Converting an Old Concrete Patio to a Vegetable Garden: Mudjacking vs. Removal

Options for a Cracked, Unlevel 22×16-Foot Slab

A homeowner’s 30-year-old patio has cracks from an umbrella hole, with 1–2 inch settlement. Husband proposes mudjacking then flagstone; wife considers raised veggie beds after removal.

Mudjacking Assessment

If no major underlying issues (e.g., water erosion), mudjacking might work to relevel for a flagstone overlay. But it’s not a guarantee.

Raised Beds on Old Slab

• If slab has compacted gravel base → remove it.
• If loose gravel ≤ few inches → may leave it if adding 12+ inches of garden soil.
• Unknown sub-base? Excavate to native soil for best drainage and root growth.

Recommendation

For a vegetable garden, removing the slab and building proper raised beds on native soil is more reliable. Mudjacking + flagstone is a patio fix, not a garden solution.