![]() ![]() You don’t have to dig a 4′ trench to get below the frost line, but a little extra effort in the beginning will make a big difference down. If you experience frost, as I do, you can’t just set the blocks on the ground and expect them to look nice and level the next year. Just set them on the ground and dig next to the side of the row so you can prepare the base layer of material that the blocks will sit on. Some people suggest setting lines on the ground to mark where your blocks will go. That also gave weeds a chance to grow, which I then killed, reducing the next year’s total weed count. I began construction of the first bed in the late summer so it’d be ready for spring planting. How to Build a Concrete Block Raised Bed Garden Newer concrete blocks are going to be safer to use than older “antique” blocks you might find in some places. ![]() If you have concerns, you can seal the blocks (more work) or line the inside of the bed with the vapor barrier I mentioned earlier. One study even found no difference between blocks with fly ash and those without. The thing is, even when fly ash is used, it is supposed to have a chemical reaction with the Portland cement, making it safer. The University of Maryland Extension suggests using them is a personal choice based on your comfort level. Theoretically, if your blocks contain fly ash, heavy metals could leak into the soil. Fly ash is a byproduct of burning coal and it’s used in the construction of some blocks. Confusion sometimes comes up because of fly ash. Are Concrete Blocks Safe for Vegetable Gardens?Ĭoncrete blocks are widely considered to be safe for use in vegetable gardens. While concrete absorbs water, if you place a capstone along the tops of the walls as I suggest below, you can tuck clear plastic vapor barrier under that capstone and have it line the inside of the bed, creating a water-proof barrier between the blocks and the soil. Start with your local dump or transfer station! You can ease some of the manual labor if you are buying them in bulk and can have them delivered to your house.īuying blocks will assure that you are getting clean, sharp looking blocks but if you keep your eye out, you might be surprised where you can salvage them. Well, you can’t do much about the weight of concrete blocks, but at least that heavy lifting will only have to be done once (if the bed is built correctly). These disadvantages can be overcome, however.
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