How to Build a Raised Garden Bed

Related Article: Choosing Where to Put Your Garden Bed                          Printable View  

Materials Needed for a 4’x 9’ Garden Bed:

1. Cement Cinder Blocks (48 total; use 24 per level, 2 levels high)
2. Shovel
3. Rake
4. Gloves (if desired when handling cinder blocks)
5. Fertile Soil (2 ½ cubic yards)

Hints:

• If the ground is uneven, lay the first level of cinder blocks. Then, you can even out the height of the blocks by adding or removing dirt from under each block until they are all stable and level.
• Finish each layer before starting as new one.

* Please note that the drawings below show block position, but do not show the actual number of blocks indicated in the Materials Needed.

Steps:

1. Build the corners and edge of one side.

   • Lay blocks with the holes facing up. Make sure the blocks are touching and eliminate any gaps between them (Figure 1).

2. Add blocks simultaneously (for alignment) to both sides extending from the corners (Figure 2).

3. Enclose the structure by building the last two corners (Figure 3).

4. View the structure to make sure the blocks are placed tightly together and are as flat and as even as possible. If a block is wobbly, move the block and use a shovel to either add or remove dirt from where it sits. Then, replace the block.

5. Start placing the 2nd layer of blocks on top of the 1st layer. Stagger the 2nd layer over the joints of the 1st layer for stability (Figure 4).

6. Shovel the soil into your bed and start planting!

© 2004 Williamson County & Cities Health District