Concrete Planters

We all know that planters are those containers that are used for growing live plants. They can be placed indoors or outdoors, as a part of the general decor. Nowadays, planters come in various sizes, shapes and styles and are made of a variety of materials. It can be a small pot that can grow a single plant to window box planters that can provide a home for a number of plants. While tall planters are used for growing deep-rooted plants that can grow to large sizes, shallow ones are preferred for plants with shallow roots. You can also find trellis planters, hanging planters and deck railing planters.

More About Concrete Planters

Planters can be made of a wide range of materials and the most popular among them are terracotta, clay and concrete. While terracotta, concrete and stone planters are usually used outdoors for their weather resistance, plastic, polyresin and fiber planters are usually placed indoors. Concrete planters are much valued for their looks, sturdiness and durability. It is perfect for outdoor plants and can be used inside too. The modern concrete planters come in different designs and styles. While these decorative planters are expensive, they are also heavy enough to move from one place to another. So, it is always better to make these planters at home.

Homemade Concrete Planters

You can make these planters at home at a surprisingly low price. Apart from that, you can make planters as per your requirement and taste. Once you become comfortable in making these planters, you may also try intricate designs and styles.

• In order to make concrete planters, you need concrete mix, two containers of the same shape, but, one should be little bit smaller than the other, concrete dye (optional), trowel, plastic pipes with one inch diameter, etc.
• Start with spraying oil over the inner surfaces of the larger container and the outer surfaces of the smaller container. This is good for easy removal of the planter from these containers, once the planter is made. You may also apply wax for this purpose.
• It is always better to start with square-shaped containers as molds for making planters. You may also use plywood boxes or concrete planter molds.
• The next step is to mix the concrete mix as per the instructions of the manufacturer. Once mixed, it should have the consistency of cake batter. You may also make concrete by mixing equal parts of concrete, perlite and peat moss with sufficient amounts of water.
• If you like colored concrete planters than the plain ones, add concrete color to the mixture. Make sure to add the color, while you mix the concrete.
• Now take the big container and fill its bottom with the concrete. The concrete must have a thickness of at least one inch. A base layer of at least two inches thickness is always preferred for large planters.
• Now immerse two to three plastic pipes into the base layer. The length of the pipes must be similar to the thickness of the base layer, so that these pipes will serve as drainage for your concrete planter, which is very widely used in container gardening.
• Now use a trowel to smooth the areas surrounding the pipes and place the smaller container in the center of the larger one, which has a base layer of concrete. Press the base of the inner container gently.
• The next step is to fill the four sides. You have to fill the space created between the smaller and larger containers on all the four sides. Fill concrete on all four sides and compress it occasionally, so that no vacuum is created inside. Smooth the edges with the trowel and leave the mold for setting.
• As you wait for the concrete to set, it will be better to keep it moist. After 24 hours, remove the containers to expose your homemade concrete planter. Keep the planter damp for at least one week and use it after that.

It will be better to start with regular shaped molds or containers for making concrete planters. Once you gain expertise in this task, you can try intricate styles and designs. As you become an expert, you may also think of making some planters for sale.