How to Water Plants With Stone Mulch

Consider the color of the stone mulch before you install it, if possible, because this will directly affect how often you must water and how well your plants thrive while growing in the stone mulch. A light colored rock may reflect too much sunlight and make plants too warm to survive in the stone mulch. A dark colored rock may absorb too much heat and elevate the soil temperature to unhealthy levels. Choose a color in the middle of the spectrum for best results.

Monitor plants and shrubs growing within the stone mulch for irrigation needs. Look for plants or shrubs that are showing signs of stress due to lack of moisture. Insert your finger into the soil beneath plants and shrubs to determine whether there is enough moisture in the soil. If you find the soil to be damp down to a depth of two to three inches and you can compact the soil into a ball, the soil is moist enough. If you find the soil to be dry in the top three inches and you cannot compact it into a ball, the soil needs water.

Provide water when the soil needs it, especially considering plants that are growing in light or dark colored stones because these plants will need water more often. Saturate the soil around the plants and shrubs without getting water on the foliage, if possible.