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Waterlogged raised beds Is it possible?

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  • #1

    Waterlogged raised beds Is it possible?

    Hi Guys, we are building raised beds in the back garden on top of concrete the beds will be about 50 cms high with brick walls. OH has just put in the foundations and these are now full of water. Will I have a problem with drainage. Do I need to get him to break up the concrete under the beds. I was just going to lay the cut turfs in the bottom upside down and then fill with top soil
    The beds are about 3meters by 4 meters





    Are pictures menst to look like this?
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    Dogs have masters, cats have slaves, and horses are just wonderful
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  • #2
    If you are building beds on concrete with brick walls then you may have problems if you dont leave a gap somewhere to allow surplus water to drain away.

    If you don't you will end up with a pond filled with soil

    Andy
    http://vegpatchkid.blogspot.co.uk/ Latest Blog Entries Friday 13 Mar 2015 - Sowing Update

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    • #3
      Bricks and concrete are impermeable materials. Any water falling on the surface will have no way of getting out. How did you imagine it was going to drain?

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      • #4
        It's not a bad idea in itself, but it will waterlog unless you have a good drainage system to allow excess water to drain off.

        As you can see from your own photos, the water has nowhere to go to, so it's building up.

        Are those blocks cemented in? Having them sitting on a gravel base would help the water dissipate.

        Cutting out a small channel on one side (whichever side slopes the most) of the pit will drain the water away preventing waterlogging as you have at the moment.
        Pain is still pain, suffering is still suffering, regardless of whoever, or whatever, is the victim.
        Everything is worthy of kindness.

        http://thegentlebrethren.wordpress.com

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        • #5
          So is all that grass growing on concrete (I realise this is what your post implies)? If it's not have you just dug down to a very high water table? What happens now when it rains - where does the water go?
          "A life lived in fear is a life half lived."

          PS. I just don't have enough time to say hello to everyone as they join so please take this as a delighted to see you here!

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          • #6
            I have two 12 inch deep beds on concrete but they are made of wood and not sealed to the concrete so drainage is not a problem.

            If you are going to cement the blocks in place I would get the OH to lay in some 3/4" plastic overflow pipe between the blocks as close to ground level as possible.
            Potty by name Potty by nature.

            By appointment of VeggieChicken Member of the Nutters club.


            We hang petty thieves and appoint great ones to public office.

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            • #7
              Thanks guys. OH is going to put drainage holes in and break up the concrete in places. That should do it I hope.
              Dogs have masters, cats have slaves, and horses are just wonderful

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              • #8
                I would advise insect screens if you end up using side drainage as you dont want to introduce a highway for pests. Just cutup a pair of tights, works wonders

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                • #9
                  Think drainage holes a good idea Bal.Bog garden would work well otherwise!
                  Gardening forever, housework whenever!

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