Quck answer
To build a brick raised garden bed without using cement, follow these steps:
1. Choose the location: Select a sunny spot with well-drained soil for your garden bed.
2. Prepare the area: Clear the site of any vegetation or debris. Level the ground if necessary.
3. Lay the foundation: Dig a shallow trench around the perimeter of the bed. Fill it with gravel or sand to provide drainage.
4. Arrange the bricks: Start laying the bricks without mortar, ensuring they are level and tightly fitted together. Use a level to check for evenness.
5. Build the walls: Continue stacking the bricks, creating the desired height for your garden bed. Alternate the direction of the bricks for stability.
6. Backfill and soil: Fill the bed with a mixture of topsoil, compost, and other amendments suitable for your plants.
7. Plant and maintain: Add your desired plants, water regularly, and maintain the garden bed as needed.
By following these steps, you can create a sturdy and functional raised garden bed using bricks without the need for cement.
Creating a raised garden bed with bricks involves the following steps: – ensuring levelness at the beginning (refer to How to use a line level) – determining measurements (number of bricks per level; desired height) – getting the first layer correct (the rest will be easy thereafter) – adding finishing touches for a professional appearance
Step 1
Decide on the location and desired height of the bed. Keep in mind that a brick bed is more permanent, so plan carefully. Will you be raising it by just one or two rows of bricks, or would you like the bed to be high enough for people to sit on? If people will be sitting on it, it is advisable to use a sturdy base like cinder blocks.
Step 2
Ensure the correct size. To simplify things, use the length of the bricks for your measurements. If the brick length does not evenly divide into the desired side length, adjust your measurements or you will need to cut the bricks. For example: if you want the bed to be 2 feet (24 inches) by 2 feet, and your brick length is 8 inches, you would divide 24 inches by 8 inches for each side, resulting in 3 bricks. If you wanted a length of 2 1/2 feet (30 inches), the brick length would not divide evenly, requiring you to cut the bricks. This can be challenging and not enjoyable.
Step 3
Utilize a line level, stakes, and string to determine the highest and lowest corners of the ground. This step is crucial for achieving a professional appearance. It is necessary if you are going higher than six inches, as it ensures the layers align properly.
You may need to fill in or remove dirt to achieve a level first course. Lay the first layer of bricks using the level. Add or remove dirt beneath the bricks until they are level. Repeat this process for each brick.
Step 4
Using Pipe Hanger Tape and Cement Adhesive instead of Cement
Apply a line of cement adhesive, approximately one to two feet long, on top of one side of the first course. Cut the pipe hanger strapping to the appropriate length and place it on top of the adhesive. Position the next layer of bricks on top of the adhesive and strapping, pressing down to ensure the adhesive adheres to both bricks.
Step 5
For a more polished appearance, add a cap on top of the bricks. You can use cement caps, brick veneer, or wood. If you want to sit comfortably on the cap, choose something wide enough, such as 2 X 8 boards.
