Creative Cement Planter Ideas for Your Garden
Introduction
Are you looking for a fun and family-friendly way to add some creativity to your garden? Making cement planters is a great option! They’re easy to make, affordable, and can be customized to your liking.
Benefits of Cement Planters
- Durable: Cement planters can withstand the elements, making them a great choice for outdoor use.
- Versatile: You can make cement planters in any size, shape, or color, so they can be used to complement any garden style.
- Affordable: Cement is a relatively inexpensive material, so making cement planters is a budget-friendly way to add some flair to your garden.
How to Make Cement Planters
Materials:
- Cement mix
- Water
- Mixing bucket or wheelbarrow
- Plastic or plywood forms (in different sizes)
- Cooking oil or aluminum foil
- Wooden stick
Instructions:
- Prepare your forms: Coat the inside of the larger form and the outside of the smaller form with cooking oil or line them with aluminum foil. This will help the concrete release easily from the forms.
- Mix the concrete: Follow the instructions on the cement mix package to mix the cement with water. The mixture should be creamy and thick.
- Pour the concrete: Pour a layer of concrete into the larger form, then nestle the smaller form inside. Push out any excess concrete.
- Remove air bubbles: Use a wooden stick to poke holes in the concrete and release any air bubbles.
- Create drainage holes: If desired, you can create drainage holes by inserting dowels coated in petroleum jelly into the bottom of the planter.
- Cure the concrete: Allow the concrete to cure for 18-24 hours before removing the forms.
Creative Cement Planter Ideas
Once you’ve mastered the basics of making cement planters, you can get creative with different shapes, sizes, and colors. Here are a few ideas to inspire you:
- Round planters: Classic round planters are always a good choice, and they can be made in any size.
- Rectangular planters: Rectangular planters are a great option for raised beds or for creating a modern look.
- Vertical planters: Vertical planters are a space-saving solution for small gardens or balconies.
- Tiered planters: Tiered planters add height and visual interest to your garden.
- Painted planters: You can paint cement planters any color you like to match your garden décor.
- Textured planters: You can add texture to cement planters by using different molds or by carving designs into the concrete.
Tips for Success
- Use quick-setting concrete if you want to finish your project quickly.
- Make sure your forms are sturdy enough to hold the weight of the concrete.
- Allow the concrete to cure completely before using it.
- Seal the planters with masonry seal to protect them from the elements.
With a little creativity and effort, you can make beautiful and unique cement planters that will add a personal touch to your garden. So get started today and see what you can create!