What to do with concrete planters?

JaneG · Post by **JaneG** » Jul 21, 2005 2:55 pm

I found these concrete planters at Walmart for $10. Now I'm not sure what to do with them!

I'm debating on whether to make them a focal point or whether to snuggle them into an existing bed.

The concrete doesn't seem to be sealed. Do I need to seal them? Should I take them inside over winter so they don't crack and break? (As heavy as they are, I really don't want to move them often.)

What would YOU plant in them?

Will they wick the moisture out of the soil and I'll have to water them a lot?

I'll gladly take any suggestions you have!!

Snow · Post by **Snow** » Aug 03, 2005 5:49 pm

Whelp - I love containers such as these. First question - they do need protection in freezing weather, yes. You *might* be ok emptying them, letting them dry out, and then covering them with plastic. What you dont want is for them to expand and crack, or worse.

What to plant - I love lots of herbaceous growth in "stone" containers. For shade - baby tears, ferns, mosses, maybe a few impatiens for color. For sun - thyme, rosemary, sage. That is just my taste - but maybe it will start you off with some ideas.

Mary Ann · Post by **Mary Ann** » Oct 12, 2005 9:51 pm

Jane, they are lovely. I have many concrete pieces that stay out all winter. The urns stay planted (with hosta). Except for my fountain, nothing gets covered. You should seal them tho' (to elimate the wicking and to keep the lime from leaching into the potting mix) and not place them directly on the soil. Keep a board or bricks underneath.

Mary Ann · Post by **Mary Ann** » Oct 12, 2005 9:58 pm

Jane, I just noticed your question was from July. Not much activity in this section. What did you do with your containers?

JaneG · Post by **JaneG** » Oct 12, 2005 11:11 pm

NOTHING!!

They are still sitting right where you see them in the picture . . . and still empty!!

They were on clearance in July so I couldn't pass them up. But by July I had pretty much given up on plants for the season. We were two months into drought with no sign of relief. I just tried to keep up with what I had and didn't do any new planting for the rest of the summer.

I'll store them in the shed over winter and then do something with them in the spring.

So what do I seal them with? Some sort of concrete sealer from the hardware store? I

impatience · Post by **impatience** » Oct 13, 2005 12:59 am

I am interested in this sealing question too. I have wondered what to do with my large concrete pot for the winter. We do have milder winters here, but it does freeze and once in a while we have a doozy of a winter. (with gas prices as they are, we are bound to have a kick a$$ winter).

Thanks for your help down here too.

Mary Ann · Post by **Mary Ann** » Oct 13, 2005 9:54 am

None of my stuff was purchased new . . .mostly from estate sales or curbside, so I don't know if they had ever been pre-treated. I sealed some of them with a concrete sealer, others with exterior polyurethane. I coat all wood or painted outside decorations with polyurethane to seal out moisture. . . .they stay nicer longer.

JaneG · Post by **JaneG** » Oct 18, 2005 1:16 pm

Thanks MaryAnn!!!

Midnight Reiter Too · Post by **Midnight Reiter Too** » May 07, 2006 6:34 pm

This is a helpful thread. Thanks to all!