How to Build a Cinder Block Raised Garden
Unleash your inner green thumb and grow fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs right in your own backyard! A raised garden bed has fewer weeds, better water retention, more growing space and warmer soil for longer in the season. With Loctite® PL ® Premium Max, you can DIY your very own raised bed. The super strong adhesive makes assembly simple, budget-friendly and durable so you can continue to plant your garden year after year.
Unleash your inner green thumb by building your own raised garden. Think about all the fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs you’ll grow right in your own backyard!
Loctite® PL ® Premium Max makes assembly fast and budget friendly. The high-strength construction adhesive is waterproof and can be applied to cold and wet, frozen or hot surfaces, making it perfect for landscaping and deck projects. It also doesn’t develop air pockets after curing making a long lasting durable bond.
Timisha’s (@toolboxdivas) first makeshift urban garden needed a facelift after its first season. But now that she’s using Loctite® PL ® Premium Max, which sticks even in the harshest outdoor elements, her raised bed will endure for years to come.
What You’ll Need:
- Cement cinder blocks (quantity varies depending on garden size)
- Level & square
- Paint
- Paint roller & brush
- Wood Stain
- Sander (optional)
- Pressure treated picket fencing (equal to the perimeter of garden)
- Garden soil
Directions
1. Clear away any brush and make sure the ground is level
The key to any project is making sure that you have a solid foundation to build on. First, select an area in your backyard with enough sun. Make sure that all weeds, large rocks, or bumps in the ground have been removed. Arrange your first layer of cinder blocks in your desired shape and, using a level, make sure the entire base is level to the ground.
Timisha was reconstructing her old makeshift garden rather than starting from scratch. This was the perfect opportunity to go back and check the levels of her cinder blocks to ensure that her new foundation would be sturdy and straight.
2. Glue and stack cinder blocks
Using Loctite® PL® Premium Max adhesive, assemble the garden by adding the adhesive to the top and sides of the cinder blocks and firmly pushing them together. As you work around your garden, make sure you are checking to make sure the blocks are still level. You have 20 minutes to reposition any blocks. After 24 hours they will be fully cured and secured.
Next, start stacking your second layer. Timisha placed the second layer in line with the first, but you can always stagger to create a brick pattern.
Timisha built her raised garden two cinder blocks high because anything less would be too shallow. The garden needs to be deep enough for the roots of your plants to grow and thrive. Feel free to add another layer or two or stop here depending on your preference.
3. Cut, adhere, and sand picket fencing
Adding a wooden top pulls the entire garden together and gives the project a softer look. Measure the perimeter of your cinder block garden and cut out the equivalent using four pieces of picket fencing, each one the size of one of your garden sides.
Again, using Loctite® PL® Premium Max, add the adhesive to the top of the cinder blocks and firmly press the wood down on top. Once completely cured, prep the wood for staining by making sure it is sanded and smooth.
4. Paint and stain
Using a paint roller, cover the cinder blocks in a paint color of your choice. Make sure that the paint you choose is suitable for outside use.
You can choose to paint the entire garden or follow Timisha’s lead and leave the cement blocks but use a wood stain to color the top. Again - make sure the stain is made for outdoor projects.
If you choose to paint or stain, leave the raised bed to dry while you grab your gardening gloves!
5. Fill with soil and plant!
Fill up the raised bed an inch or two from the top with soil. Spread evenly and add in plants or seeds according to individual packet instructions.
Now take a step back and admire your hard work! With a little water, sunlight and time you’ll grow delicious fruits and veggies right in your own backyard. The best part is, Loctite® is designed to last, so you can enjoy your raised garden bed year after year no matter the weather. Happy planting!
