
- [8] Protects Plant from Damage
- [9] Inhibits Bacterial and Fungal Growth
- [10] Prevents Weed Growth
- [11] Aesthetic Appeal
- Downsides of Pebbles in Soil
- How to Use Pebbles in Soil
- Is it OK to Put Pebbles on Potted Plants?
Benefits of Using Pebbles in Soil
[1] Improves Drainage Capacity
The use of pebbles in the soil is done primarily to ensure proper drainage. Keep in mind that not all potting mixes are created equal. Adding small pebbles to potting soil designed for specific potted plants, such as succulents, can work wonders.
Small pebbles, like perlite, stones, or vermiculite, serve the same purpose in this regard. They not only add texture but also aid in the formation of air pockets in the soil. This fantastic property keeps the potting mix loose, aerated, and well-drained.
Remember that pebbles are heavier and larger than the majority of soil particles. As a result, they will aid in lowering the percentage by weight of clay and other materials that impede drainage.
Using a pot with no drainage hole is NOT a good idea. Pots with no holes are purely decorative and are not intended for plant use unless you use a nursery pot inside that is to be removed during watering and returned when drained.
Second, things like rocks and pebbles at the bottom do nothing to help the plant and, in fact, make it worse.
When you water, there is a “water table” that remains after you have watered.
Bottom rocks do not lower the water table and do not aid in drainage. They only serve to bring the water table closer to the root system, which promotes root rot.
Having said that, I strongly advise against putting pebbles at the bottom of the pot. It’s a common practice that’s been going on for a long time. However, it can wreak havoc on soil drainage by causing water to pool at the bottom.
Make sure your pot has drainage holes at the bottom to avoid this. This will encourage the excess liquid to drain. It’s an excellent method for preventing waterlogging.
[2] Stops Soil Erosion
If you have a garden that is prone to soil erosion, using pebbles is a good solution. This is especially important for newly planted garden plants that are growing in loose topsoil. A strong wind can easily pick up soil particles if the weather is dry.
The same can be said for heavy rains. They have the potential to wash away loose soil from your plant, depriving it of much-needed protection and nutrients. Wind and water can be reduced on the soil by using pebbles, rocks, or stones.
Pebbles, for example, help to reduce the force of rain or irrigation water, preventing soil particles from being washed away. Pebbles are also far superior and last far longer than grass, which is commonly used by gardeners to reduce soil erosion.
The positioning of the pebbles is critical. I strongly advise using them around plants on garden slopes. Pebbles can benefit non-vegetated areas as well as those that have flowing water when it rains.
Another high-risk area is near downspouts. They will aid in the dissipation of stormwater energy from downspouts. The extra moisture will be beneficial to the plants as well.
[3] Prevents Soil Compactness
Too-compacted soil can cause dozens of new problems for your plant. It prevents aeration and becomes easily waterlogged. That’s bad news for the roots because they won’t be able to absorb essential minerals, water, and nutrients.
Fertilizer is also trapped on top, far from the roots, where it is needed. Furthermore, compacted soil increases the likelihood of overwatering. This can cause plenty of issues, including root rot and the eventual death of your plant.
If the soil contains a lot of clay, silt, or fine organic matter, it will compact. One of the best ways to keep soil from compacting is to use pebbles in it. It functions similarly to peat moss, vermiculite, perlite, and coconut coir.
Because of their larger size, pebbles aid in the formation of air pockets throughout the growing medium. They also aid in water retention. Pebbles play an important role in preventing soil compactness in both cases.
[4] Releases Nutrients
The use of pebbles in the soil helps to enrich it. Did you know that almost all minerals and nutrients are derived from rocks, boulders, and stones? They are released through a complicated process known as weathering.
The same is true for pebbles used in the soil. Those that are exposed to the elements on the surface will generally weather. Mineral-rich materials release their nutrients and perk up the soil as they decompose.
Weathering is not a one-time event. It will take a long time, but it will help supplement your garden and feed your plants for years to come. It should be noted that softer pebbles are better suited for this purpose than polished rocks.
[5] Helps Retain Necessary Moisture
One way to use pebbles is to layer them on top of the growing medium. In this manner, they will create a barrier to moisture loss from the soil surface.
The same is true for pebbles placed at the bottom of the pot. They are excellent at absorbing excess moisture in the pot. At the same time, they will aid in the release of moisture when the growing medium is drying out.
Pebbles, when combined with mulch or top dressing, can significantly improve your plant’s water conservation. As a result, they’re ideal for people who have a habit of neglecting their plants. It’s a practical solution for water-loving plants like orchids, philodendrons, and aloe vera.
[6] Protects Soil from Overexposure to Sunlight
There’s a reason I put pebbles on top of the growing medium. I mostly use well-polished, gleaming pebbles. This helps to protect the soil, as well as the roots of plants, from overexposure to direct sunlight.
Pebbles not only cool the soil but also effectively reflect a large portion of the sunlight. It also keeps the soil from drying out and saves plants from thirst.
[7] Aeration of Potted Plants
I’ve already touched on this above. The dangers of poorly-aerated potted plants are staggering:
- Roots are unable to absorb much-need air and resources
- Plants become weak and thus prone to fungal and bacterial infections
- Roots are easily damaged and attacked by pathogens
You can rely on pebbles in the soil to come to your aid. Pebbles, like perlite, create airy pockets in the growing medium. They also aid in the breaking up of dense soil and the improvement of drainage.
