How to Make a Planter out of Cinder BlocksThere are several materials you can make planters out of; wood, stone, bricks and cinder blocks. There are several methods for building wooden planters. Materials like stone and brick are pretty straight forward, stack them up until you reach the desired size and height. Cinder blocks bring a new dimension to building a planter. They are hollow so the top of the wall you build can be covered with wood or you can fill the holes with potting soil and use your wall as part of the garden as well.Types of BlocksThere are two types you can use, the column block and the standard construction block. They can be stacked and glued together using any construction adhesive. When using something like Liquid Nails to glue the blocks together you will not get thick seam lines as in typical construction. This allows for a better look when painted. Building the PlanterIf you are building a raised bed in your yard it would be best to remove any vegetation growing there already. Layout the bottom layer and try to keep the shape level and square. Shimming with cedar shingles may be necessary to get the first course level. If you take the time to get the first layer level all you have to do is stack the other courses with out needing to check for level. Squaring the box or rectangle shape is done by measuring diagonally from corner to corner. When the two measurements are the same the box is square. Taking the time to build the planter square and level will give the planter a much better appearance.After the planter is built you should lay down landscape fabric to prevent weeds from invading your planter from below. As with all planters a two or three inch layer of gravel or stones for proper drainage should be put in the bottom covering the landscape fabric. If the planter is built on a patio or deck the construction process will be much simpler, the job of leveling the first course will be much easier if built on previous construction.The usual way of laying out cinder blocks is the long side end to end but if you want show some flair in the upper layers you can put in a few blocks with the long side sticking out. This will create a pocket which you can put in small plants like strawberries or succulents like hens and chickens. This interesting twist to a wall will give your planter a 3d affect and beautify a the wall as well. If you are not going to use the holes in the blocks for planting the holes should be filled with gravel or sand to prevent weeds from growing inside the blocks. You can cap the block wall with dimensional construction lumber to seal off the holes. The whole planter then can be painted if you want.Cost Effective way of Building a PlanterBuilding a planter this way is not only easy but very inexpensive as well. Cinder blocks are less than two dollars each or used ones can be found for free in postings on Craigslist or at construction sites that are in the process of demolishing old buildings. By checking with contractors you will be able to get the blocks you need, they probably would be glad to give them to you than pay for them to go in a dumpster.[http://backyardcontainergardening.net]