How To Create A Rain Garden

Choose a Location

• The rain garden should be located in a low-lying area that is often flooded even with little rainfall. Also, locate it near a downspout so that it can collect rainwater from your roof.
• Select a sunny spot for your rain garden that gets at least six hours of sunlight each day to ensure optimal plant growth.
• It should be at least 10 feet away from buildings to prevent water from getting into foundations.
• A soil test is essential to check if your garden has the right drainage for a rain garden.

Choose Your Plant

To create a DIY rain garden, choose the plants that can tolerate wet locations.

• Many native plants from habitats work well. Use native grasses, sedges and rushes in at least one-third of the rain garden.
• Use plants with deep roots to help break up soil and increase water absorption.
  
• Also, select plants with different foliage, textures and colorful flowers for the prettiest look.
  
• A mix of grasses, shrubs and flowers creates a nice-looking rain garden.
  

Soil Amending

A good rain garden soil mix contains 50-60% sand, 20-30% compost and 10-20% topsoil. This combination provides excellent drainage and fertility for plant growth. 

Soil Excavation

The size of your rain garden should be proportional to the amount of runoff it needs to handle. Larger areas with more impervious surfaces require bigger gardens. Aim for 10-20% of the contributing area.
Dig a 4-8 inches deep area for most rain gardens for water collection. Deeper gardens can handle more water but may need gravel layers for drainage.

Make a Berm

• To help retain water in your rain garden, create a berm—a raised edge—on the downhill side. This will keep water from flowing out too quickly, giving it time to go into the ground.
  
• You can use the soil you removed during excavation to build the berm, making sure to compact it well and shape it so that it naturally blends with the surrounding landscape.
  

Planting the Garden

After you are done preparing, next is to plant and mulch.

• Plant taller plants at center and shorter at edges. It will help to slow water flow and allow it to seep into the ground gradually.
  
• Mulch is important for moisture containment and weed suppression in a rain garden. Apply a two-three inch layer of mulch around your plants. Do not pile mulch directly against plant stems, as this can lead to rot. Use a garden fork for it.

Maintenance

After properly planting a rain garden, it is important to maintain it.

• Prevent overcrowding by pruning the plants from time to time.
  
• After heavy rainfall, check your rain garden for any erosion. Repair any washed-out areas by adding more soil or mulch.
  
• Weed your rain garden regularly to prevent weeds from competing with your plants.
  

No, planting a rain garden doesn’t attract mosquitoes. Mosquitoes need standing water to breed, but a properly designed rain garden drains within 24–48 hours, too fast for mosquitoes to develop. Good drainage and maintenance prevent water from stagnating and attracting pests.

When planting a rain garden, choose a low area that naturally collects water at least 10 feet from your home’s foundation. This helps prevent flooding near structures. Avoid overly compacted soil and place the garden where runoff can easily flow in from roofs or driveways.

For planting a rain garden, an oval or kidney shape with a shallow, bowl-like design works best. This shape distributes water evenly and aids natural drainage, allowing runoff to slow down and soak in nicely while blending aesthetically with the landscape.

Yes, hydrangeas suit planting a rain garden, particularly in shaded areas. They thrive in moist soil conditions typical in rain gardens. Opt for varieties like Hydrangea arborescens that tolerate both wet and dry periods to ensure they thrive with periodic rainwater flows.