How To Build A Cinder Block Raised Garden Bed (2024)

FAQs

Are cinder blocks good for raised garden beds? ›

There are a lot of options when it comes to the material used to build a raised bed border. Wood is a common choice. Bricks and stones are good options, too. But if you want something cheap and attractive that's not going to go anywhere, you can't do better than cinder blocks.

Here's How to Make a Raised Bed Garden with Cinder Blocks:

Lay down some weed fabric, cardboard, or newspaper, and add your soil to both the main bed and all of the holes in the blocks. If you like to sit while you garden, leave a couple of the holes in the blocks empty. Then start planting.

Leaving a 1/4″ gap between every third cinder block, place the blocks hole side up. 20 blocks will give an interior bed area of 4′ x 8′.

Stay away from old-fashioned cinder blocks, which may contain heavy metals—not a good thing for food gardens.

Some gardeners chose to implement a barrier at the bottom to keep out pests and weeds. Below are a few materials you can use: Cardboard or newspaper: Cardboard is a great option if you are on a budget. You can line the bottom of your raised garden bed with cardboard and newspaper to deter pests and weeds.

It acts as a physical barrier to block out pernicious weeds. Usually, 2 – 3 layers of cardboard will suffice, though you may want layers in more weed-prone areas. The damp environment created by the cardboard is conducive to earthworms and other beneficial soil microorganisms.

You can line your raised bed to make it more durable and to prevent toxics from leaching into the soil. For lining, use landscape fabric found at garden supply stores or cloth fabric from clothing. Avoid non-porous plastic, as it can retain too much water and discourage beneficial insects and worms.

We recommend lining the bottom of your raised garden bed for several reasons. For beds that sit directly on the ground, a lining helps with the following: Reduces the presence of weeds. Discourages pests (like voles, moles, or gophers.)

Vegetable Beds: On the other hand, when it comes to vegetable beds, the bed must be approximately 12 to 18 inches deep to ensure adequate depth for the roots of your plants. This is especially important if your raised bed is placed on cement or the patio, which will inhibit roots from growing deeper into the ground.

How long do cinder block garden beds last? ›

Also, the wood will eventually rot while cinder block will last essentially forever. I know I could just lay the blocks on the surface and let them be, but I want them to be at least a little aesthetically pleasing.

Most studies have found that the chemicals do not leach from concrete, they are tied up in the cement matrix. This includes fly ash (which has mercury and other heavy metals).

Cinder blocks are hollow rectangle-shaped structures usually made of concrete and coal cinders which find use in construction sites. Concrete blocks often, on the other hand, are flattened constructs made of steel, wood or cement.

Dampen the footing surface with water and place a one-inch bed of mortar on the footing. Furrow the mortar bed using the tip of the trowel to create a “v” to help distribute the mortar evenly. The mortar should be workable but firm enough to support the weight of the block.

Tamp down the dirt with a hand tamper and keep it level. Fill the trench with about 3 inches of paver base, spread it with a rake and tamp it down. Tamping the base provides a strong foundation. When it's all level, you can begin installing the block.

Composite wood is rot-resistant and more durable than natural wood. Concrete blocks or bricks: These building materials can be arranged to form the walls of your raised bed. They are safe, sturdy, and long-lasting. Stone: Natural stone can be a beautiful, durable, and safe choice for a raised bed.

Cinder blocks are hollow rectangle-shaped structures usually made of concrete and coal cinders which find use in construction sites. Concrete blocks often, on the other hand, are flattened constructs made of steel, wood or cement.