Cinder block raised beds are easy to make with a little hard labor and simple planning. A garden bed with cinder blocks will never rot and can last many years with little to no maintenance. The concrete blocks form a sturdy growing bed and also allow for planting in their center holes. Concrete cinder blocks are an inexpensive way to start raised bed gardening. Look for the bunny photobombing at 10:15 (Video #155)
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37 Comments
10:18 Rabbit run
Can you use some kind of sealer on the blocks to keep them from leeching anything? I'm very chemically sensitive but I love this concrete/cinderblock idea. I was originally considering using those metal tubs usually used for animal watering/feed but they've have really increased in price and require an awful lot of soil.
Always enjoy your videos God bless you and yours.
At 10:18 in the video, we see the rabbit that’s been raiding the garden. 😂
Don't know where you get your straw but everything I get is full of weeds
What was the chicken wire doing at the bottom of the bed?
I had rebar so used that to secure blocks. Put it staggered in the blocks as I went down. That way I could still plant in them with no problem. Last year planted my beans in the cinder blocks and ran the string/twine trellis on the outside of the block. I also have a bucket garden. I plan on fixing a self water system with PC and milk jugs. I need to replenish my food supply
I used Woodglut instructions for this and I already did it 🙂
To lower the risk of knocking the cinder blocks out of level with the wheelbarrow, don't install the last two blocks at the last end and leave it open to bring the wheelbarrow in. Once most of the soil is in, then install the last two blocks.
Thank you this was a neat idea!
Scott, I built one after watching this.
The garden did well. The little slots were hard to keep wet. Just watered more.
Planted flowers in them to attract pollinators .
Thinking about clover in a few slots on each side. Herbs in others.
Thank you!
Had just the right amount down to the last block.
Their 7 5/8. And 15 5/8. Not 16×8. Only told u cause u already knew more then most about block. They are with a joint 8×16.
Thanks for making this video, I would never thought of using cinder blocks to make a raised bed with.
Wonderful video, thank you! And so many encouraging comments. Just one question – do the concrete blocks make the bed hotter? We live in the TX panhandle currently in a drought. Last summer we baked at 100 plus days on end.
I'm planning on 2 beds this summer, I also want to use outer holes for alternating herbs n marigolds, but what would be best way to create a cattle post arch into the beds and also use protective net to deter animals? Thanks in advance.
Can you touch on the function of what appears to be chicken wire at the bottom of the bed? Is it pretty standard for your beds? What plants do you recommend growing and not growing in such a bed with the chicken wire?
I have a question regarding the difference between cinder (fly ash) and concrete. How can I tell the difference when ordering from a big box store's website? The unnamed big box store only says concrete on their website when I know that they sell cinder on site as well.
Thank you Scott! Think I am going to give this a try.
You sure you don't have to line the inside of the block like they do a basement from moisture and soil
I love watching all of your videos but this one in particular is really helpful for me. I am a 74 year old retired woman and I am building one of these entirely on my own. It is slow going, a few blocks at a time, but I am making progress. I was a bit uncertain about leveling but watching you do this is helpful. Thanks for all you do for the gardening community.
You can also plant vegetables in the center of the blocks. The holes. Can't you? You beat me to the punch. I commented earlier in the video
Very meticulous. Great video. We've gone with circular cinder block raised "keyhole" style beds and will consider adding some rebar to stabilize.
Plan to build one this weekend. Thanks for the great tips! Am considering using mortar even though the plan is 2 block high beds … or is that a waste of time?
10:21 bunny : )
Do you destroy all the weeds an grass in raised garden before you add potting soul?
8:23 looks like chicken wire along the bottom. Is the purpose to prevent rodents? The openings seem large to me.
I heard that the cender blocks separate the water from the plants. Is this true or false?
Helluva bed. In fact, I may finally be able to convince my wife to fulfill my fantasy of a roll in the hay while also meeting her requirement of being in a bed. Let's keep our fingers crossed. Thanks for the informative advice.
Love my cinder block beds! We have four of them… each 4×4 with pvc square foot garden dividers laid on the top. Wonderful!
Questions: I never see you highlight your block bed after this video. Why? Do you still use it? Are there any drawbacks since this video? I'm about to start assembling mine
The rabbit at 10 minutes in the background. Hahahaha, he is like …. woo another bed of food for me to consume
Great video!!! You have given the confidence to do it. But can I build it again the fence?
rabbit in background at 10:20
Why the chicken wire on the ground before you add the dirt?
They have some type of concrete adhesive that comes in a caulking gun you can just caulk it right on there and set the blocks , done
Constructing a concrete block bed and this is super helpful. Thank you. Hope you are still gardening.
Can chemical leach out