How to Make Vegetable Beds Out of Bricks & Concrete

The Layout

• 1

  Locate a reasonably flat sunny location that is at least 4 square feet.

• 2

  Measure a 64-inch square. Set stakes at the corners to mark the area. Tie string around one stake. Pull the string tight to the next stake and wrap the string around the stake. Repeat the process until you reach the original stake and the area is clearly marked by the string.

• 3

  Clear any debris from inside the staked area. Remove the turf within the area with the shovel. Dispose of the debris and dirt in a compost pile for later use.

• 4

  Dig out a trench 8 inch deep by 12 inch wide, along the inside perimeter of the string, on all four sides. This will be where the foundation is placed. Ensure proper depth and width with the measuring tape and adjust accordingly.

The Foundation

• 5

  Mix the concrete according to directions on the bag. Use the wheelbarrow for mixing volume.

• 6

  Pour the concrete into the foundation with the wheelbarrow. Spread the concrete with the shovel evenly. Use a slight amount of force to push out air pockets. Let the concrete set for three days before continuing.

• 7

  Spray water over the concrete on the day you intend to lay bricks. This helps the mortar remain pliable and stick to the concrete.

Brick Laying

• 8

  Apply a 1-inch layer of mortar to the top of the foundation on one side, using the trowel.

• 9

  Apply a thin layer of mortar to each end of your bricks; set the bricks' ends into position against the corner brick. Tap the brick into alignment using the butt of the trowel. Lay three bricks across per side. You will have walls three bricks wide by eight bricks long.

• 10

  Set the bricks up in sections to avoid the mortar from drying out. Pour small amounts of water on the mortar if it begins to set. Work across to the opposite corner. Continue this process until one layer is completed.

• 11

  Place a 1-inch layer of mortar on a corner brick and a set of adjoining bricks. Bridge three bricks over the seam formed by the bricks below. Tap these bricks into position. Make sure the ends are even.

• 12

  Apply mortar to the ends of the bricks. Apply mortar to the side of a fourth brick. Set the fourth brick against the ends of the other three on the corner. Tap the bricks into position and wipe off the excess mortar.

• 13

  Proceed with brick laying as you did in the first layer. Continue working around the corners using four bricks per corner on this layer.

• 14

  Alternate layers as you continue using corner bricks every other layer. Continue working until the wall is 12 inches high.