Pebbles aerate potted plants, allowing the roots to function properly and remain healthy. Because of the adequate supply of nutrients, minerals, and water, your plant will thrive. Aeration of the soil also prevents the growth of algae, mold, and fungal infections.
[8] Protects Plant from Damage
Pebbles can be added to the soil, used as mulch, or used to create growing beds. Pebbles are a boon in all of these cases because they protect your plant from cold, sunlight, or heat stress. This is especially important if your plant isn’t wintering hardy.
As a result, I typically use pebbles to protect my garden plants from frost damage. They protect the delicate roots and crowns from frostbites. Indoors, you can achieve the same results.
Exposed roots are especially vulnerable to heat and cold stress. Placing some pebbles around your plant helps to create barriers to external factors. During freezing temperatures, the roots will keep warm and active.
[9] Inhibits Bacterial and Fungal Growth
Using pebbles in the soil helps keep fungal and bacterial growths at bay in several ways:
- Pebbles aerates the soil, which helps prevent the growth of pathogens
- Pebbles help prevent infected debris and plant matter from getting to the soil
- Some components of the pebbles might also be anti-fungal
- Pebbles improves drainage and protects the roots
Together, these properties of pebbles make them an excellent addition to the soil. They help discourage waterlogged, stuffy, or damp conditions that can facilitate fungal growth.
[10] Prevents Weed Growth
Pebbles can be excellent weed controllers in gardens. Of course, before using pebbles in the soil, you should remove any visible weeds from the garden. Pebbles act as mulch, preventing light from reaching the weeds and causing them to die.
[11] Aesthetic Appeal
Pebbles are excellent when used on the top of the soil as decorative pieces. They work for both garden and potted indoor plants. They help create a lovely and clean finish or appeal to your garden pots and potted plants.
I recommend using large, well-polished colored pebbles. Their rounded edges add a sophisticated look to your plants. Sea pebbles are my favorite because they have a natural effect with a modern look.
If you’re after a beach-themed appeal on your plant, you should use some river pebbles (Check the latest price on Amazon here). The good news is that pebbles come in a dizzying array of colors and themes.
Downsides of Pebbles in Soil
Pebbles in soil are truly beneficial for your plant. However, they also come with a unique bunch of downsides.
[1]Pebbles Alter the Soil pH.
This is especially seen in pebbles that leak lime. Don’t forget that some plants are acid-loving growers, such as azaleas, gardenias, Boston fern, and African violets.
If pebbles leak lime, they will surround your plant with alkaline conditions. And by altering soil PH, pebbles can do more harm than good to your precious plants. (Source: Pennsylvania State University)
[2]Absorbs Too Much Heat
Pebbles, especially darker-colored ones, act as heat sinks. They absorb and retain too much heat that can threaten your plant. Remember, heat build-up in the soil can damage roots and cause excessive evaporation of soil moisture.
[3]It Can Sink into the Soil
Pebbles are typically heavier than soil particles. Over time, they will exert pressure and sink on account of their weight. This will have numerous consequences on soil health, including loss of aeration, compaction of soil, and damage to roots.
How to Use Pebbles in Soil
1. Choosing the Right Placement
The placement could be as easy as placing the pebbles in the growing medium of your container plants. When it comes to the garden, finding the perfect spots can make a big difference. I always prefer placements around the focal plants.
For aesthetic appeal, focus on areas of your garden that are visible. In most cases, you’ll want to target areas prone to soil erosion.
2. Selecting Types of Pebble
When it comes to pebbles for your plants, you’ll be spoilt for choice. The color, shape, and size of the pebbles will matter.
Here are common types of pebbles:
- Clay pebbles – They’re often used in aqua ponds and hydroponics projects. These are perfect for both indoor and garden use. That’s because clay pebbles are durable, porous, and offer good drainage.
- Limestone pebbles – Cheap and readily available, limestone are mineral-rich and look stunning when polished. Aside from their ornamental value, they can leach lime which alters soil pH. So, they’re not ideal for acid-loving plants.
- Dolomite pebbles – These pebbles are breathtaking beauties. They’re sold in a bevy of cool colors, from warm blue and pink to white, create, or even colorless.
- Granite pebbles – They typically come in red or pink.
- Natural stone pebbles – If you want to maintain a natural look in your garden, you won’t go wrong with these. They often come with smooth rounded edges.
Choosing the suitable pebbles will boil down to your personal preference.
3. Get Your Pebbles
Your local garden shop should be your first pit-stop. But, you can get them from Amazon, Walmart, and home improvement stores like Lowes.
If you’re the adventurous type, you can pick them yourself. They’re abundant in river, sea, and lake banks.
4. Clear the Area of Dirt and Weed
Next up is clearing the focus area off rubble, weed, debris, and grass. Make sure there’s proper drainage in the cleared area.
5. Pebble Preparation
Assemble your bunch of pebbles. You should pick from various textures, colors, shapes, sizes, and designs. Different shapes will work better for certain landscapes.
You may have to hose down the pebbles to remove dirt and grime.
6. Arrange the Pebbles
Create a tight layer of pebbles by pressing them down. You’ll eliminate any potential for weed growth due to this technique. All of the plants around the base of your plant must be able to allow water and air to circulate freely. To ensure that they are evenly distributed, create a design.
Is it OK to Put Pebbles on Potted Plants?
Yes, using pebbles in potted plants can provide a variety of advantages. They will aid in the improvement of moisture retention, the maintenance of proper drainage, and the control of fungus gnats.