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In most cases, it’s better to remove rocks before adding mulch. Layering the two will restrict drainage and plant health, and can create an unpleasant texture underfoot.

The best size rock for your landscaping depends on the design, as different boulders serve different purposes. If you want to group boulders to create a natural-looking cluster, you’ll need a range of sizes. Otherwise, here are some suggestions:

• Small boulders (smaller than 12 inches across): Best for landscape edging and fire pits 

• Medium boulders (12–24 inches): Best for retaining walls and water features

• Large boulders (more than 24 inches): Best as standalone landscaping features, steps, or walkways.

Of course, you can mix and match sizes to create a unique display.

A 50-pound bag of pea gravel equals approximately one-half of a cubic foot. That amount will cover a three-square-foot area to a depth of about two inches. A three-square-foot area with equal-length sides is approximately 1.73 feet by 1.73 feet, or about 20.75 inches on each side.

As a base, you should use a fertilizer with a 5-5-5 NPK ratio (5% nitrogen, 5% phosphorus, and 5% potassium). You may need a different ratio depending on what your soil is lacking, but a soil test can help determine the perfect amount.