Cinder blocks and gardening question

Mon Apr 13, 2009 2:50 am

Hello,
I have a question about cinder blocks. I have a bunch of cinder blocks laying
around and I decided to use them for a retaining wall in my garden. I would
like to make use of the holes in the cinder blocks though, and I was
wondering what kind of plants would thrive in this kind of situation? I am mostly interested in perennials and herbs. Thanks!

Mon Apr 13, 2009 3:39 am

Well, it's cement so its calcerous, they better like higher pH...

Sedums should do well as I would tend to think would most rock garden types with high tolerances for dry calcerous conditions; succulents and cactii usually fit that description...

HG

Mon Apr 13, 2009 4:05 am

I used cinder blocks for my first SFG bed last spring. I planted leeks/green onions/peas in the vertical holes. I've also pulled out valerian volunteers from those same vertical holes.

It might be useful to use them for mint, rosemary, and other invasive herbs, too.

Cynthia H.
Sunset Zone 17, USDA Zone 9

Mon Apr 13, 2009 12:34 pm

bg,

Most of our block today has no cinder in the mix, although, I understand it does exist.
If your block is newer, you likely have cement blocks and as stated by others that technically makes them calcerous.
Add a little manure to the soil mix and just about anything will grow in a cement block.
I am outside of Cincy and get into a lot of neighborhoods due to my job.
Flox does a beautiful job cascading over the edge of block walls.

Mon Apr 13, 2009 7:00 pm

Sure 2C, Phlox subulata fits the bill...

HG