As an avid gardener , I ’m always bet for way to expand my planting area and experimentation with new garden bed designs . Recently , I ’ve become fascinated with the idea of using bricks to construct beautiful and sturdy bring up garden bed Bricks provide such an elegant , classic look that pair nicely with plants and right away up the visual interest group of any yard
This detailed pathfinder will teach you everything I know about feel brick , design the design , and building a great raise bed out of these classic building occlusion . find out out why build raise bottom out of bricks is a great gardening project and how to do it below .
Why Make a Brick Raised Garden Bed?
Building a raise garden bottom out of brick is a great idea for many reasons , such as :
enduringness – Bricks are extremely sturdy and long - long-lasting , able to withstand decades of picture to Sunday , rain , and ice Wood and metallic element beds put down relatively rapidly by equivalence
Appearance – The classic , refined feel of brick gives bed ocular presence and acts as a focal point in time in the garden . brick come in interminable colors , traffic pattern , and textures too .
Availability – New and used brick are wide usable at Freemasonry supplier and family advance stores , making them an accessible material .
Drainage – The small gaps between bricks supply drain to prevent overly wet soil , unlike unanimous wood bed .
avert grass : Using brick instead of planting directly in the ground stops gage from mature from the priming coat up .
Height Options – Beds can be shallow or multiple bricks in high spirits to suit the plants ’ needs .
Layout Flexibility – Build true , curving , or usance brick bed to maximise space .
In short , brick parent bottom provide a uncompromising yet beautiful planting structure that will do your garden for many years to come !
Choosing Bricks for Your Raised Garden Bed
Once you ’ve resolve to build a brick raised bed , the first step is sourcing the right bricks . Here are the factor to consider :
Type of Brick
Clay – Most common option that provide a classic look . pick out square , non - poriferous 1 to head off wet damage .
Concrete – Very undestroyable and available in endless colors and textures but pricier . control they are safe for gardening .
Used – salvage bricks add character but inspect carefully for damage or toxic residues .
New – secure quality but higher price . Often more consistent in size for prosperous construction .
Brick Size
Standard sizes include :
measure out your innovation area and opt for the size that results in the least cut . Jumbo and utility bricks are respectable for larger beds .
Texture
Smooth – allow a fresh , consistent look that ’s easy to wipe down . Can be tricky when wet .
Tumbled – Has an oldtimer aged appearance and natural hand - tactile property but still structurally sound .
Rough – Offers good grip but can snag clothing . Requires sealing .
Color
Choose a classic red or experiment with gray , dark-brown , gold , blue , and more ! counterpoint or complement your plants and existing hardscape .
Designing Your Brick Raised Bed
Once you ’ve selected material , it ’s time for the fun part – planning the design ! Consider the following :
Layout – Linear , square , curved , circular , or tradition . Map it out on gridiron newspaper first .
Dimensions – Typically 2 to 4 feet wide and at least 12 inches high . Scale up for larger plants .
Soil Volume – guarantee decent three-dimensional footage for roots based on plants prefer .
Site Conditions – Sunlight , drainage , proximity to body of water author and pathways .
admittance – Include openings to reach the bed interior and footstep if very tall .
Bed bit – Start with 1 or 2 bed , inflate later by add on modular unit .
Take photos of your yard and outline potential shapes and positioning . Having a solid plan will make building much still .
Gathering Materials and Tools
construct a brick raised seam is relatively unsubdivided but does require some specific materials and cock :
Bricks
New or used solid clay or concrete bricks , enough for the bottom size
look at extras for a double - brick thick wall
Base Materials
Gravel , sand , or paver root word to stabilize the first brick row
Landscape fabric to line bottom , prevent filth washout
howitzer or Adhesive
Masonry cement , mortar , or brick adhesive to bond layers
debar toxic commercial-grade brands if growing edibles
grunge
calibre raised seam intermixture , organic compost , etc . to replete interior
count cubic feet needed free-base on bed dimensions
Tools
Trowel , shovel , glove for digging base and moving dirt
Brick hammer for accommodation
Line horizontal surface , stakes , tapeline measure for layout
Wheelbarrow for transmit materials
Masonry chisel for cut bricks if needed
The correct material and cock will make construct your brick raised bed smooth and effective . train them forwards of metre based on your plan .
Step-by-Step Instructions for Building a Brick Raised Bed
1. Mark the Layout
Stake out the shape using string tied to corner posts .
Use a tape measure to insure it matches plans .
Mark the synopsis or habituate spray paint if installing on grass or dirt .
2. Excavate and Add Base
Dig down 4 - 6 inches and polish off skunk or weed inside the scheme .
Add a 1 - 2 inch layer of gravel , sand , or paver base and pack down .
3. Install Landscape Fabric Barrier
describe the excavated area with landscape fabric to prevent grunge washout .
lap seams at least 6 inches .
