The HH and I were cleaning the garage out the other day and came across 2 bags of concrete {left over from when we built the chicken run last summer}. I thought it would be fun to use the extra concrete to make a couple of unique concrete planters for the backyard.
If you’ve never made your on concrete containers before, it’s SUPER easy to do.
First, choose two containers to use as a mold. You’ll need a smaller and a larger one, so that one can nest inside the other. I found these flexible plastic containers at my local garden center.
Now, use a paintbrush to coat the inside of your larger container with cooking oil.
Next, oil the outside of your smaller container, using the same method as above.
Now, grab some garden gloves and mix your concrete. Fill the larger mold up to about 1 inch from the top. Shake the container to allow the concrete to settle and get rid of air bubbles.
Press the small mold into the large mold. Don’t press it too deep, remember, you need enough concrete to have bottom to your planter.
Next put a rock or some other weight inside the smaller mold and let the concrete set for 24-48 hours.
Finally, gently remove the molds. You may want to smooth the rough edges with a stone or a file.
That’s it, easy peasy!
Want more ideas on concrete projects? Amazon has Concrete Garden Projects and it is getting great reviews.
Caryl says
WOW — I love them!
indymess says
These are fantastic! Is there a way to incorporate drainage? I’m not handy but this looks pretty manageable. 🙂
Mavis says
If you need a drainage hole then simply oil a plastic straw and place it in the bottom of the pot, then place the oiled center container {in this case a plastic cup} on top of the straw. Pull the straw out once the concrete is set. Voila! Pot with drainage hole.
Brandi says
You can drill a hole after it sets if needed.
Madam Chow says
What about drainage holes?
Mavis says
If you need a drainage hole then simply oil a plastic straw and place it in the bottom of the pot, then place the oiled center container {in this case a plastic cup} on top of the straw. Pull the straw out once the concrete is set. Voila! Pot with drainage hole. 🙂
Annie H says
I love this idea! However, I felt compelled to comment to say that I think its very important to note that you need to wear gloves when doing this project (as you show in your photo). Concrete will damage your skin, it has a very high pH level (alkaline or basic).
Rubi says
I love making my own containers! It’s so easy and much more economical. You pay big bucks for concrete-like planters through retail stores and this way you can make any shape, size or color and design them however suits your style needs.
My favorite method uses a mixture of Portland cement and things any avid gardener would usually have on hand! Martha has a great recipe that you can adjust and experiment with pretty easily.
Knowing you though, I bet you’ve already tried this one!
http://www.marthastewart.com/268091/pots-with-a-personal-touch-hypertufa
Lisa says
Super cute and I LOVE the shape you used!!
Lisa says
Love ur ideas :). Can the concrete be painted my granddaughter loves to paint n help n the garden n she’d be super excited to help her Grammie with this project.
Mavis says
Absolutely! 🙂
Rolando says
I’m dying to find a container like the one you use here, but am having absolutely no luck. I’ve looked everywhere – online, retails stores, dollar stores, garden centers. nothing. any suggestions? I really want that specific shape. I know it sounds silly. Thanks!
Mavis Butterfield says
I purchased mine at Watsons – You could give them a call and see if they will mail some to you. 🙂 http://watsonsgreenhouse.com/contact/
stacy says
Watsons does not ship them but I found them at the Container store and they do ship if you don’t have a store near you.. 🙂
http://www.containerstore.com/shop/containers/openBinsBaskets?productId=10018611
Rolando says
Thank you so much! I can’t believe it never came up in my searches! I wonder how well concrete will dry in this cooler weather. Ah well, i don’t really need them until next year. Thanks again!
Paula B says
I have been dying to find similar containers and have also looked everywhere, the link to the container store doesn’t bring up a product and I’ve been searching their site without luck for hours… can anyone help? I don’t even know how to describe them to search
Paula B says
They are called “zig zag pots” and the container store does have them.
Lindsey says
Hi,
Wow love this idea so I tried it myself. Did you get a bit of liquid that just sat at the top?
Mavis Butterfield says
The water should absorb into the concrete if you let it sit overnight. Mine did at least.
Edith says
Love all the things you come up with, but is there any chance of you putting it up as a pdf file? makes things soooooooooo much easier to copy and print at a later time.
Robin says
This looks do-able to me also. Thanks to those of you who researched where to get the containers. Luckily, I have a Container store near me, so I’ll check it out. I have some left-over cement! 🙂