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Sand is a common sublayer for hardscape features like driveways, paver patios, and more. Most projects that involve sand require a 1-inch layer to promote evenness, drainage, and weight distribution. For further drainage, most projects have a 6-inch minimum layer of gravel beneath the sand. 

A gravel driveway costs from $1.25 to $1.80 per square foot, including materials and installation. Cost factors for this project include the type of gravel, its thickness, and the amount of site preparation required.

Consider these cost estimates for a 20-foot-long driveway:

• 1-car (240 square feet): $300–$432

• 2-car (480 square feet): $600–$864

• 4-car (960 square feet): $1,200–$1,728

Here are gravel driveways costs for a 50-foot-long driveway:

• 1-car (600 square feet): $750–$1,080

• 2-car (1,200 square feet): $1,500–$2,160

• 4-car (2,400 square feet): $3,000–$4,320

If you are xeriscaping a lawn from scratch, your best bet for preparing the lawn is to work with a xeriscaping specialist in your area. The most common first step to making the transformation, however, will be to remove the turfgrass from your lawn. The subsequent steps will often include amending the soil to support new plants and installing low-drip or drip irrigation systems.

Generally, you want the soil for your edible plants to have good drainage, organic matter for nutrients, a loose texture (like loam soil), and a balanced pH level. However, the type of plants you're growing will dictate the exact characteristics your soil needs to thrive. For example, brussels sprout prefers more acidic soil, while broccoli prefers more alkaline soil.