10 Cheap Ways to Cover Dirt in Your Backyard

Bare patches of dirt can make your garden feel unfinished, dusty, and honestly a bit depressing. The good news? You don’t need a landscaper or a big budget to turn things around. With the right materials — many of which are inexpensive or even free — you can quickly create a backyard that feels tidy, welcoming, and fully usable.

Below are 10 genuinely cheap, achievable ways to cover dirt, each with a detailed explanation so you know exactly how to do it.

1. Spread Organic Mulch (Fastest & Cheapest Fix)

Mulch is hands-down the quickest way to transform a dirt patch. It’s affordable, easy to lay, and instantly gives your garden that “finished and intentional” look. You can use wood chips, shredded bark, straw, pine needles, or even chopped leaves.

How to do it:

1. Rake the dirt to level the area and remove any thick weeds.

2. Lay down cardboard or a weed membrane if weeds are a problem.

3. Spread mulch over the area 2–3 inches deep.

4. Avoid piling it against tree trunks or wooden fences to prevent rot.

5. Top it up once a year to keep it looking fresh.

This method is perfect for areas where you don’t want grass or plants but still want something tidy and natural.

2. Lay Budget-Friendly Sod or Grass Seed

If you want a classic green lawn, sod gives you instant results — and you can often find it heavily discounted at the end of the season. Grass seed is even cheaper and ideal for covering large dirt sections without spending much.

How to do it (Sod):

1. Loosen the top inch of soil with a rake or garden fork.

2. Water the ground lightly before laying the sod.

3. Lay the pieces tightly together like tiles.

4. Press them down using your feet or a lawn roller.

5. Water deeply every day for the first week.

How to do it (Grass Seed):

1. Mix compost into the top few inches of soil.

2. Sprinkle seed evenly using a spreader or by hand.

3. Gently rake the seed into the soil.

4. Keep it consistently moist until germination.

Seed takes longer, but it’s the cheapest way to get full lawn coverage over dirt.

3. Plant Low-Cost Ground Covers

Ground covers are perfect for shady areas, slopes, or places where grass won’t thrive. They spread quickly, suppress weeds, and turn dirt patches into soft, green carpeting.

Budget-friendly options include creeping thyme, clover, sedum, creeping Jenny, ajuga, dwarf mondo grass, and vinca minor.

How to do it:

1. Loosen and level the dirt to create a workable surface.

2. Plant small plugs or starter plants rather than mature pots to save money.

3. Space them according to how quickly they spread — usually 20–30 cm apart.

4. Water well during the first few weeks to help them settle in.

5. Add a thin layer of compost or mulch around each plant to reduce weeds.

Most ground covers grow quickly once established, making them a great long-term solution.

4. Cover Dirt with Straw or Hay

Straw or hay is a brilliant low-cost fix for covering large areas. It’s widely available at farm shops and garden centres, and it does more than just hide dirt — it keeps moisture in and adds organic matter to the soil as it breaks down.

How to do it:

1. Rake and level the dirt to remove lumps and stones.

2. Spread the straw or hay generously across the area (10–15 cm thick).

3. Use landscape pins or small stones to stop it blowing away in the wind.

4. Add more layers over time as it decomposes.

This is ideal for vegetable garden areas, kids’ play zones, or any large patch where you aren’t ready to install grass yet.

5. Create a Gravel or Pebble Area

Gravel creates a clean, low-maintenance surface that lasts for years. It’s perfect for pathways, seating areas, dog zones, or around sheds and garages.

How to do it:

1. Mark out the area using string or spray paint.

2. Remove weeds and level the dirt as much as possible.

3. Lay a weed membrane to reduce long-term maintenance.

4. Add a 5–7 cm layer of gravel or pebbles.

5. Rake it smooth and top up thin patches as needed.

It’s one of the easiest long-term options if you want a tidy, stable surface.

6. Install Artificial Grass

Artificial turf has come a long way — modern versions look realistic and are great for shady areas, pet zones, or small gardens where grass refuses to grow. It instantly hides dirt and stays green all year.

How to do it:

1. Remove weeds and level the soil.

2. Add a layer of crushed stone or sand and compact it firmly.

3. Roll out the artificial grass and allow it to settle for a few hours.

4. Trim the edges to fit your space.

5. Secure the perimeter with landscape nails or adhesive tape.

6. Brush the fibres upright for a natural finish.

It’s especially good for renters or anyone wanting a zero-maintenance patch of green.

7. Build a Simple Pallet Deck

A pallet deck instantly transforms ugly dirt into a functional outdoor living space. It’s inexpensive, surprisingly sturdy, and ideal for seating areas, outdoor dining, or creating a raised platform in a messy corner.

How to do it:

1. Collect heat-treated pallets (look for the “HT” stamp).

2. Level the dirt or place bricks/blocks under each pallet for stability.

3. Arrange the pallets in your desired layout.

4. Screw them together securely.

5. Add plywood, decking boards, or pallet slats on top to create a smooth surface.

6. Sand any rough edges and paint or stain if desired.

7. Add rugs, outdoor cushions, or lights to finish the look.

It’s one of the cheapest ways to add a usable “room” to your garden.

8. Build a Raised Garden Bed

Turning dirt patches into raised beds is both decorative and practical. You can grow flowers, vegetables, herbs, or shrubs while covering the bare ground underneath.

How to do it:

1. Choose a material — reclaimed wood, cinder blocks, old bricks, or large plastic tubs.

2. Build the frame directly on the dirt.

3. Line the bottom with cardboard to suppress weeds.

4. Fill with a mix of garden soil, compost, and organic matter.

5. Plant your chosen vegetables or ornamentals.

6. Add mulch on top to keep the bed low-maintenance.

Raised beds also add structure and help define different zones in your garden.

9. Install a Concrete or Paver Area

If you need something solid and long-lasting — for a fire pit area, outdoor dining spot, or a place for bins — concrete or pavers are surprisingly budget-friendly.

How to do it (Concrete):

1. Mark out your space.

2. Remove loose debris and level the dirt.

3. Build a simple wooden form around the edges.

4. Mix concrete in a wheelbarrow and pour it into the frame.

5. Smooth the surface with a trowel.

6. Allow it to cure for at least 48–72 hours.

How to do it (Pavers):

1. Lay a compacted sand or gravel base.

2. Place pavers on top in your chosen pattern.

3. Sweep sand into the gaps to lock everything into place.

Both options are durable and low-maintenance.

10. Create a Mini Backyard Pond or Water Feature

If you want something a bit magical — and don’t mind a small DIY project — turning a dirt patch into a water feature is easier than you’d think. Containers, half-barrels, and small troughs all work beautifully.

How to do it:

1. Dig a shallow hole large enough for your chosen container.

2. Place the container in the ground and make the top sit level with the surrounding area.

3. Add stones, gravel, or bricks around the edge to hide the container rim.

4. Fill with water and add pond plants like water hyacinths, water lettuce, marsh marigold, or pickerelweed.

5. Add a small solar fountain if you want movement and sound.

6. Surround the pond with rocks or plants to make it blend naturally into your garden.

It’s cheap, charming, and turns a problem area into a relaxing focal point.

Covering dirt in your backyard doesn’t need to cost a fortune. Whether you want something quick like mulch, long-term like ground covers, or creative like a pallet deck or pond, each option helps transform your space into a backyard you’ll actually enjoy spending time in.