Rain Garden Fact Sheet

A northwest Iowa rain garden.

What are rain gardens?


Why are rain gardens important?

As cities and suburbs grow, increased storm water runoff from impervious surfaces becomes a problem. As more impervious surfaces are added to our communities, it is more important than ever to help rainwater infiltrate. This protects water quality and reduces storm water runoff.

Storm water runoff from developed areas increases flooding potential and carries pollutants from streets, parking lots and lawns into local streams and lakes. Rain gardens can absorb most rainfall events.

Designing and Planting

Designing and planting a rain garden is very similar to creating other perennial gardens, with a few of the following exceptions:

  • Location - Rain gardens must be located to intercept runoff from impervious areas. They can be placed anywhere good soils with adequate percolation rates exist. It is best to keep rain gardens away from building foundations, utilities, and septic systems.   
  • Size - Rain gardens are typically 7 to 20 percent the size of the impervious surface generating the runoff entering the garden. Measure the square footage of the impervious area (length x width); then multiply this by 0.07 (7 percent). Determine a length and width of the rain garden that best fits the site. For example, a 2,000 sq./ft. roof, when multiplied by 10 percent, would call for a rain garden 200 sq./ft. in size, or 20' long by 10' wide.
  • Garden Depth - A typical rain garden is between six and nine inches deep. It must be level side to side and end to end, and the berm must be level so storm water runoff spreads evenly.
  • Soil Amendments - To prepare for a rain garden, remove 12 inches of soil to create a depressional area. Add three inches of sand, two inches of compost and one inch of topsoil, and blend uniformly.
  • Plant Selection - While rain gardens are a highly functional way to help protect water quality, they can also be an attractive part of your yard and neighborhood. Choose native plants based on site considerations for light, moisture, and soil. Vary plant structure, height, and flower color for seasonal appeal and butterfly habitat. Mowed grass borders or hard edging are recommended around the garden. The use of native plants is encouraged. Young plants, or plugs, are best for rain gardens because they are easier to establish and maintain. When laying plants out, randomly clump individual species in groups of 3 to 5 plants to provide bolder color. Be sure to repeat these individual groupings to create repetition and cohesion in a planting. It is a good idea to place plant labels next to each individual grouping. This will help identify the young native plants from weeds as you maintain the garden. It is important to water rain gardens regularly throughout the first season. Once established, they will thrive without additional watering. A two-inch layer of shredded wood mulch is an important part of a rain garden. Mulch helps retain moisture and discourages weed seeds from germinating.