Home»Garden»Raised Garden Beds

Last update on August 9 , 2023

Are you dreaming of homegrown veggies , herb , and flowers – but the only outer space you have for a garden bed is on concrete , a patio , or other arduous surface ? Or perhaps you ’re like us and have a skillful - sized yard , but desire to maximize growing place by adding raised garden beds on your hardscape areas as well . possibly your terrace is but the sunniest spot you have . No matter the grounds , I to the full support your campaign to produce   – wherever you may !

A raised garden bed sits on top of asphalt, three tomato plants are growing inside the bed.

say along to learn confidential information and best praxis for work up a raised garden bed on concrete or other strong impervious surfaces . In this example , I ’ll show you how we prepped a new woodwind instrument raise garden bottom to go on top of our asphalt driveway . We ’ll talk about important concern such asdrainage , dirt retention , and soil quality .

Finally , we ’ll also cover alternative options for putting planter box on hard surfaces – such as ego - stop good deal and bed .   If you ’re not up for building your own , check outthis awesome selection of rarified raised garden bed kitsfrom Gardener ’s Supply .

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An espaliered apple tree in a 3x2 foot planter box on concrete. There is pint glass of a beverage on the corner of the bed that only has about 1/4 left and a chicken flanks the other side on the ground.

Getting Started: Evaluate Your Space

Before you go slapping together a raised bed and plopping it down on your terrace , take a moment to think about your space . As with any garden quad , an ideal location should receivefull sun(or as much as potential ) . It should also be fairlylevel . Even more , building a erect garden layer on top of concrete or other gruelling imperviable surface bring about a whole new set of consideration . What is the hard surface like ? Can it do by the moisture and weight of a grievous raised garden bed ?

For representative , if you ’re hop to add raised garden beds on top of a nice wood deck , the style of bed I ’m going to show you in this article may not be the best choice – which sits correctly on the terra firma and drains from the bottom . alternatively , you ’d likely want toprotect your deckby using an elevated raise bed kit , or one that has a solid bottom and hold in drain organisation . In that slip , See the “ Alternative Options ” section at the death of this article .

On the other hand , the step we used to qualify our newest driveway garden bed will work well on top of concrete , asphalt , pavers , or like surfaces . If and when you ever decide to move the garden seam , it may have somediscolorationbelow . Yet a pressure washer should be able to dispatch it !

An empty space of pavement that is along the side of a fence. This is a perfect area for a raised garden bed on concrete.

Drainage & Water

All garden beds demand good drainage , include raised garden beds installed on hard surfaces ! Soggy soil and drowning roots lead to distressed , unhealthy plants . Therefore , it is not a good idea to add a secure solid bottom on your seam . That is , unless there are plenty of drainage holes , an inner drainage organisation , or it otherwise has the power to freely drain excess wet from the soil . On the other hand , I do n’t necessarily suggest couch soil directly on top of concrete . ( You ’ll see what I mean in our drive seam illustration and “ containing the stain ” section below . )

There is a common misconception that putting a raise garden layer on concrete or other gruelling surfaces will prevent it from draining well . The contrary is in reality true , as long as the layer is open on the bottom!A well - build up raised garden bed on concrete will actually drain quicker than one sitting snugly down within the soil of your yard . Therefore , you may even find the need to water a garden bed on concrete more often than others , like most container horticulture . Especially since the surrounding concrete may slightly conjure the soil temperature , increase drying up and drying as well .

Well , supernumerary overspill from your raised bottom will run to whereverrain waterusually collects on your hard open . For example , if you have a drain system , a slight slope to direct water catamenia off the sharpness , or a depressed area where water usually collects – that is where the overabundance raise bottom H2O will go too . However , that does n’t needs mean a ton of water is going to be flowing out of your beds all the metre !

The understory of a planted out raised bed is shown. Mulched with compost and woody bark material. A shower of water is coming down in between the plants from a watering can.

With a combination of tailor watering practices ( not too much ! ) , quality dirt ( one with both adequate drainage but also in force moisture retention ) , and the right bed pinnacle ( taller is better!),your garden bed should be able-bodied to retain most of the water you provide it . When you irrigate your Modern raised garden bottom , put up enough water to keep the soil systematically weaken . On the other hand , avoid tearing so much that water issue forth swarm out from the bottom . You ’ll incur your channel .

Most common veggie flora need a lower limit of 12 inch of filth to grow with child and healthy . The more space for base , land , and food – the effective ! In fact , many plants prefer 18 to 24 inches or deeper , including tomatoes , carrots , common pepper , eggplant , and even kale . With a traditional in - ground garden or raise beds open to the soil below , radical can grow cryptic and uninhibited . In contrast , putting a rear garden bed on concrete is basically like creating a gravid jackpot or container . The root ( and oecumenical plant wellness ) are trammel to what space you provide it .

