Make your own Concrete Garden Beds! Build the forms and precast your own 36″ reinforced concrete panels that lock together to make long lasting and durable concrete garden boxes. See the complete build video that shows step-by-step how to make the plywood molds for the precast garden boxes. An alternative to concrete garden edging.
Here is the weight of 3 panels that are cured: . 48″ – 69lbs, 36″ – 50lbs, 24″ – 33lbs.
How much concrete does it take to pour each size of panel? Here’s the approximate square foot volume of each size of the 2.5” thick panels: 24” panel = 0.23 cu ft 36” panel = 0.36 cu ft 48” panel = 0.49 cu ft
Bags of ready mix concrete are sold in various sizes. Here is how much a bag of Quikrete will make: 40lb bag = 0.30 cu ft 50lb bag = 0.375 cu ft 60lb bag = 0.45 cu ft 80lb bag = 0.60 cu ft
Raising gardens up to waist height by framing them with sturdy borders provides many advantages for the avid gardener. Precast concrete raised beds offer benefits beyond typical wooden garden borders. With prefabricated concrete, the serious gardener gains a permanent, weed-blocking, critter-proof growing structure that can be decorated to match their gardening style.
What Are Precast Concrete Raised Beds?
Precast concrete raised beds are made from preformed, reinforced concrete panels created offsite at a concrete manufacturing facility. The panels interlock to form the sturdy sides of the raised bed. This differs from poured concrete beds where wet concrete is cast in wooden frame molds built onsite. With precast concrete, gardeners receive cured, premade concrete pieces ready for clean installation.
Top 5 Benefits of Precast Concrete Raised Beds
1. Extreme durability – Properly installed precast concrete raised beds can last over 50 years without rotting, warping or deteriorating. Concrete stands up to all weather conditions year after year.
2. Immediate use – Beds made from precast concrete panels can be installed and filled with soil right away for immediate planting No wait time for concrete to cure.
3. Weed prevention – The concrete sides block weeds and grass from invading the garden bed. Less weeding means more time enjoying your vegetables and flowers.
4. Optional decoration – Plain concrete beds can be painted, stained or finished with a textured coat to match your preferred garden style. Get creative!
5. Pest and critter deterrent – Solid concrete deters burrowing animals and provides a gnaw-proof border that keeps rabbits and deer from invading your crops.
Design Tips for Planning Precast Concrete Raised Beds
When laying out precast concrete raised beds, keep these design tips in mind:
- Standard widths are 2-4 feet wide for easy access from both sides of the bed.
- Leave 2-3 foot paths between beds to comfortably reach the center for weeding and harvesting.
- Place beds near a water source for convenient irrigation.
- Face the length of beds north-south to maximize even sun exposure throughout the day.
- Incorporate walkways between beds using gravel, grass or stone pavers.
- Allow space for decorative or functional precast concrete accents like trellises, benches, stepping stones and sculptures.
Installing Precast Concrete Raised Garden Beds
Installing precast concrete raised bed kits is straightforward:
- Mark the layout and level the ground within the planned bed space.
- Assemble interlocking concrete panels, using corner blocks for seamless corners.
- Fill beds with high quality garden soil, amending as needed for proper drainage.
- Install drip irrigation tubing as desired before planting.
- Finish the edges around the beds with mulch or gravel for a clean look.
Be sure to seal any cracks between panels with flexible concrete caulk to prevent soil leakage.
Creative Design Ideas for Precast Concrete Raised Beds
Looking for inspiration? Here are a few fun design ideas to enhance your garden with precast concrete raised beds:
- Paint the concrete panels in bold, alternating colors for a modern geometric statement.
- Create curving, kidney-shaped beds edged in brick for visual interest.
- Use square and rectangular beds to form a contemporary grid pattern.
- Plant herbs within concrete borders and add precast stepping stones as a garden accent.
- Form rustic beds with weathered wood planks mixed with clean concrete lines.
- Edge concrete beds with stone and fill with pollinator-friendly perennials.
Maintaining Precast Concrete Raised Beds
Concrete raised beds are virtually maintenance-free, but here are a few tips to follow:
- Reseal any cracks and block joints every 2-3 years to prevent soil leakage.
- Use corner blocks to keep the beds neatly aligned as soil settles.
- Annually wash off dirt and rinse away moss or algae buildup.
- Periodically apply concrete sealer or satin acrylic paint for added protection.
The Long-Term Value of Precast Concrete Raised Garden Beds
With proper installation and care, precast concrete raised beds provide a lifetime of service in the garden. The beds eliminate the annual chore of building flimsy wooden frames that quickly rot away. Their solidity also reduces time wasted weeding and fighting persistent garden invaders. For gardeners willing to invest in a quality precast concrete system, the longevity and ease of maintenance pay off for decades to come through healthier plants, fewer pests, and an extended growing season. When designed and installed properly, precast concrete raised beds become the backbone of a garden that flourishes for generations.
Where To Buy Precast Concrete Raised Garden Beds
For the ambitious DIY gardener, download plans and video tutorials to build your own custom wooden molds, then cast high strength concrete raised bed panels. With the right techniques and materials, homemade precast concrete beds can be created at a fraction of the cost of buying commercial kits.
For most home gardeners, the easiest option is to purchase prefabricated raised bed kits from local home improvement stores and garden supply outlets. Many retailers offer interlocking precast concrete kits in standard bed shapes and lengths.
For a fully custom raised bed design, order made-to-order precast concrete beds from a reputable local concrete manufacturer. Work with their design team to tailor the size, shape and appearance to perfectly suit your gardening needs and landscape style.
Investing in precast concrete raised beds means gaining durable, low maintenance gardening beds that will serve for a lifetime. Discover why concrete makes the ultimate material for permanent garden beds ready to handle anything Mother Nature sends their way. With precast concrete raised beds keeping your garden tidy and thriving, you’ll enjoy gardening more than ever before.
