How to Build an Herb Garden Planter

Create a simple drawing of the outline of the planter, then measure the area. Take the drawing to the landscape block supplier and ask for assistance to estimate the quantity of block needed. Many large box outlets carry landscape block, but offer no help. If you need a lot of assistance, go to an outlet that can provide mathematical help.

Prepare the site. Use stakes to mark the outline of the planter. Pound the stakes into the ground every 4 to 6 feet along the outer edge. For curved beds, use a hose and secure it using stakes. Tie a string taught from stake to stake to keep the outline in mind as the wall gets higher.

Excavate to level the ground. Dig the first level several inches below ground to keep the wall securely erect over time. Dig into slopes so that the ground is level all across the footing area. Use a level to check as you go. Tamp the soil firmly.

Erect the wall. Begin placing the first layer, or course, of block at the lowest corner of a straight run. For a round planter, begin anywhere. Try to use whole blocks for the base footing. Small end sections can be laid with squares or rectangles as you create the layered, puzzle effect. Check each block with a level from front to back and side to side. Adjust the soil level accordingly, adding or taking a bit away. When the first course is complete, begin the second course.

Stagger the blocks on the second and subsequent courses so the joints are covered by the next layer. Set the first block over a joint, then fill in with smaller blocks at the end of the run when the course is complete. Keep checking each block with a level and make adjustments as needed. If the first course is level, the others will tend to be level.

Back fill with soil as you proceed higher to secure the load factor. Compact the soil firmly. Add as many courses as it takes to complete the desired height, back filling with soil as you go. When all courses are complete, you are ready to plant herbs.