A cinder block garden bed is sturdy and visually striking and shall elevate your green space if these creative and functional structures are placed smartly. Regarding DIY projects, the creativity of those with green fingers knows no bounds.
Cinder blocks have carved their unique niche as an unexpected yet versatile medium for crafting gardens combining functionality and aesthetics. These seemingly common and unassuming building blocks can be transformed into stunning vertical planters and can even be fashioned into elegant garden furniture. As you embark on this journey through innovative landscaping solutions, you will witness the seamless fusion of urban charm and natural beauty.
Here are 20 ways in which these gray, seemingly boring cinder blocks can be reimagined into art that will act as focal points for gardening enthusiasts and DIY aficionados alike.
Creating defined borders around flower beds not only looks great, but it also helps keep the bed contained and prevents mulch and soil from spilling into the lawn or walkway. While materials like bricks, stones, and metal edging strips are popular choices, they can get expensive, especially for larger areas. That’s where cinder blocks come in – they are an extremely affordable and versatile option for edging flower beds on any budget.
Why Use Cinder Blocks for Flower Bed Borders?
There are several reasons why cinder blocks make excellent edging for flower beds:
- Cost – Cinder blocks are very cheap, usually $1-2 each. This allows you to create long borders or encircle large beds without spending much.
- Durability – Cinder blocks are weatherproof, rot-resistant, and very sturdy, allowing them to last for years. You can be confident they won’t degrade or fall over easily.
- Customizability – The modular, stackable nature of cinder blocks means you can make straight borders or get creative with fun shapes Their holes also double as mini planters!
- Availability – Cinder blocks are sold at most home improvement stores, making them easy to source. Salvaging used blocks is also an option to get them free or very cheap.
- Ease of Installation – No special skills or tools needed! Just stack, arrange, and level the blocks – it’s that simple.
- Low Maintenance – Once in place, cinder block borders require no care or upkeep. Just sit back and enjoy your edges.
With the versatility, durability, and cost-effectiveness they provide, it’s easy to see why using cinder blocks is a smart choice for any gardener looking to edge beds on a budget.
How to Install Cinder Block Edging
Installing a cinder block border is quite simple:
Materials Needed:
- Cinder blocks (amount will vary based on length of bed)
- Spade or shovel
- Level
- Gravel, sand, or soil to fill blocks
- Brick mortar (optional)
Steps:
- Plan layout of border and dig shallow trench along perimeter of bed, just deep enough to sink blocks partially into ground. Remove turf if needed.
- Arrange blocks end-to-end in desired pattern in trench. You can keep them upright for a bold border or lay them sideways for a more subtle look.
- Check blocks are level and uniform height above ground. Add more soil beneath blocks as needed to stabilize and level.
- Optional – Use brick mortar between block joints for a permanent bond if desired. Let mortar dry completely.
- Shovel soil, sand, or gravel into block holes to “plant” them in place and prevent weeds. Tamp down well.
- Edge along both sides of border with a spade for a clean finish.
- Start planting and mulching your bed! The cinder block border will keep everything neatly contained.
And that’s it! In just an afternoon, you can install a budget-friendly cinder block edge that will withstand weather, weed growth, and time.
Creative Ways to Use Cinder Block Borders
Beyond a basic straight or curved edge, don’t be afraid to get creative with cinder block patterns and designs:
Stacked Zigzag
Stack blocks in a zigzag line for visual interest. Leave gaps between stacks to plant small flowers or herbs.
Decorative Corners
Use blocks of different heights stacked at corners to make an eye-catching feature.
Faux Stone Wall
Mortar blocks together and cover with a stone-patterned concrete resurfacer for a “stone wall” look.
Stepped Border
Mortar blocks in stair-step layers for a fun tiered garden edge.
Hidden Blocks
For a minimalist look, sink blocks in-ground with just the top edge visible.
Mini Planter Boxes
Arrange blocks hole-side up and fill holes with soil to make built-in planters within the border.
Contrasting Colors
Paint every other block with outdoor paint for contrast. Try brightly colored blocks in a kid’s garden!
Curvy Serpentine
Gently curve border in an S-shape for organic flair. Leave gaps between blocks to tuck in small plants.
The modular nature of blocks means you are only limited by your creativity – stack, arrange, and paint them in infinite ways to make your flower beds truly unique.
Tips for Maintaining Cinder Block Borders
Cinder block borders are pretty much maintenance-free, but here are a few tips to make them last:
- In very cold climates, fill block holes with insulation foam to prevent freeze-thaw damage.
