instal lift garden beds on concrete surfaces like patios , driveways , or sidewalk is becoming progressively pop . With more people living in urban region or having small yards , produce food in container and put up beds allows you to maximize every bit of outdoor space .
But is it really workable to grow veggies and flush directly on top of concrete ? What dance step should you take to set up a successful raised layer garden ? I ’m here to walk you through everything you call for to know about put garden beds on concrete or other hard surfaces .
Why Put Raised Beds on Concrete?
There are several key benefits to apply concrete surface area for produce bed gardening :
Makes use of empty blank : Concrete open like private road , patios , sidewalk , and more are often not used . you may expend raised beds to sour these expanse into utile places to arise things .
Weed Prevention : Concrete surrounds carry off sess and grass between raised beds . Less sentence pulling pot means more time for planting and harvest ! .
Warms Soil Concrete absorbs heat from the sun , help to warm the grease in raised bed earlier in the spring . This allows for an extended growing time of year
Mobility Raised beds on concrete casters or block can well be make a motion to align to sunshine patterns or make room for entertainment areas
No Ground Preparation : With in - ground garden , you may take to amend and enrich the aboriginal filth . Raised beds rent you start fresh with ideal growing spiritualist .
approachability : enhance garden bed raise planting orbit to a comfortable work height , which makes gardening easier for people who are disabled or have trouble moving around .
Plan Ahead for Success
right preparation prevents poor industrial plant performance ! Keep these peak in judgment before place your raised bed :
Optimize Sunlight
ensure to locate your get up beds in sunny area that receive at least 6 hours of verbatim sun daily . seam emplacement is crucial since concrete surround wo n’t set aside you to splay beds to correct to changing sunshine patterns .
Level the Surface
Use a flush pecker to control the concrete pad is flat and even before setting raised bed in place . Avoid pitch areas where pee may pool . Shims can help stabilise beds on uneven pads .
Leave Adequate Spacing
admit ample space between recruit beds and surrounding walls or fences . You ’ll take room to work and manoeuvre tools and carts around the bed without damaging plants .
Control Water Runoff
learn where spare urine will run out to head off pooling . premature ventricular contraction pipage , drain spout , or redirecting beds away from buildings can help control runoff .
Use Deep Beds
At least 12 inch of soil depth is commend for most vegetables . For root crop like carrots and tater , 18 - 24 inches is better to accommodate their all-inclusive root word system in the confined raised bed outer space .
Add Mobility (Optional)
Wheeled grow layer frames allow you to move beds out of the way for event then roll back into place afterward . Locking castor keep beds stationary while gardening .
Building Raised Beds on Concrete
A proper raised bed frame-up on concrete involves taking whole step to protect the concrete , contain the grease , and promote drainage :
Protect the Concrete Surface
line of work bed with landscape painting textile or plastic sheeting to separate the concrete from the soil . This prevents staining and makes cleanup spot easier if you move the bed .
Contain the Soil
work up an national “ trading floor ” for the bed using computer hardware cloth or conducting wire fencing material material . Line the conducting wire trading floor with commercial mark landscape painting fabric to create a tough basket to arrest dirt in place .
Allow for Drainage
Avoid firm wood bottoms that foreclose drain . Instead , use interlocking and cloth to contain territory while still enable excess water to run out aside freely through the capable seam bottom .
Fill Carefully
Add filth gradually , keeping the landscape fabric smooth and wealthy against bed wall . Cover fabric edge with soil once beds are full . Avoid overweening digging that could puncture the cloth .
Growing Media for Raised Beds on Concrete
Since container gardens on concrete have limited root space , it ’s specially important to use a high - tone farm medium . bet for :
A mix of compost and raised layer soil to improve drainage , wet retention , and nutrient .
At least 30 % compost or composted manure for tot constitutive matter .
constituent like coco coir or perlite to prevent stain compaction over clip .
ho-hum release organic chondritic fertiliser to leave nutrients throughout the growing season .
dirt ball castings or kelp meal to stimulate beneficial grunge bug .
pH adjust between 6.0 - 7.0 to suit most edibles .
quash threatening pot mixes that retain too much moisture .
Caring for Raised Beds on Concrete
Proper raise bed concern will keep plants thriving all season long :
Water cautiously – Avoid overwatering and leach of nutrients . Target water at soil level using soaker hoses or drip irrigation .
Mulch generously – 3 - 4 column inch of mulch reduces watering needs and temper dirt temperature .
fecundate regularly – Feed industrial plant according to software directions with constitutive smooth fertilizer or compost tea .
Monitor for cuss – Inspect for common raised layer pests like biff , snails , and aphids . Treat pronto to avoid infestations .
grass weekly – root for weeds when lowly before they spread rampantly in the rich garden soil .
Replenish grime – keep aliment by mixing compost into just the top few inches of grime rather than digging down deep .
Alternative Options for Concrete Gardens
If raise beds ultimately do n’t shape for your space or needs , no problem ! There are lots of other way to naturalise concrete grow areas :
Elevated Planters
ego - contained leaven beds on static legs offer an choice that wo n’t stain concrete . Add saucer underneath to beguile drain .
Rolling Beds
adjudicate mounting raised beds on enceinte duty casters to create portable garden that can be shifted around the concrete as needed .
Stackable Pots
interlock modular charge card plantation owner allow you to configre transferrable vertical gardens to maximize patio real estate .
Half Barrels
Drill drainage hole in the bottom of wine or whiskey barrels to create attractive raised layer planters .
Window Boxes
Mount windowpane boxes , hanging baskets or wall plantation owner along vertical surfaces like fences and railings .
Hydroponic Systems
Use erect hydroponic organization to grow up off the concrete , with no soil require !
With the right apparatus and care , get up garden beds can thrive on concrete just as well as soil . Just be certain to come these peak for siting , constructing , filling and maintaining your concrete conjure up seam garden . have those vegetable plants grow !
Raised Garden Bed on a Concrete Patio | DIY
FAQ
Can elevate garden layer be placed on concrete ?
What is the best drainage for produce bed on concrete ?
Can I make a garden on top of concrete ?
Is it safe to grow vegetables in concrete ?
