If your gravel path or garden has a geotextile cloth underneath, just lift it up after you’ve shoveled away some gravel to cleanly remove any stragglers.
Rototillers can be bought or rented at most home improvement stores or online.
It’s tempting to leave rocks in the soil since grass will grow over them, but removing them makes planting a garden easier (and protects your lawn mower and other equipment).
Go over the ground in sections rather than doing the entire area all at once. This works best for rocks that are bigger than gravel but smaller than boulders. In landscaping, boulders are rocks bigger than 16 inches (41 cm) in diameter.
Repeat this motion until you’ve moved the boulder to its final destination. If the boulder is light, place it on a wooden board with parallel metal rods underneath. Roll the board over the rods, moving the rear rod to the front as you go. If the boulder is partially buried, dig around it with a shovel until the entire rock is exposed. Lift it into a wheelbarrow or onto a rolling board. [6] X Research source
Post photos of your rocks online or put a sign in your yard that says “Free!” Anyone interested in using them will be happy to take a few off your hands.
If you don’t own a sifter, build one by nailing together a wooden frame and laying hardware cloth fencing (with 0. 5 inches (1. 3 cm) spacing) over it. [9] X Research source
Let the gravel dry completely before reinstalling (dirt will cling to wet rocks). Place landscaping fabric down before reinstalling your gravel. It will block weed growth and help keep dirt from mixing with your gravel again. [11] X Research source
Spray with a sweeping motion, like you’re using a broom. If the dirt isn’t blowing away, try moving closer.
Repeat this method until all traces of the stain are gone.
Polish stones with a heavy fabric (like denim) until they start to shine. You can leave them like this or seal them with mineral oil or commercial rock polish. [15] X Research source Use rock stain to change your stones’ colors or try stone enhancers to bring out the rocks’ natural sheen. Spray paint your rocks to be whatever color you like! Wait for the paint to dry completely and then apply a clear sealant all over. [16] X Research source Apply a water seal to make your rocks look shiny, wet, and clean all year long. [17] X Research source
Continue building the walls of your pit, filling in any gaps with small stones or mortar. Add a layer of gravel on top of the sand inside the pit. Double check your local ordinances and make sure you have a safe spot to build a firepit before you start construction.
Use a rubber mallet to tap stones into place and use crushed gravel to fill in gaps in your blocks. Take your time as you lay the stones—a stable, sturdy, straight wall is worth the extra time. Sweep the top of each row before adding a new layer to get rid of small particles that can weather your wall.
Use enough gravel to make a layer about 2 inches (5. 1 cm) thick. Use a rake or shovel to distribute the gravel evenly over the fabric. Trim any overhanging landscaping fabric from the edges of your new path. Try adding large, flat flagstone or trowel concrete pavers to your path to use as decorative stepping stones.
To prevent weed growth, lay a thick landscaping fabric on the ground before you transport the gravel.
Succulents and hardy seaside plants do well in rock gardens. Consider adding a water feature, like a small fountain or waterfall, for added interest.
