Super Simple, No Dig Garden Border

Create a super simple, no dig garden border using everyday items from your local big box store!

[@bobgonet6107]

Great job! I think I would put a second parallel no dig edging for the back side so that when pouring the concrete out it will all be contained in one neat strip.

[@marymoran8674]

And less wasted.,too, I'd imagine.

[@lorettakinder570]

years ago I used these bricks for an edger on my flower bed and they worked out great, I didn't even have to use the concrete , the bricks we're so heavy that they stayed in place, in one area of my yard I even used a second layer of bricks on the first layer of bricks , and it worked out great they stayed in place because of the weight of the bricks, and I lived there about ten years.

[@chrismeier3805]

Hi Loretta, thanks for watching! These pavers aren't that heavy. They would be moved easily by the lawnmower or the many deer who cruise through these beds all the time.

[@JQUICK21]

the concrete gives you a very level base for the blocks as you can see here....without the concrete the blocks would not look even and sitting flat.....

[@rejuvenatewithanndthomas3405]

Thank you, his seems easier than all I’ve watched thus far. 😊

[@elainemarten2147]

what an easy way to make such a huge difference! I am 71 years old and haven't gardened in years, but if I had the opportunity, I would certainly try this! I could have a beautiful landscape without having to find someone to do the heavy digging for me

[@chrismeier3805]

Thanks for watching Elaine!

[@Ignacioforever69]

🌴🌺 god bless! I’m working on this this morning and you made it so much easier I bought all of that so I have everything to make my front yard look amazing

[@chrismeier3805]

Thanks for watching!

[@maxpatch67]

I'm glad you liked my technique enough to make your own!! You got it mostly right, Chris!!

[@fratertater6130]

Surprised they didn't give you a shoutout.

[@studiouspanda7183]

I didn’t realise till I watched your channel just how much they replicated all your steps

[@dan5047]

They even used the same cups! :)

[@kdbrantley]

Maxpatch67, I saw your video a long time ago 1st. Then today as I'm looking for it again, I see this new guy. It saddens me that he didn't give you credit for this project. 😥 He clearly followed your steps.

[@geethapanchikarla5436]

I’ve had your video saved for a long time..Yet to start my project in the front yard. Great method👍👏

[@oilcan6482]

We'll just had to mention how inspiring your video is. Super easy and can't wait to try it. Watch out Lowes here I come.

[@chrismeier3805]

Thanks so much for watching! let me know how it comes out!

[@micheletlittle]

I love this DIY...especially with how you added the concrete!!!

[@chrismeier3805]

Thank you! 😊

[@vivibottoms3028]

WOW! LOVE THIS! NEVER HEARD OF THE CONCRETE. Have a project We're going to be working in our backyard. Most definitely using the concrete. Thanks 😊

[@ShoryoTombo]

This is so much understanding compared to the other DIY's. Thank you for this!

[@jaxflfreebird]

DIY understanding compared so much is this. This you for thank.

[@ethelirvin4718]

YOUR WORK IS JUST AWESOME. I LOVE IT AND THANK YOU FOR THE INFO ON WHERE TO BUY THE MATERIALS. YOU HAVE MADE IT SO EASY FOR SO MANY OF US. AGAIN THANK YOU.

[@naningakarunaratne3921]

omg! you guys rock. This saved me big headache in my project.

[@newportmike8519]

Was doing this same thing but with paver sand and it just isn't as sturdy in the long run. Didn't know you can do this with cement and have a good bond. Many thanks

[@chrismeier3805]

Thanks for watching

[@davidmarino9009]

Stones not laid in correctly. Alternate direction to avoid gaps in stones. These blocks are designed to alternate for straight lines and same direction for curves. Also use mix concrete not just did water version. Will mix better and go farther. Lastly if you dig a bit and add paver base will avoid winter cracking of concrete. Sounds like a lot of work but it’s really not that bad I just finished mine.

[@chrismeier3805]

That's another way to do it, but this is not that project. I like the way my stones are laid so it is not incorrect. Have a great day

[@davidmarino9009]

@@chrismeier3805 I love these stones as well. Really an inexpensive way to a better look and provide a defined edge. Regarding stone placement, if you alternated the pavers you would not have all those gaps in back side of stones where you added concrete to fill in. It is a much cleaner and more professional look and tip for the next DIYer that takes this project on. It is well worth it.

