Garden Along a Foundation: Spacing From Walls plus Eaves
A garden along a foundation works well when plants sit back from the walls plus out past the drip line. Clemson Cooperative Extension notes watering within 5 to 10 feet of the foundation can cause moisture problems plus advises against planting under eaves.
The short answer
Set plants out past the eaves plus space them for their mature size. Clemson advises mulch at least 12 inches from the foundation plus foliage of shrubs over 6 feet at least 5 feet from walls. Grade the soil so water flows away from the house. Choose drought tolerant plants within 5 to 10 feet.
How far should plants be from a foundation?
Clemson gives distances for each plant type.
| Item | Spacing | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Mulch plus groundcovers | At least 12 inches from the foundation | Clemson |
| Shrubs over 6 feet | Foliage at least 5 feet from walls | Clemson |
| Plants within 5 to 10 feet | Drought tolerant | Clemson |
| Large trees | Farther out than small trees | Clemson |
Why does soil slope matter near a house?
Clemson advises grading soil so water flows away from the house. It notes watering within 5 to 10 feet of the foundation can cause moisture problems. The UConn NEMO program notes rain gardens are shallow planted dips that collect runoff, which can take water away from the walls.
How do you size foundation plants?
Clemson advises checking mature width plus height before planting. It notes tall plants should not cover windows plus advises against overplanting. Choose plants that are hardy plus heat tolerant for your area.
How to: step by step
- Measure 12 inches from the wall plus leave it bare or gravel.
- Grade soil so it falls away from the house.
- Note the mature width plus height of each plant.
- Set large shrubs so their foliage stays 5 feet from walls.
- Use drought tolerant plants inside 5 to 10 feet.
- Mulch to about 3 inches.
Troubleshooting
Mildew on shrubs by walls: Clemson notes 5 feet of space improves air circulation.
Shrubs cover windows: pick plants by mature height, as Clemson advises.
Perennials crowd each other: University of Minnesota Extension notes smaller blooms plus a bald center signal it is time to divide.
For more on site planning see garden microclimates for cannabis, planning an outdoor cannabis garden layout plus mulch for cannabis. Kind Seed Co also stocks cannabis seeds.
Sources
- Foundation plantings, Clemson Cooperative Extension HGIC
- Rain gardens, UConn CT NEMO Program
- Mulches for home gardens and plantings, University of Wisconsin Extension Horticulture
- Dividing perennials, University of Minnesota Extension
FAQ
Should mulch touch the foundation?
No. Clemson Cooperative Extension advises holding mulch plus groundcovers at least 12 inches from the foundation. It notes this gap leaves termites no bridge into the house. The strip also lets the wall dry out after rain, so many gardeners leave it bare or fill it with gravel.
Can trees be planted near a house?
Clemson advises checking mature width plus notes larger trees belong farther from the house than small trees. Small trees can sit closer, so size each spot to the full spread of the tree you choose plus leave room between its crown plus the roof.
How do you pick shrubs by size?
Clemson advises checking the mature width plus height of a shrub before you plant it. Shrubs over 6 feet at maturity should have foliage at least 5 feet from walls. Tall plants should not cover windows, so choose shorter shrubs for the space under a window.
When should foundation perennials be divided?
University of Minnesota Extension notes spring is a good time to divide many perennials. Signs a plant needs dividing include smaller blooms, a bald center or stems that need staking. Dividing crowded clumps helps a foundation bed hold its spacing from the walls plus from each other.
How deep should mulch go by a foundation?
University of Wisconsin Extension notes most organic mulches go about 3 inches deep, while low plants need only 1½ to 2 inches. Clemson advises holding mulch at least 12 inches from the foundation, so spread it across the bed but stop short of the wall itself.
