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Concrete base

EmmaS234EmmaS234 Posts: 14
in Problem solving
I've finally moved into my new garden (house!) and have just discovered the spot I want my new "exotic garden" is actually a very shallow raised bed built on the slab base for an old greenhouse. 

There is deep soil around the edges but the inner section is approx 6" deep soil and gravel sat atop a concrete base. Currently the area is covered with marigolds and ox-eye daisies. 

I'd rather not break up the concrete if possible (funds), would it still be possible to grow an exotic garden in this area if I stuck with the larger feature plants around the edge? Any suggestions for suitable plants? 

I think my back up option might be bottomless pots...

Thanks!

Posts

  • McRazzMcRazz Posts: 440
    edited November 2023
    Most tender (exotic?!) plants require pretty good drainage if you're planning on overwintering outside. Worth considering if your intending on planting on top of the slab as its not going to drain particularly well (I might be misunderstanding your question). I'd be surprised if the concrete is very thick, most local tips will accept hardcore for a small fee...or you could break it up into small pieces and utilise it in your garden construction.  
  • EmmaS234EmmaS234 Posts: 14
    Thanks, that's a good point - I do have a small greenhouse that anything too tender can go into. 

    Not sure how thick the slab is, will investigate. If I can't break it up small enough to move I may at least be able to make some drainage holes in it. 
  • PalustrisPalustris Posts: 4,307
    If it helps, the easiest way to break up a slab like that is to put a lever underneath and raise it a few inches, then hit the top with a big hammer. Quite a fun thing to do too!
  • Wild_VioletWild_Violet Posts: 221
    What about putting some of the more tender plants into very large pots in the shallow area? Not ideal but might be a lot less work than breaking up the concrete. 
  • LoxleyLoxley Posts: 5,698
    I follow Growtropicals on Youtube, and they keep most of their tender plants under cover during winter and bed them out in spring, in their pots. Small things can be grown between the pots in 6" of soil. So that would be fine in your situation. Would probably be better to break out the slab though, and then you have more flexibility for permanent planting. You could re-use the broken concrete as habitat or 'drystone walling'
    "What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbour". 
  • EmmaS234EmmaS234 Posts: 14
    Loxley said:
    I follow Growtropicals on Youtube, and they keep most of their tender plants under cover during winter and bed them out in spring, in their pots. Small things can be grown between the pots in 6" of soil. So that would be fine in your situation. Would probably be better to break out the slab though, and then you have more flexibility for permanent planting. You could re-use the broken concrete as habitat or 'drystone walling'


    Thanks Loxley, I'll check them out. The thought of breaking that slab is a bit intimidating but might need to just brave it!
  • Mrs-B3-Southampton,-HantsMrs-B3-Southampton,-Hants Posts: 732
    When my in-laws moved they inherited a patio nearly as long as a runway (as my OH said). Half had to go and FIL made a very nice 3' high 'drystone' wall. As has been said a large hammer and a lever were used.
    Southampton 
  • EmmaS234EmmaS234 Posts: 14
    Sounds like I need to get out there and try some muscle then! Wish me luck!
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