martes, 15 de junio de 2010

Building Your Own Hypertufa Pots

Hypertufa is an artificial rock that is popular for gardening. They are generally constructed as pots since unlike those created from concrete, they are way lighter and they also do not split in the winter. They are also quite appealing because of their rustic porous appearance, giving them a more natural feel. Hypertufa pots can be used on many types of plants but they are particularly beneficial on succulent types.

To create a hypertufa pot, you'll need a suitable mold that can hold or contain the plant. Think about the shape and size of the mold that you will be utilizing for the envisioned end result of your creation. You may use sytrofoam chests, trash cans, buckets, cardboard boxes, and even pots as a mold for your hypertufa. Cover your mold with garbage bag or if it’s made of plastic, apply oil lubricants to it. This will make sure that you'll be capable of detaching the mold afterwards, the moment your hypertufa hardens.

The second step is creating your hypertufa mixture. You will need 1 part Portland cement, 1 1/2 parts perlite, and 1 1/2 parts peat moss for your pot. Mix the ingredients well and slowly and gradually add water until it attains the sticky, mud-pie consistency. Then apply the mixture to the mold that you have prepared. It is up to you which part to put the mixture on but keep in mind that putting it inside will render a pot smaller than your mold while putting it outside can cause a rough, unequal underside to your pot. Don't neglect to add drainage holes under your pot using a stick. Ensure that the mixture does not flow back to cover the holes you just made.

After putting on your mixture, place a plastic bag all over your wet pot and allow it to sit for about three days right until it solidifies. Then take away the mold off the hypertufa in a very careful manner. Roughen the sides getting a wire brush to give it a more natural look. Next, return your pot in the plastic bag and put it once again in a protected area. The pot will be ready in around three weeks time. Bear in mind to leach it initially with water for a few days ahead of planting on it as Portland cement has high amount of lime which is unhealthy for plants.

MADDW

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