Grow plants between patio pavers

22 years ago

OK, I have a question that I think will be extremely basic for you stonework experts here. My husband and I are thinking of putting in a patio next year with some kind of pavers, and I really like the idea of growing something between them (thyme, moss, something along those lines). Obviously we're still in early planning stages.

However, I have a question. Everything I've read says to use sand or stone dust as a base before putting your pavers in. But how do you then get anything to grow? Do you put sand/stone dust beneath the pavers, then compact soil in between them? Or do you not use sand/stone dust if you plan to grow anything, in which case things must shift over time?

Thanks.

Featured Answer

doreen

22 years ago

I had to throw my two cents in here too as I have a stone patio and love to grow things in between the cracks. The stones are in a base of sand and then I added potting soil on top of that. Kind of messy to start, but after it gets packed in and watered you can grow just about anything. My favorites are creeping thyme, alssysum and moss. You'd be surprised how little soil is required to get these things to grow. I've also found, that since it is bordered by flower beds, that every seed that falls from the beds onto the patio grows. It's kind of like a hothouse since the rocks get warmer faster than the soil. I have petunias, nicotiana, cosmos, marigold and cleomes coming up all summer long, and the really nice part is that since their root systems are so small you can water them and pull them up and transplant them. Good luck and enjoy!

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Comments (6)

matteow
22 years ago
If you want to grow plants in the joints of your patio then you will have to put in a stone or very large pavers that imitate stone.
The sand in the joints will be just fine to plant with, just make sure to water well the first year.
margaux7
22 years ago
I too would like to grow moss between my Tennessee flagstone pavers. Any ideas what kind of soil in need. Previous postings suggest I can use sand. This would be great if true. Also, what kind of moss should I use?
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RyanCSpgs
22 years ago
A wonderful filler is creeping tyme, when you step on the tyme, it releases the herb scent. It grows quickly, esp in the summer.
Valerie-7
12 years ago
Can I just smooth over/level a patch of dirt (no plants), lay pavers, and then put plants in between the pavers?
garyfla_gw
12 years ago
Hi
Here is an an area where I've done just that ,though I laid the pavers on the natural curve , Attempt to drain water away from beds. Have a few selaginellas started in some areas but takes time lol gary