How to Make Pumpkin Concrete Planters

Concrete planters are a great way to add a touch of rustic charm to your home or garden, and they're also relatively easy to make. This tutorial will show you how to make pumpkin-shaped concrete planters using real pumpkins as molds.

Materials:

- Pumpkins (any size or shape will work)

- Plaster of paris (available at hardware stores)

- Quickcrete all-purpose concrete mix (available at hardware stores)

- Vegetable oil

- Paint (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the pumpkins. Cut off the tops of the pumpkins, and remove the pulp and seeds. Rinse the pumpkins thoroughly with water and let them dry completely.

2. Apply vegetable oil to the inside of the pumpkins. This will help prevent the concrete from sticking to the pumpkins.

3. Cut the plaster of paris into 1 -inch pieces. Place the pieces in a bowl and mix with water until a smooth paste forms (1 part water 2 part plaster of paris).

4. Using a paintbrush, apply the plaster paste to the inside of the pumpkins. Be sure to cover the entire surface, including the bottom.

5. Allow the plaster paste to dry completely. This may take several hours.

6. Mix the concrete according to the package directions.

7. Pour the concrete into the pumpkin molds. Be careful not to overfill the molds. Leave about 1 inch of space at the top.

8. Allow the concrete to cure for at least 24 hours.

9. Remove the pumpkins from the concrete planters. You may need to use a sharp knife to cut around the edges of the pumpkins.

10. Paint the concrete planters, if desired.

11. Once decorated, fill your planters with potting soil and plants.

12. Enjoy your new pumpkin concrete planters!