Today I built a raised garden bed. I had planned to build one out of redwood until I saw the prices. Creating a decent sized bed would have been well over $100 just for the wood alone. At the same visit to Home Depot, I saw that concrete block was only $1.05 per block. I ended up buying 36 blocks to create my bed. Each layer is made from 18 blocks.
I had to dig out my yard some for the back section of blocks. I then laid out my first layer of blocks using a 3 foot long level to make sure they were at least mostly level. After that I used construction adhesive to attach the second layer of blocks to the first. I have used the adhesive to hold together some other small walls I made before, and it worked out well. Once the wall was built I laid 1/2 inch hardware cloth on the ground to keep gophers out of the bed.
Once I get the dirt in, I plan to plant some Jalapenos, Habeneros, and Bell Peppers in the bed. With the low price of the block, I should be able to build another bed for this year.
While working on my project, I even got to see a sun halo. That isn’t something I have seen often here in San Diego.
-Joshua
[adinserter block=”9″]
Pingback: 100 Posts! | The Geek Homestead
How did your 16 inch tall(high) raised bed work out. I have a lot of used blocks that I can clean off the old mortar and use.
Happy Gardening
I think they work great. I have grown some plants with fairly deep root structures and they all did well. The biggest problem is filling them. I do not have good soil in my yard so I have to fill the raised beds entirely with new dirt. This can be expensive and difficult.
Thanks for visiting my post. BTW. I use the same cement blocks for the same reasons. Be sure to cover them top and bottom. Mice and rats think they are great hiding and nesting places. I learned the hard way.
I’ve been researching raised bed building materials and considered cinder block until I came across this article: http://preventdisease.com/news/15/020615_Warning-Cinder-Block-Concrete-Masonry-Gardens.shtml
Worth checking out