How to build a cinder block planter box is a perfect solution if you are not afraid to get your hands dirty.
The DIY cinder block planter wall, which I am about to explain to you in a moment, is a straightforward and enjoyable moment for the builder because it is very cheap and straightforward.
How to build a breeze block planter box is a way to make your garden more attractive without spending a fortune.
You can quickly become disillusioned when you see the price of PVC planters. You can also check out the types of planters to see for yourself.
Read also How To Build A Planter Outdoor with Bricks.
Brief Important About Building A Cinder Block Planter
Building a cinder block planter is essential; you will benefit from it after you build your custom planter.
1. A cinder block planter is cheap, easy to maintain, and customisable when building.
2. A built cinder block planter can add volume to a space that is often very flat and monotonous.
3. Your custom-built cinder block planter can serve a different purpose. Whether it’s a simple flowerpot-sized container or a full three-tier planter, you only need a few tools and a little elbow grease.
4. If you make your planter correctly, The cinder block planters will easily last twenty or even thirty years without repair.
5. A cinder block planter is ideal for the outdoors. Robust is sized according to your needs, and nothing prevents you from integrating it into existing buildings or other structures.
Also, read How To Make A Hanging Planter
What Is Cinder Block Planter Used For? | Cinder Block Planter
A cinder block planter is ideal for the outdoors as cinder block planters are used for gardening and landscaping.
Cinder blocks (or concrete blocks) are used to build a container or raised bed for growing plants such as flowers, herbs, vegetables, or shrubs.
Below are some common uses and benefits of cinder block planters:
1. Cinder block planters are used for Gardening in Limited Spaces: the cinder block planter helps where yard space is restricted, such as urban balconies or tiny patios,
2. Cinder block planters are used for Raised Bed Gardening: raising a bed garden in Cinder block planters provides several advantages like better soil drainage and aeration. And they can be more accessible for gardening, reducing the need to bend over or kneel.
3. Cinder block planters are used for Customizable Design: Cinder block planters come in various shapes and sizes. To fit the need of the Gardeners
4. The cinder block planters are used for Erosion Control. In some places where erosion disturbs, the cinder block planters can serve as retaining walls, preventing soil from washing away.
5. Decorative Landscaping: Cinder block planters can serve as a design for landscaping in our environment.
Also, read how to build and plant in cinder blocks[link]
6. Temporary Gardens: If you occupy a rental property or want a temporary gardening solution, then cinder block planters can be easily dismantled whenever you want.
Also, learn How Often Should Bonsai Be Watered.
Tool And Martial To Building A Cinder Block Planter
Building a cinder block planter is undoubtedly an operation within everyone’s reach, but it cannot be improvised. It is essential not to skip the steps and start the site only when you have all the tools.
Here is what you will need to make your cinder block planter:
- A wheelbarrow ;
- One or more trowels;
- A shovel ;
- A spirit level;
- Some thread [line rope] ;
- Wooden stakes;
- Concrete iron (diam. 6 mm) (or even a running sole);
- Cement;
- Concrete blocks (50 cm x 15 cm x 20 cm in our case).
How To Build A Cinder Block Planter Box: Steps To Building A Cinder Block Planter
Steps1: How To Build A Breeze Block Planter Box: Preparing The Foundations For The Cinder Block Planters
Before building your cinder block planters, you must first lay the foundations. Either you decide to build your breeze block planter box on a pre-existing terrace section; in this case, you will only have to clean the surface.
Either you decide to build your planter directly in the green spaces. In this case, the construction of foundations will be mandatory. this is how to build a raised bed planter with cinder block.
As far as the foundations are concerned, two solutions are available to you:
- Either make a raft and in this case, you will have to make sure to create one or more evacuations directly at ground level in the walls;
- Or make soles that will ensure that the soil of your planter is in direct contact with the ground, thus making the construction of mouths for the flow of water useless.
In my case, I will create a rectangular footing 2 meters long by 50 cm side with a thickness of 20 cm. Also, learn How To Make A Garden In A Wooden Planter.
The operation is more straightforward than creating a raft, requiring less time, materials, and effort. Plus, you’ll be much more likely to have your planter level. Here are the construction steps:
- Trace the foundations and plant vertical stakes to symbolize the trench. Connect everything with wire.
- Dig the trench to a depth of 15 cm around the entire perimeter of the route. Make sure to keep a constant depth. Then tamp the bottom to stabilize it.
💡 NOTE:
Regarding the width of your sole, consider 2-3 cm wider on each side than the thickness of your blocks.
You can still enlarge the sole, but in our case and given the weight of the whole, it will not be helpful.
- Install thickness markers in the corners (wooden stakes) driven about 5 cm into the ground and ensure the head is perfectly level.
- Lay your slip footing at the bottom of the trench and start pouring lean concrete. When you reach halfway up, slightly lift the reinforcement / the strip footing using a rake.
Then pour the entire foundation during the day and let it sit for 1 to 2 days.
💡 NOTE:
Lean concrete is obtained with a measure of 1 to 5: 1 cement volume for five sand volumes. Also, learn How To Make A Vertical Planter.
Step 2: Building Your Cinder Block Planter
Once your foundation is ready and the concrete has dried well, it’s time to start building your planter with cinder blocks.
Start by laying the first row of breeze blocks along your path. Use a conventional cement-based mortar to secure the first row.
💡 NOTE:
Always keep a mason’s line to keep the level; it will simplify your task and prevent you from building learning if you only use the spirit level.
Also, learn How To Make A Vertical Succulent Garden.
Then plant concrete iron at each corner of this first row of concrete blocks and continue the construction by laying a second row.
When you have completed this second step, you stop and decide to have a planter 40 cm high or add a row to reach 60 cm. Let the concrete dry for 1-2 days.
When your planter is ready, fill it with rubble and rotten wood or BRF (Ramial chipped wood) halfway up and add topsoil. All you need to do is add your plants.
Now you are finished building a cinder block garden. Let me introduce to you the necessary thing to do after buying or building your planter.
After learning How to build a cinder block planter box You must prepare the planter for planting whenever a planter is being built or bought.
Click here to learn how to prepare a planter for planting, be it any planter (outdoor or indoor).
Step 3: How To Build A Cinder Block Planter Box: Dressing Up A Cinder Block Planter
Now you have a cinder block planter; you must dress it up. For this, several techniques are available to you:
- Wooden cladding: wood is a safe bet; install wooden slats around the edge of your planter. It’s up to you whether it’s noble wood or leftover pallets.
You can decide to buy a wooden cladding that you will only have to assemble yourself.
- Stone cladding: stone cladding assembled with mortar proves to be an excellent solution. It can be made using purchased or salvaged stones.
- Metal casing: in rusty metal plates, zinc or stainless steel, it’s up to you, but the price is likely to climb very quickly.
Also, learn How To Make Fabric Pots
Conclusion
How to build a cinder block planter box is very easy. If only you follow the step I provide in this blog post, there are a few things I want you to remember.
The foundation of a cinder block planter is essential as it is responsible for the long-lastingness of your planter. Check out types of planters according to their materials
As I said earlier, a breeze-block planter can last as long as 20 years or more. It is essential to follow the proper process and use quality material to get the last mess of your planter.
Remember to add a drainage hole in your planter and prepare the plant for planting this is How to build a cinder block planter box. Learn more about preparing a planter.
Also, read How To Make A Planter With Sleepers Wood
