- Sand
- Portland cement
- Water
- Mixing container
- Shovel
- Buckets
- Molds
- Plastic wrap
- Curing chamber
1. Prepare the molds.
- You can use any type of mold you like, such as plastic containers, cardboard boxes, or even old flower pots.
- Just make sure the molds are clean and free of any debris.
- If you're using cardboard boxes, you'll need to line them with plastic wrap first to prevent the cardboard from absorbing the water from the concrete.
2. Mix the concrete.
- In a mixing container, combine the sand, Portland cement, and water in the following ratio:
- 2 parts sand
- 1 part Portland cement
- 1 part water
- Mix the ingredients until they're well combined and there are no lumps.
- The concrete should be thick and creamy, but not too runny.
- If the concrete is too runny, add more sand or cement.
- If the concrete is too thick, add more water.
3. Fill the molds.
- Pour the concrete into the molds, making sure to fill all the corners.
- Tap the molds gently to release any air bubbles.
- Use a trowel to smooth out the surface of the concrete.
4. Cover the molds.
- Cover the molds with plastic wrap to help retain the moisture.
5. Place the molds in a curing chamber.
- The concrete needs to cure for at least 24 hours before it can be unmolded.
- An ideal curing temperature is between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
- If you don't have a curing chamber, you can simply store the molds in a cool, dark place.
6. Unmold the planters.
- After 24 hours, you can unmold the planters.
- To do this, gently remove the plastic wrap and then peel away the molds.
- If the planters are still a little soft, let them continue to cure for another day or two.
7. Plant your flowers or plants.
- Once the planters are completely cured, you can plant your flowers or plants.
- Be sure to use a potting mix that is appropriate for the type of plants you're growing.
- Water the plants regularly and enjoy your new outdoor planters!