This is a great idea. But practically there are problems. As one of the people who've actually built one of these - following the instructions - the design really needs a drainage outlet, or if you follow these instructions proper lining. While the wall looked fantastic for the first 4-6 weeks, I'm now having to deal with the issue of water penetrating through the render and through the blocks after the soil and plants went in. The water penetration is showing up as efflorescence (a white powder that shows on the surface of the wall). So I'd fully recommend that you seal the render or line the inside of the wall - and decide against "Only render halfway down the inside of the bed, as the soil will cover the rest. "
I've not fully stopped the problem. So I'd suggest other people considering the project do investigate this further. Prevention is better than a curse!
I'd also suggest if you are considering this project, seriously price up the soil you'll need to fill the bed - and then once (even after stamping it down) let the top soil settle before planting and then top up with more soil. You'll be amazed at how much soil you'll need.
We used ths a base to make a roraised rose border, 25' by 6'. nfortunately, it droesn;t dscuss the type of blocks to use. As myhusband has arthritis, he bought lighter blocks with holes in. Apparently these are for inside only.
Having cemented and painted the whole border,filled it with compost and planted over 20 roses, the whole thing is collapsing. The painted cement is falling off in chunks and bricks are falling down.
This project really does show an example of how not to do things! Sadly it sounds as though this ill thought out and detailed project is now going to cost sianpinnell both time and added expenditure to sort out.
No one in their right mind would lay blocks or bricks on a compacted footing/base. A concrete footing is the correct and only method to use.
And why on earth was it suggested that "breeze blocks" were to be used. This is a major error on the part of the design and construction team. If you are going to use blocks, then the only ones to use are concrete. Anything else will just absorb moisture and blow apart with the first frosts.
Not allowing drainage is also another poor oversight.
Dotty, if I'm reading your question correctly, and you are asking if you need to lay a membrane onto the concrete footing prior to laying 'concrete' blocks, then the answer is no you don't.
I really would strongly advise not using the example shown as project guide line. It is doomed for failure.
Any one have any thoughts on the raised beds or drawings giving me the correct size
they should be . most of the work will be done by my helpers we will try to get a grant towards the cost of the beds, plus raffles etc bill the plot manager
I would like to build raised beds in my garden which is flagged and all my plants are grown in pots, very time consuming. Do I have to put a membrane between flags and hardcore, what would you suggest ?
I wonder if anyone can give some advice. I have a long 'Brighton beach' garden ( lots of small pebbles. This covers a dark secret of Japanease knott weed which developed in the garden some years ago. My dad has dealt with it ( and its worked as it not long billows up each summer) by:
1. laying a layer of thick sheet plastic on top
2. putting the pebbles on top.
Now: I want to build some raised beds, the plant veg. I have built 2 3ft x3ft boxes ( no base and these sit on the pebbles.
Question is:
How do I ensure good drainage before filling the boxes with soil b4 planting?
Could i clear 4 spaces amonsgt the pebbles and cut holes in for drainage or should i just puncture the plastic in several places?
Posts
I've not fully stopped the problem. So I'd suggest other people considering the project do investigate this further. Prevention is better than a curse!
I'd also suggest if you are considering this project, seriously price up the soil you'll need to fill the bed - and then once (even after stamping it down) let the top soil settle before planting and then top up with more soil. You'll be amazed at how much soil you'll need.
Having cemented and painted the whole border,filled it with compost and planted over 20 roses, the whole thing is collapsing. The painted cement is falling off in chunks and bricks are falling down.
Any suggestions?
This project really does show an example of how not to do things! Sadly it sounds as though this ill thought out and detailed project is now going to cost sianpinnell both time and added expenditure to sort out.
No one in their right mind would lay blocks or bricks on a compacted footing/base. A concrete footing is the correct and only method to use.
And why on earth was it suggested that "breeze blocks" were to be used. This is a major error on the part of the design and construction team. If you are going to use blocks, then the only ones to use are concrete. Anything else will just absorb moisture and blow apart with the first frosts.
Not allowing drainage is also another poor oversight.
These kind of errors really should not happen.
Dotty, if I'm reading your question correctly, and you are asking if you need to lay a membrane onto the concrete footing prior to laying 'concrete' blocks, then the answer is no you don't.
I really would strongly advise not using the example shown as project guide line. It is doomed for failure.
Any one have any thoughts on the raised beds or drawings giving me the correct size
they should be . most of the work will be done by my helpers we will try to get a grant towards the cost of the beds, plus raffles etc bill the plot manager
hi all,
sorry to be a little slow, but where are the instructions for the raised beds that you are all talking about.
thanks
hello again,
I wonder if anyone can give some advice. I have a long 'Brighton beach' garden ( lots of small pebbles. This covers a dark secret of Japanease knott weed which developed in the garden some years ago. My dad has dealt with it ( and its worked as it not long billows up each summer) by:
1. laying a layer of thick sheet plastic on top
2. putting the pebbles on top.
Now: I want to build some raised beds, the plant veg. I have built 2 3ft x3ft boxes ( no base and these sit on the pebbles.
Question is:
How do I ensure good drainage before filling the boxes with soil b4 planting?
Could i clear 4 spaces amonsgt the pebbles and cut holes in for drainage or should i just puncture the plastic in several places?
what do you think?
many thanks