I do not consider myself a gardener, just a want-a-be. For years, I have killed more vegetables in container gardening attempts than my family has eaten. Last year I stepped outside my comfort zone and did the unthinkable…planted a real vegetable garden.
A church in our community started a series of cement block gardens last year that were intriguing. After a couple of weeks of watching their progress, I knew this would be the perfect project. Using cement blocks, landscape fabric to control weeds, and a mixture of gardening soils– cheap dirt and Miracle Grow, the garden was ready in just a few hours time.
Cement blocks are not the prettiest, but they are the cheapest at $1.25 each. For someone who has wasted more money than I care to admit on gardening, they were perfect. Infact, I’m sure if the Homeowners Association knew cement blocks were in my backyard I would be getting a lovely little letter. However, going into year two, plans are in the works to dress the blocks up with either brick or stone. Another project I need to learn how to do!
This year I planted tomatoes, bell peppers, zucchini, yellow squash, romaine lettuce, and strawberries. The romaine and strawberries are planted in the cement block holes. Last year the holes would fill with weeds weekly and quickly became a dreaded chore. There is still some space available and I plan to squeeze in a few more plants and some flowers.
If you are considering gardening–go for it! It is a wonderful way to bless family and friends with fresh produce right from our own yards. If you are a natural green thumb or a beginner like myself, send us your photos and comment with your tips to a successful garden. I would love to know what you have growing success with and what you have planted this year.
* The links above will take you to Lowe’s. I am not being compensated or have I been asked to share these links–just the first home supply store that popped to mind.
How do you keep the squirrels, wood chucks, beavers, and other rodents away?
Hi Cheryl!
Here it is birds, rabbits, deer, and the neighbor’s cat. Last year I did not have any problems, this year several strawberries have already gone missing. I have heard marigolds deter deer(?)–thinking about planting some in the the block holes.
Kellie´s last [type] ..A Cement Block Garden–Really!
That looks like a great idea. Not sure how that would go over in our yard.. but I wish!!
Carla Anne Coroy´s last [type] ..Choosing a Future – Your Abilities
The church near me has about 9 square foot garden plots buildt using cement blocks. This year we added two blocks and increased the width easily. My goal this year is to also plant winter vegetables and use it year round.
Kellie´s last [type] ..A Cement Block Garden–Really!
Kellie, this is genius! I love to garden, and last year I had my first “real” plot! I used wood for the edging, but I love this! I am going to plant Marigolds as well, I read that they deter certain bugs, and I lost a lot of plants to cucumber beetles.
Blessings!
Last year I had ants and catapillars. I read where Dawn dish detergent mixed with water in a spray bottle was good to get rid of bugs. What did you plant in your garden?
Kellie´s last [type] ..A Cement Block Garden–Really!
Kellie!
Love this idea.
Will definitely use. I might even get the kiddos to have their own sections. Ooh, the possibilities.
Thanks for sharing.
Daphne
Daphne Tarango´s last [type] ..New Article Published: “Adoption is Final”
My kids love the garden! They picked out all the vegetables. My youngest calls it our salsa garden because he loves salsa and wants to make it homemade this year. Just need to add the jalapeno peppers, we have the tomatoes and green peppers!
Kellie´s last [type] ..A Cement Block Garden–Really!