How to Make Simple Cement Planters

Making a simple planter can be done with cement.

Planters are as much a decorative part of the home and garden as they are a container for plants. Planters are found in many colors and designs at any home or garden store, however, the price tags may stretch your budget. Instead of buying planters, make them yourself at home using cement. In addition to saving money, you can use multiple molds to give your plants a variety of looks.

Things You'll Need

• Large plastic bucket
• Cement
• Vermiculite
• Hand trowel
• Water
• Plastic containers
• Towel
• Plastic tarp
• Utility knife
• Shortening (optional)

Instructions

1. Fill a large, plastic bucket with one part cement and four parts of vermiculite. Mix the two dry ingredients together well using a hand trowel.

2. Add water a little at a time and then mix the contents with the hand trowel to combine. Continue adding water and mixing until the mixture has the texture of peanut butter.

3. Look for a container to use as the mold for your cement planter. Empty food containers, buckets or plastic storage containers make good molds. Once you find a suitable container, locate another container that is approximately 1 inch smaller in diameter.

4. Wash all containers with water and dry them thoroughly with a towel.

5. Set the larger container flat on a table or the ground. Fill the container half full of the cement mixture.

6. Insert the smaller container into the top of the larger one and push down until you reach 1 inch from the bottom of the lower container. As you do this, the cement mixture will push up the inner sides of the lower container.

7. Scoop up additional cement on the trowel and insert it in the space between the inner and outer containers to build up the sides of the planter, if desired. Drop the container gently on the table or ground three times to remove any air pockets in the cement.

8. Place a drop cloth over the containers to keep the cement moist and allow them to sit for 24 hours.

9. Remove the tarp and cut away the outer container with a utility knife to remove the cement planter. Place the tarp back on top of it to keep it moist for five to seven days before inserting plants.

Tips & Warnings

• If you want to reuse the plastic containers, coat them with shortening before filling them with the wet cement mixture.

References

• Re-Nest: How to Make Modern Cement Planters Using Packaging
• All About Planters: Do-It-Yourself Concrete Planters