Small patio herb planters | Patio

Design decision

Why this idea works

Herbs add a practical reason to use a small patio while the planters make a narrow fence edge feel intentional. Keeping them at the perimeter preserves a simple central dining field.

The tradeoff: The fixed features give the patio a clear purpose, but they reduce room for later changes. Plan water, soil, root space, and fence maintenance before fixing raised planters beside the patio.
How to measure it: Conceptual range: about 8 × 12 ft to 12 × 14 ft, with planters kept outside the core table and chair zone.

On your property

Plan it for your site

A light broom-finished slab and simple joints allow the planting and dining to take focus. A calm surface also makes fallen leaves, soil, and water easier to see and clean.

Keep irrigation and overflow controlled so planters do not wet the slab or fence constantly.
Leave access for pruning, harvesting, and fence maintenance.
Select edible plants suited to the actual sunlight and avoid large roots near the slab edge.

Before forms are set

Build implications

Confirm before estimating Planter structure, drainage, irrigation, and any fence attachment.
Confirm before estimating Dining clearance and main walking route around the table.
Confirm before estimating Finished grades and water movement away from the house.
Measure the site and establish elevations Record boundaries, thresholds, grade changes, utilities, and the dimensions of vehicles, furniture, equipment, or structures that affect the layout.
Test how the space will be used Check walking routes, turning paths, door swings, working clearances, maintenance access, and the route back to the house or street.
Resolve drainage, services, and structural support Decide where water goes and coordinate drains, conduit, irrigation, fuel, electrical work, footings, and independent supports before forms are set.
Define and estimate each concrete element Confirm the slab or footing section, base, joints, edges, and finish, then estimate simple measurable fields separately from steps, walls, drains, and supported features.

Prevent these problems

Crowding the usable areaFurniture can fit in a drawing while still blocking doors, chair movement, serving routes, or the direct path back to the house.
Sending water toward the houseA terrace that appears level can hold runoff at thresholds unless finished elevations and a discharge route are established first.
Treating added features as decorationPergolas, fire features, kitchens, walls, and planters need their own supports, clearances, utilities, drainage, and maintenance access.

Next step

Turn the idea into your estimate

Enter dimensions measured on the property. The conceptual image does not provide a takeoff.

Estimate your patio

Questions this idea raises

Can raised herb planters sit beside a concrete patio?

They can, but plan water management, soil containment, and access so the planters do not stain or constantly wet the patio edge.

How much patio room is needed for a table and planters?

Measure the actual table, chair pullback, path, and planter depth. A small rectangle can work well when the perimeter elements stay compact.

Best when: Small sunny backyard where cooking herbs, compact dining, and low-maintenance planting share the same edge.
Reconsider when: Reconsider the idea if drainage, circulation, and support for added features cannot be resolved on the property.
Verify first: Plan water, soil, root space, and fence maintenance before fixing raised planters beside the patio.
Professional input: Concrete contractor; specialist review for supported structures, fire features, or utilities

Sources and further reading

NRMCA CIP 6: Joints in Concrete Slabs on GradeA concise industry reference for planning panel and control joints on a patio slab instead of improvising them.
Building America Solution Center: Slope Patios Away from the HouseDOE-affiliated guidance on setting patio grade so surface water moves away from the house.
NRMCA CIP 11: Curing In-Place ConcretePractical guidance on curing methods and timing for new concrete.

Read the slab planning guide