Cinder Block Planter – Expert Tips

Get Creative with a Beautiful Cinder Block Planter!

 

cinder block planter with pots
Cinder block planter – pocketgrow.com

Do you have a small space (or two) that you’d like to liven up?

An easy, cheap solution is to use cinder blocks or breeze blocks as attractive planters.  On their own, those blocks are quite ugly, but they can look surprisingly good when arranged and planted into an attractive cinder block planter.

  • Do you have some spare cinder blocks lying around?
  • Or perhaps your neighbours or friends do?
  • Or you can buy them cheaply at your local builders’ hardware store (e.g. Home Depot).

Are Blocks Eco Friendly?

breeze blocksOf course, cinder blocks are neither green nor eco-friendly.  That’s why I like to use them whenever there are some left over – resources have been used to make them, so put them to good use instead of leaving them lying around.

If you’re using old blocks, you’re re-using instead of buying new, and that’s always green, as well as giving a home to plants.

You can also use a cinder block planter to grow fresh herbs close to your kitchen – and growing your own food is very green and great for the environment.

Are Cinder Blocks Easy to Use?

Although they’re very easy to set up – you can easily do one yourself over a weekend for example – there are ways to make the whole job much, much easier.

So save yourself hassle with these expert tips, look at the pictures below for inspiration, and enjoy this article!

What You’ll Need

Obviously, there are items you will need for this project.  Luckily, it’s a short list:

  1. Blocks
  2. Chicken wire or mesh (optional)
  3. Landscape Fabric or Geotec
  4. Potting soil and compost
  5. Plants suitable for your region
  6. A spirit level
Tip:  If your blocks are dirty, clean them by spraying with a hose, or use up some left-over paint to add a splash of colour.

Before you Start

Have an idea of the design you want, before you start.  The cinder blocks are heavy, so you want to minimise the amount you move them around (your back will thank you!).

If you have a very clear idea of your design right from the start, great, you can get working right away.

But most of us have a rough idea, and it’s easier to see once you actually place the blocks where you think you want them.  Move them around a bit and experiment.

photograph your block layoutTip: when you’ve laid out the blocks in the shape or design that you want, take a photo.  Why?  Because you’ll want to take all the blocks away so you can build your design properly.  Having a photo makes it much easier to re-build them exactly the way you want (take my word for it!).

Tip:  if you have Lego at home, try planning your planter using Lego blocks – they’re MUCH easier to move around than breeze blocks!

Simple or Complex?

If you’re just going to simply put a few blocks in place, it’s easy, so just skip to “Filling the Blocks” below.

If you want to create a more complex design, follow the instructions below – the Tips will save you a lot of trouble, I promise!

Building the Cinder Block Planter

The first row of blocks at ground level takes the most time, because you really want to get those level.  Use gravel or sand to fill in hollows.

If you have some pavers lying around, you could also use those as your base – they may be easier to make level than the breeze blocks.

spirit level Use a spirit level to make sure the base is properly level.

A level base makes building the rest of the planter much, much easier – and safer.

Tip: Remember that you do NOT want to fill each cinder block with good soil.  Only a few will actually contain plants.  So either leave them empty, or fill with any leftover building rubble, or spare garden soil or dirt. 
(You’ll save a lot of money this way – you wouldn’t believe how many people put good soil into every block!).
Tip:  don’t fill the cinder blocks until you’re absolutely sure they’re exactly where you want them.  It’s much easier to move an empty cinder block than a full one.

Now it’s time to place the next row of blocks on top.   Because your first row is level, you’ll have no problems with the next.

Don’t Let the Soil Drop Through!

 geotecYou’ll need to make sure that the blocks that will have plants in, have a base so that the soil doesn’t drop through.

Place wire mesh between the rows if you wish, then place a layer of landscape fabric or Geo tech at the bottom of the block.  This will form the base of the planter.

Will I need Mortar?

Many people build breeze block planters without any mortar, and generally they are stable if they’re been built well.

I’ve never used mortar in any of the planters I’ve built (I think I’d be hopeless!).

However, if I did feel a planter needed some extra support, I’d consider silicone or construction adhesive or liquid nails.  They’re not green products either, but you need only a small amount which is easy and quick to apply between blocks.  It also looks cleaner than mortar – it’s essentially invisible.

 Tip:  don’t seal the entire block edges.  Leave openings or gaps to allow water to drain out of the planter.
 Tip: brush the block with a wire or nylon brush before applying silicone for a better seal.

Filling the Blocks

To allow for proper drainage, place small stones and gravel at the bottom of the blocks that will contain plants, then add potting soil, compost etc. in the mix recommended for the particular plants you’ll be using.

Remember to only use good soil in the blocks that will contain plants!

cinder block planter with potsTip:  You can also place plants in small pots inside the cinder blocks – this will save some work.  See the picture at the top as an example.

Tip:  Often, small plants are cheaper during the winter and during sales.  So stock up on plants if you happen to see them on special offer.  Then you’ll have everything ready when you’re ready to start your project.

Make a Scene!

One of the things I like about cinder block planters is that you can make them as simple or as complex as you wish.

In the photo below for example, paving blocks have been used on top of some blocks to provide seating for two, as well as places to put a drink or book.

cinder planter complex
Complex cinder block planter: caylawral.blogspot.com

This was a relatively complex cinder block planter, but it’s a tremendous feature in the garden!

And here’s a simpler one, which also looks good!

cinder block planter simple
Simple planter: Girlonbikewrites.blogspot.com

Further Inspiration

Don’t settle for ordinary!  Be inspired by these photos from gardens all over the world.

cinder block planter modern
Modern, clean cinder block planter: apartmenttherapy.com

 

cinder block planter small space
Liven up a small, awkward space: apartmenttherapy com

Don’t only think of gardens and driveways.  Look at your home too.  In the example below, a unique bar has been added to this home!

cinder block planter with bar
Cinder block planter with a bar:  designsponge .com

They don’t have to be big……

Single cinder blocks also look good
Just one looks good too: theverybesttop10.com

Although many people plant cacti and succulents because they’re so easy to care for, you don’t have to follow the trend.

cinder planter pretty
Pretty flowers: rootmaker com

And finally, this cinder block planter was created as a way to hide an air conditioning unit.  With its nod to Mario games, I think this is both practical and creative!

 

cinder block planter question
Unique, fun design hides air conditioning unit: outoflinedesign.wordpress.com

I hope you’re now inspired to create your own cinder block planter – large or small, grand or simple, they all look good!

Another item you might enjoy:  Small Space Living

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Tags

breeze blocks, cinder block, cinder block planter, cinder block planters, cinder blocks, diy, ecofriendly, gardening, green, grow your own, small space gardening


  • Really great ideas for small garden areas and vertical gardens are becoming quite popular. The idea of being able to mix up all the plant types which may require different soil types in one small area is also great.

    • Great point that plants needing different soil types can be planted close to each other using cinder blocks. That’s normally a lot more work in a normal garden, thanks!

    • Yes, it’s SO nice to be able to “design” something that is unique and fits perfectly within your individual spaces. Thanks for your comment!

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