I want to make my own troughs for my plants for next year?

i have been to many garden centres and been ripped off with buying pots so i want to make my own.I think that its cement and compost, to give the old look but not sure of what amount to use.anybody got any ideas and tips

I want to make my own troughs for my plants for next year?
Making a Hypertufa Container




















What you need:


1 bag of cement (portland cement is best)


1 bag of sand


1 bag of fine peat moss


Coffee can or other measuring device


Plastic dishpan


Large plastic tub for mixing


Plastic bag or plastic wrap


Piece of 1/2" wooden dowel


Wire Brush


Thick rubber gloves





Hypertufa is inexpensive and easy to make. Combine 1 part cement mix, 1 part sand, and 2 parts peat moss together in a large, shallow tub. Avoid using prepared cement that contains gravel as it will give the finished container a coarse texture. Measure the ingredients by volume, not by weight. A large coffee can works great for measuring.











Once all of the different components are thoroughly combined, start gradually adding water to the mix. Put on a pair of rubber gloves and mix in the water. Keep adding water until the hypertufa becomes the consistency of Play Dough. If the hypertufa becomes too wet, the mix won't hold its shape in the mold. If this happens, just add a little more of the dry mix to absorb the excess water.











The mold being used for this trough is a standard plastic dishpan, however almost any plastic or wood container can be used. In order to keep the hypertufa from sticking to the mold, line the inside of the dishpan with plastic.











Start pressing the hypertufa into the mold, keeping a thickness of about 1 1/2" on the bottom and sides. If the mix is the right consistency, it should hold its form just fine.











Once you finish pressing the hypertufa into the mold, use a 1/2" wood dowel to make a few drainage holes in the bottom of the trough. Cover the top of the mold with plastic and let the mix set.











It should take about 24 hours for the hypertufa to set properly. Ideally, you should be able to scratch the surface of the container with your fingernail, but it shouldn't give if you press into it with your finger. Carefully turn the mold over and remove the trough. Remove the plastic from the outside of the container.











Use a wire brush to round off any sharp edges and to give the trough a weathered appearance.











The finished container should be allowed to cure for an additional month or so. Keep it in an area where it is protected from direct sunlight and freezing temperatures. After the container is sufficiently cured, it needs to be washed thoroughly to remove the highly alkaline chemical residue left from the wetted cement. For a beautiful finish, try covering the outside of the container with moss
Reply:use wood.


buy some scaffolding planks, and cut them to whatever size you need, then line the inside with plastic sheet, remembering to leave drainage holes in the base.


then you can paint them with exterior wood paint, loads of colours to choose from.
Reply:DIY.net has a recipe and plans to make these with Tufa.
Reply:you can take a regular cardboard box, plastic sheeting, concrete mix and coconut hull mulch and make them.


Line the box with plastic sheeting leaving enough to fold over into the trough.


Mix your concrete and coconut hull mix thick like a brownie mix.


Form it to fit the inside of your box and push it gently up the sides of the box.


Keep the form about 2" thick and form out for the middle as you go.


Punch at least 3 drain holes in the bottom


Fold the plastic over into the middle of the trough and let it sit out in a shady spot for about a week to cure and dry


Pull the box away from the form and take a wire brush to roughen up the sides. Do this gently as the concrete will not be totaly cured yet.


LEt them sit another week and you can safely move them to where they can be planted.





The lady I saw explaining this made several in different shapes. She even made concrete planks to set them on to vary the heights.





If you want them to grow mold quickly and have that weathered look you can smear on plain yogurt and let it sit under a tree and within a few weeks you will have the nice green moss/mold growing on the sides.





Good luck.
Reply:Don't bother
Reply:what you mean is hyper tuffer, it is made of sand, cement, compost and for good effect add a little moss.





i have used this to great affect reparing stone troughs,





to make it you should get a buckets and add the constituents at the following proportions





1 part cement, 1 part sand, 2 parts compost and moss by eye, enough water to make a firm dough





the best thing to do is cover and existing trough or planter, if you plan to this try ad make the best possible key, so if its a wood trough put small nails in preferably with large heads, apply the mixture over the structure carefuly adding little at a time. smoothing on with your hands.





if you are using and different base like an old sink try and make it rough.





good luck, and if at first you dont suceed try again its worth it.
Reply:You are better off purchasing them.
Reply:The ones you are looking for are made of ready mix concrete and spaghmam moss. You can find the directions on hgtv.com. These are fun and easy to make and look great! I am at work so I don't have the recipe with me.