Can I use these stone borders for raised beds?

[oliesmama]

We have a lot of stones (similar to these) - they used to be a border in our yard - they are all the same width, but varying lengths. I would like to create some raised beds (our soil is terrible) and would love to re-use these rather than buy new boxes.

What do you think? I'm totally new to gardening, too...so, based on a little bit of research, I was thinking of laying something down on the ground (Sq Ft garden site said cardboard or landscape cloth), then lay these out and fill with my soil mixture. I am going to have several beds all right next to each other (they will back up to a fence and I will have access to them from the other side). Do I need to somehow fasten them together? Or will stacking them up do the trick?

Thanks for any help! I am anxious to get this project underway, but I really want to have it planned out b/c I'm working in a tight space with heavy stones and really don't want to have to wing it!

[KristyDi]

I don't see why not. I just built a raised bed w/ cinder blocks that had been sitting in my FIL's backyard for who knows how long. I didn't attach them with anything. Since you'd have to build up several layers maybe you could get some wooden stakes (I've seen them in bundles at garden centers) and pound them into the ground at intervals around the outside of your beds to keep them from buckling outward.

[oliesmama]

Originally Posted by KristyDi

Since you'd have to build up several layers maybe you could get some wooden stakes (I've seen them in bundles at garden centers) and pound them into the ground at intervals around the outside of your beds to keep them from buckling outward.

Great tip! Thanks!

[Chicky2]

Yes, you can use those! And really, you only need one deep for most veggies, and can just build up a bit taller area for say, long carrots, or potatoes.

I just used cinder blocks on one of mine (20'x4'). The great thing about them is that you can also plant in each of the holes of the blocks! I planted marigolds and onions and herbs in mine.