Easy DIY Tree Root Proof and Gopher Proof Raised Garden Bed

Here's an easy concept for a raised garden bed. There are many possible variations on how to stack the block and which material to use for the sides. No special tools or skills are needed. All materials are available at big box home improvement centers. Since filming this video, I've switched my preference for the shower board to the Durock product with fiberglass reinforcing which should last longer, costs about the same, and is also available at the big box stores.
This raised bed won't work on sandy soil or loam because the concrete blocks will sink too much.

[@pjgrandinetti]

Do you think only the first course with 8 inch block on the bottom would be enough to stop roots? Why did you decide to do two layers with 16 inch height?

[@skylineroad]

Great idea. What is the affect of water over time on the hardy board? Don’t you think there should be more holes to allow for drainage?

[@chickencoopcomposter5810]

I've had some Hardibacker board in extreme water situations over a period of 5 years with no adverse effects. However Hardibacker board is more prone to cracking under constant load than Durock which has fiberglass reinforcement but is harder to work with. Durock does bend a little more which is actually a good thing. I've switched to Durock. It was my buddy's raised bed so he put the number of drainage holes he wanted. My friends and I have installed about a half dozen of these and they have worked very well.

[@L1MIT_TEST]

@@chickencoopcomposter5810 The difference between using the Durock/hardibacker vs just using 2x6s or 2x10s side by side? is that not a good idea? i was planning on doing something like this but tempering the wood with Shou Sugi ban (torching it) and was going to use just wood on the bottom (was probably gonna grab some cedar wood). Wasn't going to drill any holes for drainage and let the small gaps between the planks be the drainage. Do think that's okay?

[@chickencoopcomposter5810]

@@L1MIT_TEST Wood on the bottom will only last a fraction as long and cost more. The cracks would be sufficient to drain the bottom.