fuzzi's Chicken Journal

[1muttsfan]

They also make 6-in wide blocks as well as the standard 8-in construction ones, which are lighter and less expensive, and would work quite well.

 

[fuzzi]

Will you have to do any leveling of the cinder blocks?

Yes. The yard is not level, there's a slight grade down towards the woods (south). When I set up the rainbarrels I was very picky about getting it level...for obvious reasons! The ground is soft enough to be able to scrape dirt to one side or another in order to get it leveI.

In the first video Scott showed a trick to get the blocks level, I might try it.

In the second video they recommended putting a little ready mix concrete in the block openings. Not sure if I would do that. I believe a two block high wall should be stable enough for a raised bed garden.

 

[fuzzi]

When I did mine it was not as tough as I thought it would be.

The bed is 10x20. I just removed one section of old wood at a time. No more than I could replace with the concrete in one work session.

After I removed a section of wood, I used a flat edge shovel along the area to make sure it was flat and level. I just eyeballed it. Turned that little bit of soil back into the bed. Laid the edging and raked the soil back along the new concrete edging.

If I were going to build it 2 blocks high, I think I would use a level on the ground row before I stacked the 2nd row. I would consider driving rebar at least in the corners to make sure it didn't move over time as it settles.

Definately take your time because it should last a very long time and concrete is HEAVY!

This is good.

I'm lazy and would just build the cinder block wall around the existing bed, up against the rotting wood.

That was my original plan, not because I'm lazy, but why make extra work?

And likely get some advantage from having that wood in there, helping to retain moisture and slowly decaying.

You don't need stainless steel rebar either, regular steel rebar, even though it rusts, will last beyond our lifetime. A lot of times lumber yards will cut them for free for you, and you can bang them in several places around the edges including the corners.

Rebar is really expensive, but on my list to consider using. I'd not thought about the rotting wood, point taken.

They also make 6-in wide blocks as well as the standard 8-in construction ones, which are lighter and less expensive, and would work quite well.

I've not seen these locally, mostly 8x8x16".

Something I need to consider on the "remove/don't remove the wood" options is that just adding the 8" blocks to the outside will make reaching the middle of the garden bed that much harder. I'm short, as are my arms. Right now it's a stretch to reach the middle to pull weeds.

 

[fuzzi]

For three tiers that looks expensive when the steel rods are included. Cool idea though.

It's a nice design, just not sure it's necessary, or worth the added expense...and labor.

 

[fuzzi]

I moved a wood board...there were insects underneath!

Rahab, Prissy, and Joanna get to digging...

"Whatchadoing?"

 

[NanaK]

I'm lazy and would just build the cinder block wall around the existing bed, up against the rotting wood.

I wanted to do this but I was constantly dealing with ants who were attracted to the wood. They had painful bites. So I pulled out with the wood and burned it. It's rare to see ants in that bed now.

In the second video they recommended putting a little ready mix concrete in the block openings. Not sure if I would do that. I believe a two block high wall should be stable enough for a raised bed garden.

My friend that used concrete block edging filled those holes with soil and compost. I know in the past he's planted green onions, violas and other small plants in them.

Just a thought...if you are unsure of how tall you want it. You could get enough block to do one row and maybe 2 extra blocks. Build the one row. The ground row will take the most time to level and put in place. With the 2 extra blocks you can stack and see how you'd like the height and decide from there how far you want to go.

I like visuals!