Contents
What should I plant in my rain garden?
Plant a Rain Garden
- Cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis)
- Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia fulgida)
- Swamp milkweed (Asclepias incarnata)
- Swamp mallow (Hibiscus moscheutos)
- Joe Pye weed (Eupatorium)
- Sedges (Carex)
- Bluestar (Amsonia)
- Turtlehead (Chelone)
How far away from the house should a rain garden be?
10 feet
The rain garden should be at least 10 feet from the house so infiltrating water doesn’t seep into the foundation. Do not place the rain garden directly over a septic system. It may be tempting to put the rain garden in a part of the yard where water already ponds.
Where should a rain garden be placed?
The rain garden should be located in a place that can collect as much impervious area (driveway, roof, sidewalks) runoff as possible. The best areas are generally where water naturally drains but doesn’t hold water. It should also be located at least 5′-15′ away from your home.
Should I plant my garden if it’s going to rain?
The rain will help it penetrate the soil so it can reach the roots faster, making for optimal absorption.
Is lavender good for a rain garden?
That also goes for butterflies and honeybees, which flock to the domed lavender-pink flower clusters for late-season sustenance. Native to wet meadows, it grows best in rich, moist soil but also survives on drier sites.
How much do rain gardens cost?
The cost associated with installing residential rain gardens average about three to four dollars per square foot, depending on soil conditions and the density and types of plants used in the installation. Commercial, industrial and institutional site costs can range between ten to forty dollars per square foot.
How do you size a rain garden?
Size – Rain gardens are typically 7 to 20 percent the size of the impervious surface generating the runoff entering the garden. Measure the square footage of the impervious area (length x width); then multiply this by 0.07 (7 percent). Determine a length and width of the rain garden that best fits the site.
When is the best time to start a rain garden?
Here are a few planting tips that could come in handy. Although a rain garden can be installed anytime the ground is not frozen, spring and fall are the best times to start your garden. In spring, the soil is easier to dig and the rainy weather means less initial watering.
What to do when you plant vegetables in the rain?
Use a trowel to dig up a small amount, then squeeze the soil in your hand. If it sticks together in a ball, then it’s too wet. Let your garden dry a few days, and then try again. If the soil crumbles in your hand and falls through your fingers, then you’re good to go.
Where to plant a rain garden in PA?
Choose plants native to Western Pennsylvania. Plants on our recommended list stand up to brief intervals of standing water, tolerate drought, and have deep roots that let water easily seep into the soil. Plus, they help to conserve soil and water, they don’t require fertilizers or other chemicals, and they last longer.
What to consider when choosing a rain garden?
Be sure to consider sun/shade exposure as well as the depth of the raingarden when making plant selections. Happy rain gardening!! This area will be the deepest and hold the most water for the most amount of time.