[@jkdmmabox]

@@davidmarino9009 I think you are right. This is basically the "Half-Asser" way to do it. It's gonna look pretty jacked-up in a year.

[@MZ-uv3sr]

@@jkdmmabox This 'half-assed' way is so much nicer than the ways I've previously done. Lol...maybe my way was the 1/8 ass way

[@hardtailheaven4060]

When the grass underneath the concrete dies the concrete will collapse and crack. Would be better to at least remove some turf and lay the concrete down on some actual dirt.

[@Mslove728]

My regular landscaper wanted to charge me $1,600 to do this. Thank you so much for your video. I'm heading to Lowe's or Home Depot.

[@pmh7917]

Let us know how those 60lb. bags of concrete worked out for you! 😂🥵😱😡

[@dcrcort]

1,600 is not bad.

[@jaygambino5481]

Yeah so??? What did you expect a skilled landscaper to do it for low wage and buy the meterials also ?? You want good looking things on your house pay for it you jew tight ass

[@AntLive29]

great video. after a bit i was tapping my foot to the beat of that honky tonk music! HEEEE HAWWWW!!!

[@foster9062]

Best DIY I have ever seen

[@beverleysmith133]

Excellent. I'll certainly try that. Already did one job and this would have been a good idea.

[@chrismeier3805]

Thanks for watching 🙂

[@nemoooooooo13]

The lack of mixing the concrete with water prior to laying has got me baffled. 😅 never seen it done this way…. Might have to give it a go

[@aprilshepard8662]

It looks so much easier to do that way. I’ve seen a couple other videos like that and it looks like the Way to go. No messy mixing and all that crap that you don’t need. Do you have a second layer you could always use that mason cement caulking to keep the top ones down.

[@axjohn]

Nice work! Cool “outdoor work” music, too.

[@GeorgeZimmermen]

Sounds like something my old mom would say

[@daisyhuynh9336]

Your video is amazing! I am going to do it today! Thank you very much!

[@ashleighking0222]

Your supervisor is gorgeous. Doing the hardest job

[@chrismeier3805]

Thanks! Going on 14 and going strong!

[@stephsmall63]

I’m getting ready to do this now!

[@haroosudra4081]

Thank you very much for the video,I was always afraid to tackle any projects with cement but now having watched your video,has given me the courage to try this in my yard,is it a good idea to add a second or third layer,if so any recommendation of glue to be used?Thanks

[@chrismeier3805]

Sorry...I don't know anything about gluing pavers. Thanks for watching!

[@brostom77]

You beat all diy video out there

[@paulabulluck640]

Looks great! I’m going to try this within the next couple of weeks before it gets too hot here in Georgia. Love this technique. I really don’t want to do a lot of digging. Thank you!

[@JackBastide]

did ya do it?

[@paulabulluck640]

@@JackBastide Noo. Procrastination 😬. But I’m back to thinking about it again right now.

[@chrishayes5755]

@@paulabulluck640 its been a month did ya do it?

[@globalthreat7084]

@@paulabulluck640 It's been 2 months. Have you done it yet?

[@deegeraghty9426]

Thanks. Live in UK.

[@chrismeier3805]

Thanks for watching!

[@pamelag7553]

The finished product looks awesome! But you did not explain how to keep the grass from coming back up through your mulch when you put the mulch on top of the grass inside your garden. I think black garden paper is needed underneath. Thanks!

[@chrismeier3805]

HI, we don't get grass growing up through the mulch and we did not put paper underneath. We do get some weeds, but not much.

[@lilliehalumi8770]

I originally put mulch down in my flower beds, but feral cats were using them as a litter box. So I got rid of as much mulch as I could and put down lava rocks and marble chips. No more cats, and the grass has never come through. A few weeds, here and there did come up, but I did not use that black garden fabric because you can't pull weeds with that stuff down as it will rip. I also got some RoundUp, the Extended Control and I spray once a year. The weeds don't come back.

[@johnheilig5681]

I use roofing paper and round up in smaller areas

[@trinaessiam4848]

I love this no dig method.

[@Mika30041975]

Less scary now to diy mine. Thk u.

