Supports for Grow beds

[jet]

How do people stabilize cement blocks under growbeds especially when on soil?

With the weight wont they sink and move?
Im looking at 5 x cut down IBC tops in a row, 6 cement supports - 3 blocks high then 3 x timber bearers under whole length
3 IBC bottoms as sumps underneath

[GaryD]

Hi Jet,

I use crusher dust to create a base for the cement blocks. Coarse sand (properly compacted) will achieve a similar thing. You can also use the cap plates that are the same size as the cement blocks.......they'll certainly prevent the block from sinking into the ground.

Here's a couple of photos of my most recent grow bed set up.

Gary

[jet]

Any reason not to use blocks on thier side?
Also Im lookin gto have sump tanks under grow beds - any problems with treatment from timber bearers washing into them?
Im sure they still use Arsenate?

[GaryD]

Hi Jet,

I'd be careful about mounting cement blocks on their side.......particularly if you're talking about Besser blocks. Cement has good compressive strength but is not so good when it comes to supporting weight in narrow sections.

I wouldn't allow anything (from anywhere) except rainwater to be able to wash into your sump tank. Cover it if there's any possibility of run-off dripping into the tank.

Gary