To create your own dry creek bed, remove all grass and plants in the area where you determine a dry creek bed is needed. Excavate the soil to a depth of 12 to 18 inches. You can slope the sides or ...

Now that you've already marked your dry river bed, the next step is to dig out your dry creek bed to a reasonable depth (12 to 18 inches) using a shovel.

To tackle rainwater runoff and erosion, garden designer Leah Churner built a dry creek bed, installed cedar log erosion curbs, and chose shade-tolerant, wildlife habitat plants that work in clay soil.