What do you think about gardening with cinder blocks?

hmm-mmm. I've seen people plant things in shoes before. I dont know if the plants would get proper drainage in cinder blocks. That would be the only thing I would be concerned about. Other than that, I think it's a fine idea. See what everybody else thinks.

I haven't done it before but know it can be done. A freind of mine her neighbor has a cinderblock garden and it does really well. I thought of doing this but do not have a truck to haul those cinders home in so I am going with raised beds.

Cinder blocks usually aren't really very tall - 8x8x16 is standard size. If your dogs are bigger than toy dogs, you'll need to stack them two high to keep the plants safe. Also, cinder blocks are like rock in that they heat up in the sun. This may be good or bad, depending on your climate and what you grow in them. Some plants don't like their roots to be too warm. I have two raised beds made of cinder block so I'm speaking from experience. Other than that, it should work fine.

I've never done this but I read that you were thinking of strawberries - I think that would work as long as the blocks didn't get too hot and cook the roots as there really isn't much space for roots in the wholes. You've got to let me know if you try it as it really sounds like a great idea if it would work.

I don't know about actually planting in the blocks, but have heard of one gentleman in Missouri who used cinder blocks to make raised beds: http://www.gardeningrevolution.com/

Dragon..I've never planted in cinder blocks but you gave me an idea since the dogs do love to dig and pee on the plants..I'm going to try this and also do what Grandpa Bob said.. Huggs

You have to know what plants send out wider root balls though. Some plants need depth as well as width for their roots. get some cheap pots from garage sales etc. Large ones work great for most plants. HAPPY POSTINGS FROM GRANDPA BOB !!~

dragon - I think you got your best advice for grandpa bob who knows his gardening. Strawberries and green beans planted in the cinder blocks is a very novel idea and I think you will have a very pretty garden. I used decorative paving blocks to cover a gap between the fenced in area and the ground outside of one of my apartments. It worked well. it looked good and it was inexpensive. Cinder blocks of course, cost less and take care of your problem. The hard part for me was carrying those twenty some large blocks from my car to my apartment. 'Whew, that was tiring, but worth the effort. I hope to have a garden one day soon, enjoy your garden for me, until I get my own, okay? Let me know how those strawberries taste. Catch 'ya later.