[@GeorgeZimmermen]

Lovin the cankles

[@SimplyJapaneseMaples]

Cool. But arguably more work than digging the grass out. I have dug a lot of grass out.

[@jaredskogseth9832]

Will the grass underneath it all just end up dying?

[@brandym.williams7314]

Thank you

[@WHH203]

Good job! Thanks! This is my next project!👍

[@chrismeier3805]

Thank you and thanks for watching… Let me know how it turns out

[@mayarada2059]

Nice one and you've done great job

[@hap5215]

Great job ... I think using adhesive made for landscape blocks might come in handy to prevent any shifting . Also suggest throwing a level on the edging for those with unlevel lawns might be useful as well . Thoughts ?

[@chrismeier3805]

The concrete holds down the pavers so not sure any adhesive would be needed. Sure, you could use a level...we just weren't being that particular about it and it looks fine :-) thanks for watching

[@trinhk]

Thanks for the great tip. Would you be able to stack the stone blocks to make a raised garden bed with this method?

[@choctaw5050]

Loved your project and music...

[@chrismeier3805]

thanks!

[@kristinawillis9486]

It's been about a year since you posted this video. Could you show us an update to see how it has held up?

[@chrismeier3805]

Thanks for watching! Update has been posted.

[@Fuzzymaniacify]

Amazing and look beautiful. Question what is the concrete for? It is to hold them in place ? I would love to build this but want to know what happen if I am lazy and do it with out the concrete?

[@chrismeier3805]

Hi, thanks for watching. Yes, it holds the pavers down. If you don't use the concrete and the pavers get bumped by lawn mowers, walking or animals, they will probably shift.

[@apete09]

I would think it would be a great blocker from the grass entering and any weeding towards the edge of the flower beds!!! Great work!! I love this idea!

[@chrismeier3805]

@@apete09 Thanks LadyA!

[@faysalkus1083]

You mentioned you repeatly bought 10 bags of concrete. How many bags and how many ft of edging did you use?

[@chrismeier3805]

Hi… Thanks for watching… I honestly don’t remember it’s been a few years now. Whatever your project requires that’s how much you’ll need

[@samayatyson3873]

I like this way better. Thanks.

[@chrismeier3805]

Glad you like it!

[@wonderwomandiana6461]

It came out so beautiful what a wonderful presentation. Now. Now do you only need to sprinkle a little bit of water for the cement to become cemented on the ground?

[@TheHouseofChameleons]

I wonder how it looks without any gaps between tiles.

[@JLAXIN69]

why would anyone thump down this video is beyond me

[@CeCe-yo3el]

This is beautiful. Would this method work for a landscape design going up a hill? I’m concerned about the bricks falling downward.

[@chrismeier3805]

Hi, the pavers are set in the concrete so don't think they would fall anywhere. Thanks for watching!

[@jftube3333]

Very nice! Is it necessary to use the concrete to set the pavers in place? Can I set it up the same way without concrete??

[@chrismeier3805]

Thanks for watching! Yes, the concrete holds the pavers in place.

[@MOJUSA]

Beautiful garden

[@chrismeier3805]

thanks!!

[@rg341]

Simply genius!

[@chrismeier3805]

I did not invent the method but thank you for watching

[@cathywhitaker8338]

How well does this fast-drying cement hold up in 0 degree/freezing weather? Is it going to crack because it's not very thick?

[@chrismeier3805]

Hi, we live in Michigan and it's been over 3 years with no cracking. You can check out my update video from last year here. Thanks for watching kzbin.info/www/bejne/qJjTcqCNrNqUotU

[@mdarks4117]

Did u happen to use general purpose concrete or a fast setting? Trying to decide on using an old bag of regular sand mix also, or just buying a fast setting concrete

[@chrismeier3805]

Hi, fast setting

[@lukeinman2666]

Okay Ive got 3 stupid questions for everyone or anyone who has any insight or tips, hints, tricks... 1) So does all that extra concrete powder that spills over the front facing edge turn into clumps of hard concrete forever then? I feel like you need to bring a shop vac through and scoop a lotta the excess stuff up before watering or something, no? 2) did you stake down the "no dig" black plastic edging liner beforehand or was the just loose and the weight of the bricks kept them in place? 3) Will this work just as easy on a hill working up or down as oppossed to a flat surface like you have here? I have a big hill in the backyard I need to try and play with THANKS IN ADVANCE! PUMPED TO TRY THIS OUT!!

