How to Use Concrete Block for Raised Gardens
A raised garden is a planting bed built on top of the ground. It is a marvelous idea for the elderly or anyone wanting to avoid a sore back, as they will no longer have to bend over very far to tend their flowers and tomatoes. Additionally, having a garden above ground allows you to have more control over that piece of the environment for weeding and fertilizing.
- Find the perfect area in your yard to locate the bed. Direct sunlight would be the best choice, then decide on the size of the area with which you will be comfortable working. Keep in mind that the larger the bed, the more blocks and soil will be needed to build it. Also, more tending will be required once it is completed. Take a can of spray paint and mark the outside boundary for your garden bed.
- Till the ground up, so you can easily pull the existing weeds and rocks out of the area. Rake the soil out evenly.
- Dig a furrow 4 to 6 inches deep and wide enough to fit a concrete block along the outside edge of the garden. Lay a foundation row of block and level it. Sweep the tops of the blocks to remove all dirt and debris.
- Decide which look you prefer. Do you want to stagger the blocks for a more traditional and appealing appearance or simply line them up end to end? Either way will work fine for gardening purposes.
- Determine the height you want your raised bed to be. For maximum comfort, at least three levels of block should be used. If the gardener is working from a wheelchair or scooter, four would be better. Fill the bed with soil to a level about 3 inches from the top of the blocks.
- Make certain that your bed is sufficiently narrow that you can effortlessly reach the middle for weeding and harvesting produce from the outside.
- Avoid stepping on the surface of the bed. Compacted soil will inhibit healthy plant growth.