How to Build a DIY Cement Planter

Table of Content

• Step 6: Carefully Remove Cement Planter
• Let the Cement Dry
• How to make concrete planters and everything you need to know for making planters at home.
• Creating Drainage Holes For A Pot Made From Concrete
• Step 2: Prep the Molds
• Pour Cement Into Container
• Use Concrete to Accent Garden Style
• How to Make Concrete Flower Pots

You can use stencils to paint specific images onto your planters. Tape the stencil to the side of the planter and fill in the gaps with masonry paint. Before you paint the planter with masonry paint, put a coat of block primer on the planter so that you have a flat surface to work on. If you're having trouble getting the planter out, don't be scared to break the larger mold.

Be sure to protect your skin with very durable nitrile gloves when handling concrete and cement. Many of these paints are labeled as floor paints, but should also list individual surfaces on which the paint is effective. White cement is generally used before painting the wall and grey cement is used for bricklaying work.

Step 6: Carefully Remove Cement Planter

Follow the instructions on your bag of cement to get the right ratio. Start by mixing equal parts cement mix and water. Add more cement mix if it looks especially wet. Keep mixing until you have a thick but slightly viscous consistency, almost like brownie batter. Cement accents are gaining popularity as more people work to create calming, organic modernism-inspired spaces complete with natural elements.

Now this is where working with concrete is fun. You can pretty much use anything to make concrete molds. The only constraints are that it needs to be either somewhat flexible (i.e. smooth plastic) or you don’t mind if you have to break it off. I have used plastic planters, old glass jars, plastic buckets, etc. You can even create a cavity in fine sand to make a mold, although it will need some sanding to finish.

Let the Cement Dry

Place it cut side down in the bottom of the planter. The top of the bottle should not be higher than half the depth. On the larger pots, we clamped around the edges to make sure the inner mold stayed centered and then weighed it down.

Thyme and Place offers indoor plants and containers, a fully stocked potting bench, and tips on plants to suit your space and lifestyle. Choose container shapes that complement your garden's style, and make sure plants will have a suitable container in which to thrive. Drill drainage holes into your planters after the concrete has set, or place a cork or piece of foam in the bottom when forming the pots.

How to make concrete planters and everything you need to know for making planters at home.

But as mentioned above, you can soak the concrete planter for three days in water, to leach out the alkalinity to neutralize it. What are some other options for plants that are a safe container material? The best options are going to be pots that are porous. Yes, I added a drainage hole with a concrete bit. I got my molds from Lowes because they have those plastic pots in multiple sizes. Of course, the thicker the sides, the heavier the pot will be.

This article will walk you through how to make a mold and pour the concrete for your planter step by step. Soon, you'll have a sturdy, aesthetic new home for your plants. Once you have your cement, you will need a bucket or wheelbarrow in which to mix the powder, as well as a ready water source. The most important step is to prepare your forms so the concrete comes out easily. Completely cover the inside of the larger form and the outside of the smaller. You may also choose to line them with aluminum foil and pan spray.

For very small planters, one ¼” hole should suffice. This is because succulents like soil that is more on the alkaline side and concrete leaches lime which is highly alkaline. However, you can plant any type of plant in a concrete planter, but you may want to soak it in water first. They both contain lime and will leach alkalinity. The ph level of the soil will be approximately the same with either concrete or cement.

Once the cement is fully dry, you can start to separate the containers and the cement. If you used a paper carton as your container, you can simply peel it away. If needed, use scissors and pliers to separate the cement and containers. Pour your cement mixture into your larger container, whether you’re using a plastic container or paper carton. If you’re using a plastic container, make sure it’s oiled before pouring the mixture in.

You can superglue stones, decorative glass, or beads to the outside of the planter to give it a more colorful look. You can use masonry paint to paint the outside of the planter if you want it to be a different color. If you have thicker walls, adjust the pour level of the concrete.

It’s off white, so if you want gray, just add a little black pigment- aslo sold at those same stores. The length of time you cure concrete planters is going to depend on the mix you are using and size of the planter. The excess lime will mix with water to create a high pH level in the soil that can be harmful to many plants which prefer acidic soils. It’s best to know which type of soil your plant will thrive best in. Typically succulents thrive best in soils with high alkalinity.

For instance, if you marked 4 in from the base of the planter, fill the concrete up to the line that you marked. Mark 2 inches (5.1 cm) from the bottom of the large container. Use a ruler to measure 2 inches (5.1 cm) from the base on the inside of the large container.

You see, lime has a high pH, making it very alkaline. However, plants like most succulents, often thrive in soil with a higher pH and so lime leaching a concrete planter or pot isn’t necessary. The reason for sealing a concrete planter is for two reasons. This is the concrete sealer I typically use when sealing concrete.

Fill the larger mold with concrete to about one inch from the top. Shake to eliminate air bubbles; level the surface. Pull out the drinking straw to reveal the drainage hole. Let the concrete cure for the length listed on the bag of mix.

This will quickly pull much of the alkalinity out of the concrete. Another benefit of sealing DIY concrete planters is to prevent efflorescence. So you can feel safe planting vegetables in concrete and cement pots. What are the best planters for keeping healthy plants?