[@chrismeier3805]

1. The concrete just hardens and stays where you poured it. It's covered up with mulch so you never see it. As I said in the video I overdid it but no harm, no foul :-). 2. Yes, stakes come with the edging. 3. It should...the concrete holds the blocks so as long as it's not a crazy hill, I would think it should be ok. Tuck more concrete in front and behind the pavers and it should "seal" them in. Thanks for watching!

[@lukeinman2666]

UPDATE: Everything worked relatively well. I took a painting brush and wiped all the excess concreate off the bricks before watering but i will say when you water down it seemed like majority of excess would just run off the bricks anyways so that was pry overkill. staking it down worked good although the bricks were pretty heavy anyways. no problem on a decently sized hill for most part. I guess my thing would just be to recommend triple checking all your bricks are lined up PERFECTLY before watering in place bc obvsiouly once you water they're stuck in stone. Literally. I also didn't need as many bags of concrete mix as i thought either but didn't go as wide as you guys did. GREAT little project tho that adds a lot to the yard decor and ambiance. THANKS AGAIN!

[@KK-lz2xl]

i am new to this and watch a couple of videos. i just do not understand why would most builders insist to dig the ground and remove all the grass and lay rocks and all other kinds of materials before pouring cement? i believe these are professional builders and there must be good reasons they do this the hard way?

[@chrismeier3805]

Hi, My guess is it would hold better, but that would be way more difficult. For this application, it has worked just fine for us. Maybe a loose paver after getting knocked by my mower, but I think if I had added a bit more cement around the brick it would have held better. But, I just put it back in place and it looks just like it did before 🙂

[@mvpmas4975]

Great Video! ❤

[@chrismeier3805]

Thanks… Thanks for watching!

[@budsmith5]

Thanks 🙏

[@Jeff-vj3jp]

Great video. Question though.. what is the point of the black edging? The stones are the edging border.

[@chrismeier3805]

Thanks… It is a guide for the shape of the border...also an edge for the concrete…keeps it from spilling over onto the other side

[@myjunkmail007]

Why not alternative the bricks to avoid the triangular gaps?

[@chrismeier3805]

That is another option

[@Mark.Watson]

Because they don't know how to install these properly. Lol

[@myjunkmail007]

@@Mark.Watson I forgot about this video. I took my own advice last year when I built a gravel patio around my firepit. Wish I could post pictures. It turned out fabulous! Definitely alternate bricks for a cleaner look.

[@sallykasper61]

Nice and you did a great job 👏

[@brentzanussi4230]

What about the excess concrete powder the spilt over the edge of your no dig border?

[@chrismeier3805]

it hardens and you pick it up

[@andresate6314]

Maybe a dumb question , but what is the purpose of using Cement under the Blocks ? What if in the future you decide to change the blocks or need to move them to make another project ?

[@chrismeier3805]

Hi, not a dumb question… The cement holds the blocks in place. If you want to remove them in the future… It would be easy enough to remove them

[@andresate6314]

@@chrismeier3805 ohhh, thank you. Im doing my front garden this week 😅

[@maureenverstraete9836]

This is going to be a life saver for me. So much easier than what I had planned. But can you tell me more about the water. Apx how many inches of concrete did you have and how much water is a "good misting"? Thanks so much

[@chrismeier3805]

Hi Maureen, thanks for watching! As I think I said in video, we overdid the concrete as far as width went. As for the height of the concrete, it would be level with the black border you lay out. You don't want so much water that it moves the concrete in any way so just mist it until it's saturated.

[@jzm6403]

Is the concrete that wide for cold climate? Great Video. I wouldn't use my level to level (lol) the concrete though.

[@chrismeier3805]

No, the concrete didn't have to be that wide. you can make it as wide as you like. It was an old level so didn't really matter.

[@maggiemccall2956]

Nice tutorials 👍

[@ebgreene77]

Did you remove to the black edging? It blocks the beauty of the stone. Will the concrete base show?