Poured concrete garden beds.
The panels that I make interlock in the corners in a straight line or at a 90 degree angle. I cast in plastic pipe so they lock together with rebar. Pouring your own concrete panels gives you the flexibility to modify this simple design to your liking. You can easily change some of the dimensions to make them longer, shorter, taller, or thinner. You can also combine panels of different lengths as I’m going to do in this video. I have two identical moulds that make a 48 inch long panel that is 8 inches tall x 2 1/2 inches thick. 48″ plywood concrete garden box form
I’m going to make 4 new moulds similar to that original design but, I’m going to shorten the length to 36 inches. Having a box 3 feet wide can make it easier to reach in to plant and weed.
Cut the End parts
Now I’ll rip and cut to length the End Walls. They are 2.5 x 8 inches and labeled E. These have their own Hold-Downs. Rip and cut these to length and label F. The Ends and End Hold-Downs get pre-drilled in the same manner as the sides and their accompanying Hold-Downs. Rip a 4×4 down to size
I make the Pipe Holder End Blocks, part G, from a fir 4×4. Then rip this on my saw using several passes from both sides down to 2.5 x 2.5 inches. I then cut these to 4 inch lengths using a stop on my miter saw. Mark center of block
I inspect these blocks, label the UP side then with a square I mark the center of one end. Center punch block
And use a punch to make a small divot that will held guide the drill bit. Drill block for pipe support dowel pin
I chuck a 5/8 Forstner bit in the drill press. I have stop blocks clamped to the table to help secure the block during this processes. You can also use a vice to hold the block if that works better for you. Drilling into end grain like this can sometimes cause the bit to wander so go slow and allow the chips to clear. Drill this hole 1 inch deep.
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Now assemble the Sides with glue and screws. Attach side walls to side hold-down
I attached a stop strip to my workbench and onto it I attached two hold down clamps. The clamps quickly and securely hold part C to the table. I also attached an end stop to align the ends of B and C. Hold down clamps
Then apply a small bead of exterior wood glue to the side and press it into place. I drill a pilot hole into the hold-down strip then run in a screw.Then drill pilots thru the side all the way down and secure it with screws. Check each assembly that the L shape is 90 degrees. Set these aside for the glue to set up. The Sides have a small square Stop Block to hold the ends in place. Rip and cut these to length. Drill pilot holes in small square stop block
Then pre-drill these as well.
Now assemble the ends parts E and F. Attach block to end assemblies
I marked the center of each to help with alignment and also used the hold down clamps to secure the pieces during assembly. Like before, apply glue, drill, and attach with screws. Drill pilot holes into E and attach the Blocks with glue and screws. Attach stop blocks to side assemblies
Mark the side assemblies and attach the small square Stop Blocks with glue and 1″ screws.
Next we will make the angled Inset. Rip Inset at 30 degrees on table saw
I used 5/8″ material, and beveled the sides 30 degrees on the table saw. And cut to length on my miter saw also at 30 degrees. Attach inset with glue and screws
I attach the Inset part to the base by pre-drilling with a countersink, then attaching it with glue and short screws. Reduce end of dowel to fit into pipe
Lastly, I’ll cut the 5/8″ Dowels to length and chamfer the end on the disc sander, or you can round off one end with coarse sandpaper. Glue dowels into block and sides
Glue these into place and let the glue fully setup. Cut a short test piece of half inch PVC electrical conduit. Test fit pipes on dowel pins
Use this to test fit the Dowel Pins. Use some sandpaper to slightly reduce the diameter of these dowels so the pipe slips on easily. The inside diameter of the pipe is bit less than 5/8″. Fill screw head holes with wood filler
Fill the screw holes with wood-filler, let it dry completely, then sand smooth. Also fill any gaps in the plywood and add some filler to the inset where it meets the base. Give everything a light sanding to break any sharp edges.
The Best Raised Garden Bed Option for you!
What is a precast concrete raised garden bed?
“The Green Box”, precast concrete raised garden bed kits, are concrete post, capstone, and panel kits that fit together to build raised garden beds for a lifetime of organically safe gardening beauty. The Green box can also be used for concrete fences, yard features, terraced yards, dividers, and retaining walls.
Are precast concrete beds a good choice?
With precast concrete beds, the concrete panels are premade and cured offsite under controlled conditions. There are many advantages to choosing prefabricated precast concrete beds for your vegetable or flower garden: Durability – Concrete raised beds can last 50 years or more. They won’t rot, warp, or degrade like wood beds.
Are concrete raised beds maintenance-free?
Concrete raised beds are pretty much maintenance-free, but here are a few tips for keeping them looking their best: With proper installation and care, precast concrete raised beds can provide a lifetime of durable, low-maintenance gardening. Their strength and permanence can save time on annual garden bed preparation.
What is a concrete raised garden bed?
concrete raised garden bed are becoming an increasingly popular choice for home gardeners. These raised beds are made of strong, long-lasting concrete. They let you grow flowers, herbs, vegetables, and more, and they look nice in your yard as well.
What can you plant in a concrete raised bed?
Plant trailing greenery – Let the concrete bed frame your garden view by training vines or trailing plants along the edges. Ivy, jasmine, vinca, and English ivy all work well. Use as divider – Position a concrete raised bed in your yard as a garden divider or border.
How wide should a precast concrete garden bed be?
When planning a garden layout using precast concrete beds, here are some tips: Standard bed widths range from 2-4 feet wide to allow easy access from both sides. Beds can be any desired length. Allow 2-3 feet between beds so you can comfortably reach the middle for weeding and harvesting. Place beds near a water source for easy irrigation.