- Use polymeric sand between blocks instead of mortar for a flexible bond that won’t crack.
- Seal painted blocks with outdoor sealer annually to refresh colors.
- Remove any unwanted vegetation growing in seams or holes promptly.
- Inspect borders occasionally for any shifted or settled blocks and re-level as needed.
- Avoid running heavy equipment like lawnmowers over the edge to prevent damage.
With these simple maintenance tips, a cinder block border can enhance your flower beds for 10-15 years or longer!
The Verdict on Cinder Block Flower Bed Edges
If you’re seeking an edging solution that won’t break the bank, is super easy to install, and can be shaped into endless designs, look no further than the humble cinder block. The durability, affordability, and versatility of cinder blocks make them a clever choice to edge flower and garden beds while adding unique style.
With just a few basic materials and tools (and maybe a creative twist here and there!), you can build a border with these budget blocks that will impress and last. Your flowers will thank you for the well-defined, beautifully edged bed you created. So grab some cinder blocks and get ready to re-imagine the edges of your garden on a budget!
1 Cinder Block Garden Walls
If you wish to have a beautiful green lawn and do not wish to interrupt its vastness by placing pots here and there, make a cinder block garden bed on the walls. You will be using the boundary walls of your house and not turning one but three walls of your backyard into vertical gardens. You can either stack pots on top of one another or place pots of plants on shelves. If you wish to distract a person from the grayness of cinder blocks, feel free to plant creepers in these pots and other floral plants.
Cinder Block Planters
Another interesting way of using cinder blocks as pots is to stack them. To do so, make sure that you place a solid base at the bottom of the block so as to make a pot out of it. Prepare all your pots and sow your seeds in them. Once your blocks are ready, stack them on top of each other in an orderly fashion to make them visually appealing. If placed side by side, you will have an elevated and compact cinder block garden bed.
Better Than Stone…BEUTA LANDSCAPE EDGING…Easy To Install, Durable, Attractive, & Priced Right!
FAQ
What flowers grow well in cinder blocks?
From strawberries and herbs to petunias and sunflowers, there’s something on this list for every person’s taste to get their garden started easily and conveniently with cinder blocks.
What is the best border for a flower bed?
Brick garden edging is probably one of the most popular edging options. It is also a prime choice for front yard garden beds. Brick can be quite affordable and configured in a multitude of design layouts. A traditional side-by-side design is easy for a homeowner to do.
How many cinder blocks do I need for a 4×8 garden bed?
20 blocks will give an interior bed area of 4′ x 8′. Leave a side open to bring in the soil until the new bed is filled. No mortar or special installation is necessary unless you desire a bed which is higher than 8″ raised over the surrounding area.
Can cinder blocks be used for a garden bed?
Lay cinder blocks together to create an easy, inexpensive raised garden bed. Framing your garden bed with durable cinder blocks is more affordable than using natural stone, and they last longer than wood. Here, the blocks are capped with concrete paving stones to create an elevated look to this inexpensive garden edging around the plantings.
What is a cinder block garden?
Cinder block gardens are a great way to grow fresh vegetables and flowers in a small space. These blocks are inexpensive and can be used to create many different styles and patterns. We will show you how they can be used to create garden beds, planters, retaining walls, outdoor decorative accents, and more below.
How big is a cinder block garden bed?
A typical cinder block is 8 x 8 x 16 inches. Let’s figure out how much a 4 x 8 garden needs. Modify the math to meet your own desired cinder block garden bed size. Use wooden stakes to mark off the edges of your bed, then tie a length of string or thin rope to the Stakes to mark off the perimeter of the bed.
How do you make a cinder block garden bed?
Modify the math to meet your own desired cinder block garden bed size. Use wooden stakes to mark off the edges of your bed, then tie a length of string or thin rope to the Stakes to mark off the perimeter of the bed. Assess the ground in your area to determine how to prepare it for the bed.
What can you plant in a cinder block garden?
Fill in the center of the bed with topsoil. Now that you’ve done the work, you can plant any flowers, plants, herbs, and vegetables you desire and enjoy your new garden. You can grow just about anything you want to in a cinder block garden, provided you’ve got the right amount of sun exposure.
How do you use cinder blocks in a garden?
Check out these clever cinder block garden ideas so you can start making your own backyard additions that are durable, affordable, and impressive. Make your own outdoor side table with cinder blocks to upgrade your patio furniture. Stack the blocks to create a sturdy base for your table, then top with a concrete slab.