[@chrismeier3805]

No I did not remove it… You don’t even see it unless you’re looking for it up close. The grass grows over the concrete so you don’t see it

[@olgavbarnetliebman6014]

All l9oks nice, but how is grass what left inside the flower bed, it will grow

[@chrismeier3805]

It’s never been a problem…only a few tiny sprouts come up, if that in some spots

[@Scott-is9ri]

I'll have to try this. I'm curious why you didn't sprinkle a bit of water before laying the bricks down? How does the concrete set without water under the bricks?

[@chrismeier3805]

That would probably work too I suppose. I showed how concrete is sprinkled in between the pavers and then you put water on it so it is effectively surrounding the paver in concrete once it sets

[@Scott-is9ri]

@@chrismeier3805 ok I'll finish it tomorrow and let you know how it worked. Thanks again!

[@chrismeier3805]

Thanks for watching Scott… Hope it turns out great!

[@mml1224]

great job chris, how are they holding up , any shifting?.....anyway, this is the 2nd time i saw double the width in concrete mix go to waste, y? i know you put mulch over it, but still, not sure just y they just cant go past the pavers a couple of inches with the mix and not almost twice. i would still think about diggin them down an inch just to hide the plastic borders which take away from the stone or IS IT ok to remove the borders after the mix settles

[@chrismeier3805]

Hi, I think only 1 one has shifted and that was after I kicked it by accident. As I said in the video, no need to go as wide as we did. You can do whatever makes you comfortable...we went with easy and it has worked out fine. For the most part, the grass in front of the plastic edging makes it barely noticeable. I think it also protects the pavers/concrete when edging with a string trimmer.

[@miraflorjomuad5178]

Nice!!

[@bash9032]

Looks great! Does the use of concrete pose any issues down the road?

[@chrismeier3805]

Thanks for watching...no issues for me

[@SteveHarvey-ok3dt]

My question is: Whats is done to block weeds. It looks nice today but Im guessing within a couple growing seasons, you have a lot of work.

[@chrismeier3805]

Hi, block the weeds from where...under the pavers? They can't go through concrete

[@SteveHarvey-ok3dt]

@@chrismeier3805 no, but they certainly will go under and around

[@chrismeier3805]

@@SteveHarvey-ok3dt I just double checked with my wife and neither of us has pulled 1 weed from around any of the pavers

[@virginianalangan6786]

Thank u for sharing

[@chrismeier3805]

Thank you for watching😀

[@WenboCanadaImmigration]

it is for laying 2 layers of bricks?

[@FRanger92]

Im not sure I would want to cement pavers in to the flower bed. Seems a bit unnessesary as they should be heavy enough to stay in place. This will be a huge pain to move or change.

[@chrismeier3805]

These pavers are not very heavy and I have no plans to change it anytime soon

[@Taslyn778]

This is dope

[@Kguth819]

IF I WANTED TO ADD A SECOND BRICK LAYER ON TOP WILL IT STILL WORK? WHAT ABOUT COLD FREEZING TEMPS PUSHING UP AND DOWN ON CONCRETE? IF THIS METHOD WORKS, WHY IS EVERYONE STILL USING SAND/GRAVEL AS A BASE? Thanks

[@chrismeier3805]

We live in Michigan and there is no heaving of the concrete. Using sand to level is probably more professional but this is an EASY no dig border. I suppose you could add a 2nd layer but that is not this project.

[@matchmysuccess]

so it looks like each bag of concrete spread out about 5ft. lengthwise. is that about right?

[@chrismeier3805]

Hi John… Maybe a little more but that’s about right… We put it on way thicker than I think we had to

[@softaco3088]

Would it matter to have the brick outside of the plastic edging? Instead of inside of it

[@chrismeier3805]

Hi, not that I can think of.

[@greglocke9914]

How difficult is it to get that concrete up if you had to do so later on ?

[@chrismeier3805]

Hi Greg, Just break it up and pick it up

[@johnlieu3141]

Thank. Will do this summer

[@marksaint1359]

How many times do you water them? Like how many days you have to do to make sure they r pretty good solid?

[@chrismeier3805]

Hi Mark. Just once...a light misting...don't soak.

[@ritataylor8860]

I will do this !!

[@chrismeier3805]

let me know how it turns out!

[@deldeek]

Did you mow the grass before setting the concrete 😮?

[@chrismeier3805]

yeah, I think I probably mowed it very short

[@foreversettled9144]

Thank you.

