Fabric Barrier & Planting Medium
At 0:20 in
Raised planter in a raised patio. #paverpatio #hardscape #retainingwall #pavers
What happens here
Once the drainstone backfill is in place, a layer of geotextile fabric (also referred to as a 'fabric membrane' or simply 'fabric' in the video) is carefully laid over it. This specialized fabric acts as a separator, preventing the finer particles of the planting soil from mixing with and clogging the coarse drainstone layer, while still allowing water to pass through freely. On top of this geotextile fabric, a specialized planting soil mix is added. This mix is crucial for plant health as it provides essential nutrients, proper aeration, and drainage characteristics, specifically avoiding heavy clay soil that would compact, hinder root growth, and impede water flow.
Goal: Separate planting soil from the drainage layer and provide a suitable medium for plants.
Tools and materials
- Geotextile Fabric — Separating the planting soil from the drainstone layer while allowing water to pass
- Rake — Spreading and leveling the planting soil mix
- Shovel — Moving and placing the planting soil mix
- Planting Soil Mix — Providing a suitable growing medium for plants