Anyone like Ocean Spray juice?
My roommate buys a lot of juice, so I had him save a bunch of the bottles over the winter. I cut the tops off and used them for temporary planters for my tomatoes. I had a few leftover from transplanting them to the garden, so I made a cement planter out of one. Makes a planter of a nice shape and size and I love being able to re-use stuff a bunch of times before it goes to the recycling bin.
I also have a couple milk jugs to try also. I am trying to remember what else is under the ones I am currently working on. Oh, yeah, I used an ice cube bucket. You know, where you dump the ice cubes from the ice cube trays so you can refill the ice cube trays.
One of my cheap, throw-away, planters that some plant came in, didn't fare so well when I extracted it from the cement planter. It cracked and broke up. That's okay. Although, if it holds any kind of shape, I might try using it again, as it is still all in one piece. I am trying different things for the shape and size because I would like to have some pots of similar size and shape. So far, the juice bottle is the only shape I can still use again.
I think the sturdiest/most solid looking planter was made with a barely-used terrycloth washcloth. I'd like to find a fabric store around here to buy a few yards of terrycloth as I think I like that fabric best so far. The cement held to it very well, so less touch up and less time. Already checked Walmart for terrycloth, and sadly, they don't have it. I have other materials to try, but I think it will be worthwhile to invest in a few yards of terrycloth, even if I have to order from online. Gotta use up that big bag of cement.
And David, yes the cake batter for the thickness of the cement is about perfect. I soak my brushes in water while taking a break, or when not using one of them. I use the brush soaking water to soak the material I plan to use next. I also use the brush soaking water to keep the planters wet, instead of misting them. I have a nice fat brush for that. I also use the brush soaking water to thin the cement batter a little because it thickens before I'm done with it. Remember, I'm slow folks. I use my spray bottle to wash my hands so I don't get cement all over my drink, or Itty Bitty. Hehehehehe.