All that said , I suggest a minimum depth of 12 inches ( preferably 18 ” ) for any raised bed that will be put on a surd surface . In gain to increasingroot space , providing plenteous depth and soil willreduce water runoffand keep the ground moist longer . The seam we built in the example below is 18 inches , or three 2×6 ” boards magniloquent . stack four 2×6 ” board to make a 22 to 24 - in mysterious bed is also great , but will take a lot more soil to fill .

Soil Choice

When it comes to filling a garden bed on concrete , induct in high - quality soil and compost to help compensate for the shallower radical blank . We fill up the novel driveway bed with the same soil and compost mixture we satisfy all of our raised bed with . you’re able to find out about build the idealistic constitutive grime in detail inthis clause . In a nutshell , we apply a combination ofhigh - quality bagged soils , bagged compost , and homemade compost . When replete many orotund beds at once , we also have bulk land and compost cede .

The saint raise bed soil is productive in nutrients and constitutive issue . It should permit for adequate drainage , but also have dear moisture retention properties . Do not use “ potting soil ” only . It is quite fluffy and will debilitate and dry out too fast . I advise using a combination of some potting soil , some general planting or kick upstairs bed mixing , and batch of compost . Compost is cardinal ! Compost andworm castingswill help greatly with wet retention . You do n’t want all the water and food to run right out of the bottom of the bed ! Mulching the soil control surface also increases moisture retentiveness and reduces your need to water as frequently .

peculiar about compost?Learn composting rudiments ( and 6 different way to compost at home ) inthis clause . Or control out our detailedvermicomposting 101 articleto learn all about composting with worm !

The corner of a garden patio that has been lined with garden beds around a concrete patio. There are tomatoes and eggplant planted in the beds along with a small agave in a tall ceramic pot. There is a trellis in one of the beds that contains a passion fruit vine. Beyond lies the rest of the yard with various trees and chickens pecking around in the ground.

Containing the Soil

It is n’t the best idea to summate soil direct into a garden bottom right away on top of concrete . Why?For one , some of thesoil will seep and wash outfrom the bottom of the bed . That will make a huge lot around your seam control surface . It will also slow reduce the amount of grime in the layer exclusively .   Also , concrete isalkalinewhile most garden dirt is neutral to mildly acidic . I have learn it may slenderly increase the pH of your soil over clip when in direct middleman with concrete .

accordingly , the best way we have ascertain to check the soil within a put up garden bed on top of concrete is to create a sturdy “ basketful ” for the soil within the forest frame of the bed . That is , in position of lend a self-coloured bottom to the bed . We ’ll also talk more about solid - bottom raised beds in the Alternative Options section near the ending of this article .

Now , countenance me show you what I intend …

Hands are cupped together containing dark, rich soil that contains a few worms. There are various greens such as dandelion greens and chard growing in the background.

Building a Wood Raised Garden Bed to Install on Concrete

Step 1: Build or Obtain a Raised Garden Bed Frame

First , you demand to build ( or otherwise get ) a wood provoke garden bed shape for your distance . If you need any pointer here , please agree out our detailed“How to Design & Build a Raised Garden Bed”tutorial . There is even a step - by - step video included ! For our fresh drive raised bed , we only used our standard bed pattern – butmodified the bottomand installation . The dimensions in this deterrent example are 6 pes farseeing , 20 inches wide and 18 inches marvelous . We require to keep it quite narrow so I would n’t hit it with my car belong in and out of the drive !

remark that the follow steps will work well as - described below with a wood seam frame that is about2 or 3 foot wide . For beds wide of the mark than 3 feet , I evoke you consider contribute a couple wood cross - beams along the bottom of the seam . They will help oneself tolerate the weight of the soil on top of the fencing and landscape textile we ’re kick the bucket to add next . Sorry , I do n’t have a picture but I did my adept to draw what I intend ! See below . Use a durable woodwind such as cedar tree or redwood 2×4 ” or 2×6 ” boards . instal them within the frame ( flush or just up from the ground level ) NOT attached to the outer bottom of the bed frame . That would inhibit your layer from posture vapid on the ground . Make sensory faculty ?

Step 2: Line the Bottom with Hardware Cloth

Next , we are going to line the inside bottom of the raised bed frame with hardware cloth wire fence material . The hardware cloth do as asturdy and undestroyable bottomfor the bed , which landscape framework will lay on top of next . Without hardware cloth , landscape textile alone would easy rip under the weightiness of the soil . It would also be promiscuous to accidentally tear the textile open on rough basis , such as when you ’re setting the seam in piazza or if you ever move it .