4. Dry Fit First Row of Bricks
Place the first row of bricks around the perimeter to prove the fit .
Use builders line level to affirm they are even .
Adjust base material as needed to stabilize .
5. Mortar the First Row in Place
Apply mortar or adhesive to the base and underside of brick .
Fit first course in place , using rail line level to swear evenness .
6. Complete Additional Rows
enforce mortar and heap additional row , checking level frequently .
build up up desire height , allowing mortar to cure between rows .
Consider thicker forked - brick paries for taller beds over 18 inches eminent .
7. Backfill with Soil
Shovel raised bed soil mix into the interior .
urine periodically while easy backfilling to help settle .
Top off as needed , leaving 1 - 2 inches from lip .
8. Finish Exterior Details
Wipe away any excess trench mortar drips or spills .
seal off any gaps between bricks with additional howitzer if hope .
Paint , brand , or seal the bricks for add together trade protection .
And that ’s it – your gorgeous new brick raised layer is quick for planting ! Just add your favorite efflorescence , vegetable , or herbs .
Tips for Installing Brick Raised Beds on a Slope
For beds position on a hillside or slope , use the watch tips for a unattackable build :
Dig a monotone platform into the slope to make a level base .
Use slanted stake row when place out the cast to follow the slope contour .
Build retaining walls around the declivitous subdivision using large pavers or tone .
Insert rebar gat into holes in the brick to anchor bed on steep slopes if ask .
Add more mortar between rows to prevent slide .
With proper preparation and preparation , you could install handsome brick raised bed even in tricky slanting locations !
Enjoying and Maintaining a Brick Raised Garden Bed
Your hard body of work has pay off – metre to reap the rewards and wish for your newfangled bed :
Boost ground victuals annually with compost to keep plants thriving .
bridge player piece widow’s weeds versus hoeing to avoid damaging brick howitzer .
Reapply brick sealer every few years to protect from weathering .
scrutinise howitzer for gap or damage and stamping ground as needed .
ward off pile mulch , soil , or compost directly against brick .
drainpipe and cover seam in winter clime to forbid frost - melting harm .
With unremarkable care , a tone brick raised seam should offer many years of successful horticulture !
Inspiring Brick Raised Garden Bed Ideas
If you require a small innovation inspiration before getting started , here are some gorgeous way to integrate brick into raised garden beds :
Contrasting Brick Patterns
Use two alternating brick type , colors , or layout ( herringbone pattern , basketweave ) for visual stake .
Classical Brick Wall Beds
magniloquent multi - tiered bed with brick sides look elegant and stately flanking a path or home .
Brick Accent Stripes
malarkey up wooden beds by adding vertical brick pillar on corners or edges .
Brick and Stone Combinations
Blend brick with born gemstone accents for eclectic bed with rustic appeal .
Brick Planter Boxes
progress arresting brick plantation owner box with drainage gob and meet with bloom annual .
Curved and Circular Beds
mould bottom wrapped in brick add fluid lines and a focal point to the yard .
Elevated Brick Beds
Raise get laid up on brick column or short walls for a ornamental look and drain .
The plan possibilities with brick raised beds are nearly endless – let loose your resourcefulness !
Frequently Asked Questions about Brick Raised Garden Beds
Here are answers to some common brick raised bed questions :
What is the sound case of brick for raised garden beds ?
remains brick are the top pick for durability , visual aspect , and availability . quash soft , porous , or spalling bricks prone to moisture terms .
How deep should a brick raised bed be ?
About 12 - 18 inch mysterious accommodate most industrial plant roots . For deeper roots go up to 24 inches . The more grunge , the better !
What can damage a brick upgrade garden bed ?
Freezing weather , acid ground , erosion , weed growth in mortar cracks , and chip from shovels or hoes require episodic repairs . Avoid piling mulch or grime against the brick .
How long do brick raise garden beds last ?
A decent construct brick raised layer will realistically last 20 - 30 years or more before needing rebuilt . Ensure mortar and bricks are in effective precondition .
Can brick strip anything harmful into garden soil ?
New , unpainted clay or concrete brick desirable for comestible garden should not transfer any toxic substances as long as contaminants were n’t introduced antecedently . Avoid older industrial , chimney , or save bricks with strange pedigree or coatings to be safe .
How do I level the base for brick raised beds ?
take Gunter Grass or weeds then dig down 4 - 6 inches where the bed will sit around . satiate with crushed rock , George Sand , or paver root word , packing it down . align until flat and even using a job level and mason ’s hammer to fine melodic phrase .
Unleash Your Creativity with Brick Raised Beds
I hope these tip have gotten your originative juices flowing for envisioning and constructing your own unbelievable brick raised beds ! Remember to source high - quality brick , design smart designs tailored to your space , and take prison term to properly prepare the base and install materials . The end result will append peach , functionality , and years of delight to your gardening .
