First Garden? Here’s the Easiest Raised Bed You Can Build
Permacon Planter Blocks: The Easy Way to Build a Raised Garden Bed
If you’ve been thinking about starting a garden but don’t want to deal with complicated carpentry or expensive kits, Permacon planter blocks might be exactly what you need. These simple, durable concrete blocks make building a raised planter bed fast, affordable, and surprisingly flexible—even for beginners.
In this post, we’ll cover what Permacon planter blocks are, why gardeners love them, and a step-by-step guide to building your own raised planter bed—with key upgrades to keep it strong, stable, and resistant to bowing over time.
What Are Permacon Planter Blocks?
Permacon planter blocks are precast concrete corner blocks designed to hold standard lumber (usually 2x6 or 2x8 boards). Each block has slots that allow you to slide wood boards into place, creating the frame of a raised bed without screws, nails, or power tools.
They’re especially popular in Canada because they:
Withstand harsh weather (freeze/thaw cycles)
Don’t rot or warp like wood
Are reusable and easy to reconfigure
Why Choose Planter Blocks for Raised Beds?
Raised beds are already a great gardening solution—but using planter blocks makes them even better.
Key Benefits:
1. No Carpentry Skills Needed
Just slide boards into the slots—no tools required for the basic build.
2. Customizable Size
Easily adjust dimensions to fit your space.
3. Durable and Long-Lasting
Concrete blocks hold up for years in outdoor conditions.
4. Budget-Friendly
More affordable than many prebuilt kits.
5. Expandable Design
Add height or connect beds as your garden grows.
Materials You’ll Need
Permacon planter blocks (4 for a basic rectangular bed)
Lumber (2x6 or 2x8 boards, cut to your desired length)
Level
Shovel
Landscape fabric (optional)
Soil mix (garden soil + compost)
Gravel or sand (optional, for leveling base)
Wood stakes or rebar (recommended for reinforcement)
Deck screws or exterior screws
Extra lumber for internal bracing (recommended for longer beds)
Construction adhesive suitable for masonry (recommended for taller beds)
Step-by-Step Guide: Building a Strong Raised Planter Bed
Step 1: Choose the Location
Pick a spot that:
Gets at least 6–8 hours of sunlight daily
Has good drainage
Is relatively level
Clear away grass, weeds, and debris.
Step 2: Level the Ground
Use a shovel to flatten the area where your blocks will sit. For best results:
Dig down a few inches
Add a thin layer of gravel or sand
Tamp it down and check with a level
This helps prevent shifting and keeps your bed square.
Step 3: Position the Planter Blocks
Place one block at each corner of your desired bed shape.
Make sure:
All blocks are level with each other
The slots are facing inward toward the bed
For longer beds (over 6 feet), add additional blocks midway along the sides for extra support.
Step 4: Stack and Secure Blocks (For Taller Beds) 🧱
If you’re building a bed more than one block high, stacking adds height—but stability becomes more important.
Carefully stack additional planter blocks on top of the base layer
When going higher than two blocks, apply a bead of exterior construction adhesive between each layer
Press blocks firmly together and check alignment as you go
👉 Gluing the blocks prevents shifting, tipping, or separation caused by soil pressure, frost movement, or accidental bumps.
Tip: Use adhesive rated for masonry/concrete and outdoor conditions.
Step 5: Insert the Wood Boards
Slide your lumber into the slots of the blocks.
Tips:
Use untreated wood for food gardens (or food-safe treated lumber)
Ensure boards sit snugly in the grooves
Double-stack boards if you want a taller bed
Step 6: Reinforce the Bed (Prevents Bowing & Shifting) ⭐
This is what keeps your bed from bulging outward over time.
As soil becomes saturated and settles, it pushes against the sides. Reinforcement is essential for longer or taller beds.
Option A: Drive Stakes Inside the Bed
Hammer wooden stakes or rebar along the inside of each long side
Space them every 2–4 feet
Screw the boards to the stakes (if using wood stakes)
Option B: Internal Wood Cross Bracing (Highly Recommended)
Cut a board to span the inside width of your bed
Install it across the middle, connecting one long side to the other
Screw it securely into both side boards from the inside
Add additional braces every 3–4 feet for longer beds
👉 This is one of the most effective ways to stop the sides from bowing outward.
Option C: Use Midpoint Blocks
Add extra planter blocks halfway along longer runs
Insert shorter boards between them for support
💡 Best Practice: Combine internal cross bracing + stakes + glued block layers for maximum strength—especially for beds that are long, tall, or heavily filled.
Step 7: Add Landscape Fabric (Optional)
Line the bottom with landscape fabric to:
Reduce weeds
Improve drainage
Step 8: Fill with Soil
Fill your bed with a quality soil mix:
60% topsoil
30% compost
10% peat moss or coco coir (optional)
Tip: Fill in layers and lightly water as you go to reduce sudden pressure on the sides.
Step 9: Plant Your Garden 🌱
Now you’re ready to plant.
Beginner-friendly options:
Lettuce
Tomatoes
Basil
Carrots
Zucchini
Pro Tips for Long-Lasting Beds
Keep beds under 4 feet wide for easy access
Mulch to retain moisture and reduce weeds
Water deeply but less frequently
Add compost each season
Inspect braces and glued joints annually, especially after winter
Final Thoughts
Permacon planter blocks make raised garden beds incredibly accessible—but a few smart upgrades make all the difference.
By adding internal bracing, staking the sides, and gluing stacked blocks on taller builds, you create a bed that stays straight, solid, and secure through weather, watering, and years of use.
It’s a simple system—with professional-level durability when done right.
For expert advice, materials, and everything you need to get started, visit Chamberlain Timber Mart and speak with a sales associate—they’ll be happy to help you plan your project and choose the right supplies.
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