For this step , I extremely suggest using hardware cloth over something like chicken conducting wire . Galvanized hardware clothwon’t rusting , is exceedingly strong and long - durable . In contrast , chicken telegram sags , rust , and breaks down over sentence .   The gauge and golf hole size of it of the hardware cloth does n’t matter all that much . We usedthis 2 - base spacious 1/2 ” open hardware cloth , thoughwider rollsare available too .

trueness be enjoin , we put hardware textile under all of our garden beds , including those in the grunge . gopher are a real problem here , and it stops them from getting in the beds and eating everything ! It is also the material we practice for predatory animal - proof ourchicken coopand running .

A newly made raised garden bed made out of redwood. It is sitting next to already made garden beds that have cabbage planted in them and another with fava beans. This is a made to be a garden bed on concrete.

Create a wire basket bottom

Usingaviation snipsor alloy snip , abridge the computer hardware textile in a personal manner that gives you a few redundant inch of slack string up over every side of the layer . With the layer sitting right - side - up , place the ironware cloth on top of the layer . Bend up each side to follow the flesh of the bed , and thenpress it down into the seam . seek to keep an even amount of slack on all sides . Then carefully form the computer hardware cloth conducting wire bottom to agree the inside of the bed . The corners get a routine ill at ease . Just do your best to meld and bend the wire to be as flush as potential with the woods . Wear good poke - proof gloves ! I ’ve also receive it helpful to stand inside the seam and step on the conducting wire to beseech it into place .

Why do n’t we just attach it to the bottom side of the seam frame , you ask?I think , you certainly could . Yet in my experience , conducting wire seize to the bottom edgepops easy more easilyfrom the weighting of the soil pushing down on it liken to telegram bond on the inside paries of the layer . You fuck , physical science . Also , a altogether flat telegram bottom does n’t make the same type of “ basket ” we ’re aspire for , and may not debilitate quite as well .

Attach the hardware cloth

Now , go around the perimeter of the hardware cloth andsecure itto the lower inside wall of the bed every 6 inch or so . We usedwide - headway cabinet screws , lay in a way that take in and swipe the computer hardware textile in home . You could also apply galvanized uranium - nails or poultry staple fiber . prospicient staples may influence too , but could also pop loose more easily .

Step 3: Add Durable Landscape Fabric

Once the bottom telegram basket is in place , add a layer ( or two ) of commercial-grade - obligation landscape fabric on top of it . This is what willkeep the dirt insideyour bed , but also allow for for excellent drain ! I emphasize choosingcommercial - dutyor high - character landscape material because there is a bunch of inexpensive crap out there . And I do n’t just mean “ gaudy ” as cheap ; I meanpoorly made . The uncouth tenuous stretchable black plastic - corresponding clobber will rip into tatter over time and make a huge crude spate . Two I paint a picture arethis oneorthis choice .

impart the landscape material to the inside bottom of the bottom in a similar fashion as the hardware cloth . We had a roll of 4 - foot wide landscape painting cloth , so we folded it in half to create a duple level in the just - under 2 infantry broad layer . It is important to lead the material very looserather than taut , to supply give as it rest against the hardware cloth for support . The role of the material is to prevent soil from leaking from the bottom , but it should not be responsible for bearing the weight unit of the stain . That is the ironware cloth ’s caper . Because there should n’t be much weight pulling down on the material , we just used astaple gunto secure the fabric in place around the inside dispirited circumference of the bed .

Step 4: Place & Fill Your Bed!

Ta - da ! Your new raised bed is all prepped and ready to be installed in its unexampled hardscape home . determine the bed in spot , as level as potential . Make certain you like the location before filling it with grease ! Now , add soil to the bed , taking care to keep the fabric affluent against the inside of the bed as you go . speak of taking care … remember to be gentle and dig only softly in this bed , now and in the hereafter .

We are huge rooter ofno - till gardeninghere anyways , so we do n’t think on digging path down into the soil any fourth dimension before long in any event . But if you do demand to do any excavation , use caution to not circumstantially rend open your cloth bottom . It is n’t the goal of the world if it gets a small rip . To learn more about ongoing soil charge for your raised bed , crack outthis articleabout how we amend and fertilize our raise bed before plant ( or between season ) using a no - till method .

Alternate Options

If this style and lesson does n’t work in your spot for whatever reason , there are still a TON of other options to garden on a terrace , deck , balcony , driveway , or other hardscapes !

Raised Bed Kits

For instance , there are several caliber kick upstairs raise bed kits out there . Some have drain holes that you could add drip pans underneath , in effect protect the surface below . Others have a in full solid bottom and an internal drainage collection system , and you may channelize runoff with a hosepipe or valve . tally out the amazing selection ofelevated invoke bed kits from Gardener ’s Supply here . VegepodsandEarthboxare extra case of a to the full - contained systems , and would be great on a deck of cards or balcony .

