DIY Concrete Planters - Take out Style

 

Save all those to-go containers and use them as forms to make your own concrete or cement planters

What you’ll need:

  • Concrete or cement mix

  • Water

  • At least two take out containers that can nest into each other (one big, one smaller)

  • A container or bucket to mix your cement in

  • A work surface you don’t mind getting dirty

  • Something to weight the inner mold down while the concrete sets

  • Gloves - optional

  • Oil based clay to make a drainage hole - also optional

  • Mixing stick - optional as well, I typically use my hands- thus the gloves

Step 1. Prep it!

Assemble your parts and make sure you’re working on a surface that can handle getting a little dirty. If you want to add a drainage hole to your planter use oil based clay to create a plug and secure it to the bottom of your small container (this smaller container is what will be your inside mold). If you’re using containers that aren’t very flexible give them a quick coat of oil so they release from the form after the concrete sets. Set the smaller container inside the larger container.

Step 2. Mix it!

In a separate container for mixing, add water about half the volume of your big take out container. Its better to air on the side of caution and make a little more than you think you might need. Depending on what type of concrete or cement mix you’re using the ratios will differ here, some are about 2:1 cement to water and some end up being 5:1, just be patient and pay attention to the consistency. I like to add a handful of mix to water and a time, making sure to through mix in the cement before adding another handful. You’ll know your cement is ready when it starts to feel like a thick brownie batter.

Step 3: Pour it!

Pour the mix into your prepped mold (the nested take out containers). I like to pour a little in at a time from all sides then give the container a few taps or shakes to help the mix settle and get any air bubbles out. Repeat until your container is filled to your desired level.

Step 4: Bop it!

Let it sit at least overnight, concrete is still fragile while wet so the longer you can wait to un-mold your planter the stronger it will be. Remove the concrete form from the containers and let the planter fully dry before using it, you want the concrete to cure as much as possible to prevent cracking. But hey! If it does crack you can fill the split with a colorful resin and be extra fancy. You can decorate the planters by painting them or bedazzling them to your hearts content.

Step 4: Plant it!

After your planter has fully dried, reward yourself with a new plant to pot in your new creation!