Building a raised garden bed on concrete is an exciting opportunity. However, many gardeners rightfully question the efficacy of such a thing. Since the beds are built on concrete, the roots of plants may not be able to extend very deep. There are also other questions relating to the soil and the annual regeneration of soil.
In this article we’re going to talk about how you can build and use a raised bed on concrete. We’ll share some of the pros & cons of this type of garden bed so you can decide for yourself if this is something you’d like to do.
What Is a Raised Garden Bed on Concrete? Why Use One?
A raised garden bed is a structure designed to grow plants. Raised garden beds are often used in places where there is little access to ground soil, such as properties without lawns. This style allows people to grow fruits, vegetables, flowers, and anything else on their patios, on concrete, on rooftops – anywhere that a solid foundation can be laid.
Raised beds are most often made from wood, but they can also be built from other materials like bricks or concrete. Since wooden raised beds are the most common, we’ll mostly be referring to them in this article.
Building a Raised Bed on Concrete
Building a raised bed on concrete is not very difficult, though we won’t be able to provide you with a complete tutorial here. Tutorials with video guides are available on home gardening websites and hardware store information pages.
However, you need to construct the garden bed first. This is done by measuring the area that you intend to place the garden and cutting the lumber to match your specifics.
Once you’ve connected the lumber and placed it on the concrete, you can fill it with soil and begin planting.
Pros & Cons of a Raised Garden Bed on Concrete
There are some pros & cons of this style of gardening.
Pros:
- You can garden somewhere that would otherwise be impossible
- You have complete control over soil quality
- Raised beds are often more ergonomic and can make injuries less likely, especially for older gardeners
- Many find raised beds are easier for managing pests
- Raised beds are less likely to get infested with weeds, and they’re also easier to maintain
- Raised garden beds can make a property look nice
Cons:
- Raised garden beds require additional costs and materials compared to ground gardening
- If you aren’t comfortable with tools & construction you may need to hire someone
- Raised garden beds will eventually require replacement
- The shape of your garden beds are often limited by your lumber and materials
- You may find that there are some plants you can’t grow in a raised garden bed
Conclusion
Using a raised garden bed on concrete is a great way to garden in an area where you might otherwise not be able to garden. However, building a raised bed requires some construction finesse.
If you think that a raised bed is a good fit for you, then don’t hesitate to start building one!
