what to plant in cinder block holes

Cinder Block Gardening: What to Plant in Holes

By Joseph LewisDecember 28, 2025

Have you ever found yourself with a pile of cinder blocks and wondered what to do with them? While they're great for building structures, you can also transform them into unique planters for your garden or outdoor space. Planting in cinder block holes not only adds a rustic charm but also provides excellent drainage for your plants. Let's explore what you can plant in cinder block holes and how to create these charming planters.

Cinder blocks, also known as concrete blocks, have hollow centers that make them perfect for planting a variety of plants. The open structure allows for proper aeration and drainage, preventing root rot and promoting healthy plant growth. Before we dive into what to plant, let's first discuss how to prepare your cinder block planters.

Preparing Your Cinder Block Planters

To create a suitable environment for your plants, you'll need to prepare your cinder blocks before planting.

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1. **Clean the Blocks**: Ensure your cinder blocks are clean and free from any debris or dirt. This will prevent diseases and pests from affecting your plants.

Adding Drainage

Cinder blocks have weep holes on the sides, but additional drainage is crucial for plant health.

Garden - I built this raised garden using simple cinder blocks arranged into a rectangle, filling the center with rich soil for my veggies. The holes in each block are perfect for planting flowers like marigolds and salvia, which help attract pollinators and keep pests away naturally. See more: https://mideas.co/ZcVpk | Facebook

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1. **Drill Holes**: Use a masonry drill bit to create a few drainage holes at the bottom of each block's hollow center. This will allow excess water to escape, preventing waterlogging.

Filling the Blocks

After ensuring proper drainage, it's time to fill your cinder blocks with growing medium.

1. **Use High-Quality Soil**: Fill the hollow centers with well-draining potting soil or a mix of topsoil, compost, and perlite. Avoid using garden soil as it can be too heavy and may contain weed seeds or diseases.

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What to Plant in Cinder Block Holes

Now that your cinder block planters are ready, let's explore the variety of plants you can grow in them.

Succulents and Cacti

Succulents and cacti are excellent choices for cinder block planters due to their low water needs and ability to thrive in well-draining conditions.

1. **Examples**: Some popular succulents and cacti for cinder block planters include Aloe vera, Echeveria, Sedum, and small cactus species like Opuntia microdasys (Bunny Ears Cactus).

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Garden - Cinder blocks are cheap, durable, and stack without mortar. The holes become bonus planting pockets for herbs. Here's the easiest raised bed you'll ever build. STEP 1 — PREP GROUND Lay cardboard over grass to smother weeds. No digging required. Overlap edges by 6 inches. Wet the cardboard so it stays put. STEP 2 — BUILD + FILL Stack cinder blocks in a rectangle — 4×8 ft is ideal. No mortar needed, weight holds them. Fill center with soil mix. Leave block holes empty for now. STEP 3 — PLANT + MULCH Plant vegetables in the main bed. Add 2-3 inches of straw mulch to retain moisture and prevent weeds. Install drip irrigation if you want low maintenance. STEP 4 — GROW + HARVEST Let it produce. The thermal mass of concrete blocks warms soil in spring and holds heat into fall. Extended season with zero extra work. STEP 5 — USE THE HOLES Fill block holes with soil. Plant herbs, strawberries, or flowers in the pockets. Marigolds in the holes deter pests from main bed crops. COST BREAKDOWN: - 32 cinder blocks (4×8 bed): ~$50 - Soil/compost to fill: ~$40 - Cardboard: Free - Total: Under $100 for a bed that lasts 20+ years No tools. No skills. No rot. No maintenance. | Facebook

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Herbs

Growing herbs in cinder block planters allows you to have fresh, homegrown ingredients at your fingertips. Plus, they add a touch of greenery to your outdoor space.

1. **Examples**: Herbs that do well in cinder block planters include basil, thyme, rosemary, parsley, and chives. Make sure to choose compact varieties, as the hollow centers are not very deep.

Vegetables

While not all vegetables are suitable for cinder block planters, some compact varieties can thrive in this environment.

1. **Examples**: Consider growing vegetables like lettuce, spinach, radishes, and bush beans in your cinder block planters. Keep in mind that root vegetables and vining plants may not be suitable due to the limited space.

Flowers

Cinder block planters can also be used to grow a variety of beautiful flowers, adding color and charm to your outdoor space.

1. **Examples**: Some flowers that do well in cinder block planters include petunias, impatiens, pansies, and marigolds. Choose compact or trailing varieties for best results.

When selecting plants for your cinder block planters, consider their mature size, water needs, and sunlight requirements. This will help you create a thriving and visually appealing garden using your repurposed cinder blocks.

In your quest to transform your cinder blocks into charming planters, remember that the key to success lies in proper preparation and choosing the right plants for the environment. With a little creativity and care, you can create a unique and inviting outdoor space that showcases your green thumb. Happy gardening!