Keep Gravel And Mulch Pathways From Mixing With An Easy-To-Use Solution

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If you have a gravel walkway, you know firsthand how frustrating it can be when all those little pebbles get kicked into the garden. It's equally aggravating when a single gust of wind can blow half the garden mulch across the walkway. And if you have both a gravel pathway and a mulched garden that border each other, keeping them from mixing can seem like an impossible task. But there's an easy solution you can use on both gravel and mulch to help them stay in their own space, so you don't have to continuously sort them out. It's called mulch glue, and it's one of the many types of glue you should have on hand for home and garden upkeep.

You might be wondering: What exactly is mulch glue, and is it safe for your garden? Mulch glue is a spray-on liquid adhesive. While it will hold the mulch and gravel in place, it still allows water to pass through, so the soil can get all the moisture and air that it needs. You might think mulch glue only works on, well, mulch. But it can actually be quite effective at keeping those pea gravel pebbles in place, too. Using it for both areas of your landscaping keeps the cost and workload down, since you only need to purchase one product and apply it to multiple ground coverings. As for safety, most mulch glue is water-based and safe for kids, pets, and plants. However, always read the specific product label, as some recommend keeping pets and children away from the product application until it dries.

Before you do anything with the mulch glue, clean up any gravel or mulch that has been floating around. Make sure everything is exactly where you want it — the mulch is in the garden, and the gravel is in the appropriate walkway. You can DIY mulch glue or purchase a pre-made product, like the kind offered by Shabebe, either online or at your local garden center. If you have purchased the mulch glue, use a large bucket to dilute it with water, according to the specifications on the product label. Pour the mixture into a garden sprayer, which is what you'll use to spray it evenly onto the mulch and gravel. Optionally, you can use a tarp or other covering to protect any areas of your yard that you don't want to get mulch glue on, like grass or plants.

Spray the desired area with a single, even layer of mulch glue and allow it to dry. Then, if necessary, repeat with another layer. Don't be alarmed if the mulch glue appears white when you initially spray. That can be helpful for seeing clearly where you have applied it and assist in making sure you're covering the entire area. But rest assured, it will dry clear. Generally, an application of mulch glue can last up to a year before you need to reapply. It's important to clean your garden sprayer well when you are done, so the mulch glue does not dry inside. Be mindful of any residue that might have gotten on your shoes or clothing so you don't track it inside the house.