How to build raised Besser block garden bed?

bow2021

Hi there, 

looking to build a besser block raised garden bed 2-3 courses high. Couple of questions.

1, will I need to use blocks on the front and back of the bed or am I able to but up to the Hebel itself?

2, can I even do this against a Hebel panel house?

3, should I waterproof the inside of the bed or is that a bad idea? 
4, should this be built on a concrete slab to ensure water run off? Assuming some kind of drainage holes are needed? 
any advice would be great. 
I’ve built a letter box with besser blocks so I’m confident building the thing just not sure the logistics of what’s required.

thanks.

JacobZ

Hi @bow2021,

Thank you for your questions about building a raised besser block garden bed against your home.

It is never advisable to have soil directly against the outside of your home regardless of the material. You will need to use blocks on both the front and back of the bed to ensure the soil is never in direct contact with your hebel panels.

It would certainly be worth painting the inside of the besser blocks with Crommelin Exterior Grade Brushable Waterproofer to protect the besser blocks from damage from seeping water.

I would suggest building the garden bed on a concrete strip footing, or a compacted gravel footing as opposed to a full concrete slab. That way, water added to the garden bed will be able to drain down into the earth naturally.

Let me know what you think and if you have further questions, please don't hesitate to ask.

Jacob