[@JackBastide]

What would be the ramifications of NOT using Concrete? (just in case I Want to remove it or change the shape at some point)

[@chrismeier3805]

Hi Jack...just that the pavers would be easily movable by kicking, animals (we have deer roam through our beds ALL the time) or lawn mowers.

[@Moocow234]

Just a question, can you do this without the plastic edging? Or what is that exactly used for? Just seen other diyers leave that step out, and didn’t know if that helps keep them in place long term?

[@chrismeier3805]

You probably could. It's bracing the pavers

[@Moocow234]

@@chrismeier3805 okay. That makes sense. This step I’m sure will help make it look nice for years! Thank you for this video. I am excited to start an edging!

[@priscilastolochi9610]

The edging is just an extra $$. If you measure it right and alight correctly only the rocks are enough.

[@johannepiper6836]

If you want to stack 2 or 3 bricks high, what you would use to secure them in place

[@relevant.c5411]

i used nothing and it looks great. or u can use liquid nails.

[@thomaskogel9495]

Best would be to buy some construction adhesive. It comes in tubes and can be found at any building supply center. Need a caulking gun though.

[@thomaskogel9495]

You just lay a couple of beads of the adhesive under each block. Then stack :)

[@maxpatch67]

You could either use landscaping block adhesive or traditional mortar.

[@dionst.patrick4975]

Can you tell me if the grass under your concrete will grow and eventually effect the concrete you laid down?

[@chrismeier3805]

Hi Dion, honestly, I'm not sure. I would think it would kill the grass underneath so it shouldn't. It's been about 2 years and no effect yet. Thanks for watching!

[@darrellbrown8547]

My technique too, good job

[@ianeBeee]

I’m confused. Don’t they want us to dig so the pavers don’t move /shift over time? I’d much rather do it this way than digging if it’s not going to fall apart or shift and look a mess in a few years.

[@chrismeier3805]

Hi, they don’t shift because they are set in concrete

[@patriciamccaulsky7054]

That is amazing

[@chrismeier3805]

Thanks for watching!

[@asianangler]

this work with paver/leveling base and sand also?

[@chrismeier3805]

I suppose, but it's the concrete that holds the pavers down

[@darrah55]

Do you need landscape paper under your mulch to prevent weeds?

[@chrismeier3805]

I have not had weeds in two years

[@janaejenson6183]

Would you make any adjustments if you have a slight slope to your garden?

[@chrismeier3805]

you could...I didn't but you do you :-)

[@lesleyu9024]

Over time, wont they become unsettled with heavy rain or heavy snow fall melt?

[@chrismeier3805]

I suppose eventually, most concrete will crack or something but I'm no concrete expert.

[@aliceeads5103]

How hard would that cement be to remove when wanting to change the landscaping?

[@chrismeier3805]

Hi Alice, I think it would come up easy enough...all depends on how thick you put it down I suppose. It's only resting on dirt or grass so once you break it up, it would be easy to pick up.

[@shirleyzhou4916]

Has anyone tried this yet? Please share your thoughts. Thank you!

[@jaredskogseth9832]

Do you not have to dig up what's underneath? Will it grow through?

[@chrismeier3805]

Nothing has grown through the concrete...that's the beauty of it :-)

[@kevinbreen2667]

can the bricks be doubled stacked

[@chrismeier3805]

Sure, but you'd have to attach them somehow

[@simonfan8199]

Just have a question: can we use regular concrete mix instead of fast setting? Fast setting's price is doubled.

[@chrismeier3805]

Hi, You could but it's a LOT more work

[@chrismeier3805]

@Ted Tester Mixing concrete is a lot of work

[@maxpatch67]

only use "fast-setting" any other kind will not work with this technique

[@babieangels]

What planting zone do you live in? Do you get a lot of snow?

[@chrismeier3805]

Hi. Thanks for watching! We are in MI so looks like zone 6. Didn't get a ton of snow this years...maybe 10-12 inches I'd guess

[@aj25055]

Yes. I’m wondering how this would hold up in cold climates. I’m in SE MI & we definitely got more than 10-12 inches. Lol

[@Dasan1111]

I wonder concrete is really required?

[@chrismeier3805]

It is if you want the pavers to stay in place

[@ms.originalnaturehairandma8123]

Does the mulch attract termites?

[@chrismeier3805]

Not that I ever noticed