Other DIY options

kit aside , there are also many other DIY raised bed variations from what I share here today . In fact , we have built our touchstone kick upstairs seam design and added a wood bottom on a few occasion ! See the photos of our tree box seat below . The bottom is fundamentally strong , made of the same redwood 2×6 ” dining table used for the residuum of the box . We drilled several large half - in drain holes in the bottom , before lining the interior with landscape fabric and total soil . We chose this manner because we wanted to bring up the small bed onheavy - duty article of furniture dollieswith wheel , making them fluid . Otherwise , we in person avoid add up wood bottoms since they do of necessity subdue some drainage and are prone to rotting over metre .

You could utilize the same design and melodic theme as our solid - bottom rolling boxes , but prop the seam up on brick alternatively . Then , a drip tray can slide under and in line with the drain hole . However , keep in mind that some water will still leak from the seams in the control panel . Yet it will be more hard from the large drainage holes .

I am untrusting to suggest adding legs to a raised seam , unless you design it very carefully . For example , using inadequate 4×4 ” posts supported with alloy braces . Do NOT underestimate the uttermost weight unit of timber and soil , specially once it is wet ! The dollies we apply for our rolling boxes are rated up to 1500 pounds .   Plan to make beds that you bid to get up on leg or dollies smaller than ones you ’d put on the earth ( either in depth , or width and duration ) .

A handwritten sketch of a 4 foot wide bed, emphasizing that if you create a garden bed on concrete that is this wide or more, you should place additional boards on the bottom of the bed for support. These boards are highlighted in yellow while the rest of the 3D square image is in blue ink.

Containers & Pots

Finally , there is the whole encompassing humanity of container garden out there . There is nothing wrong with grow matter in pots . We heavily rely on material pots orgrow bagsto supplement our provoke bed gardening space . Truthfully , we prefer the mobility and added benefits ( such as “ air pruning ” ) of grow bag over recruit beds for many of our crop , include togrow potatoes . Heck , they even makeraised bedsout of grow udder material ! We also employ half wine-colored barrels as planting containers , with drainage trap add to the bottom . fundamentally , any container with drain can be used to raise food !

And that is how you build a raised garden bed to put on concrete.

Or perhaps I should say … how we wish to do it ! Clearly , there aremanydifferent way you’re able to garden on top of hard surfaces . With a small creativity , nutrient can be grow in more places than most citizenry imagine ! I go for this article gave you good deal of unexampled thought for your space . Please let me know if you have any question . well-chosen planning , edifice , and growing .

A three part image collage, the first image shows a raised garden bed with a section of hardware cloth covering the top of it. The second image shows the hardware cloth bent upwards at the edges so it will fit inside the bed. The third image shows the hardware cloth pushed down into the bottom of the bed, the sides of the hardware cloth are bent upwards, creating a four inch liner around the inside of the bed.

A three part image collage, the first image shows the inner wall of a raised bed and the hardware cloth affixed to the side with a few screws. The second image shows a close up of the screws used and in the background there are a few screws that have been screwed into the side, connecting the hardware cloth to the wood. The third image shows a zoomed out image of the inside of the garden bed where there are various screws throughout the inside, connecting the hardware cloth with the wood, creating a bottom for a raised garden bed on concrete.

A four part image collage, the first image shows a raised garden bed with a roll of landscape fabric on top of it. The second image shows it being lined on the inner portion of the raised bed. The third image shows a staple gun and a few staples where it was affixed to the inside of the bed. The fourth image shows a few corners of the raised bed and how the fabric was attached to the inner walls.

The bottom of a raised garden bed is shown with its hardware cloth bottom lined with weed fabric to keep the soil inside when it’s used as a garden bed on concrete.

A garden bed on concrete with three young tomato plants planted in it. They are along a wooden fence, a great place to work with in limited space.

A two part collage, the first image shows a newly made wooden planter that is at least 3x2 feet tall and wide flipped upside down with a moving dolly placed on the bottom. The secon image shows the the planter box flipped right side up, it has been lined with weed fabric to keep the soil inside the planter box and it is filled halfway with soil.

The side of a blue house has a few garden bed on concrete next to it. An espaliered apple tree is in a tall wooden box planter and a half wine barrel contains a pineapple guava shrub. There are various cacti planted in ceramic pots throughout the area.

A half wine barrel is flipped upside down, it has four wheels (casters) attached to the bottom and nine 1/2 inch holes drilled into the bottom. A perfect a perfect mobile garden bed on concrete.

DeannaCat signature, keep on growing