Advice for planting two very large cement planters..

9 years ago

My office was given two very large concrete planters a few years back. We want to plant them, but I have concerns about the pots drying out. We are in south Ga and the pots are on the west side of the building (our entrance) I will be using the 5-1-1 mix. (use it at home and love it) but wonder if I should line the pots with something to help prevent such rapid water loss in the heat & baking sun? I don't have a problem watering every day during the week, but weekends are what worries me. Any suggestions? Thanks!

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Comments (9)

MaryMcP Zone 8b - Phx AZ
9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
I have a concrete planter, it's about 2'x2' and actually retains water quite well, surprisingly. You could make an olla or two, place the top of the olla at soil level then make sure the olla is filled Friday before you leave for the weekend. Also, plant drought tolerant plants. I can share some cuttings with you if you are interested.

These olla's are have been placed too tall, they should be level with the soil. I hit solid clay at the bottom of the raised beds. Google 'olla gardening'. You can buy more fancy ones but these are just unglazed clay pots, two pots siliconed together, a stopper in the bottom one's drainage hole, cover the top with something to prevent evaporation. Works GREAT.

This tall squiggly plant is pedilanthus
macrocarpus and very easy to propagate. This is the one I can send you cuttings of if you like. A large skyscraper office in downtown Phoenix has this plant in two large cement planters at their front entrance. It blooms and hummingbirds love it. HTH. Mary
sylviatexas2
9 years ago
You can seal the inside of concrete or clay pots to reduce moisture loss.
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toxcrusadr
9 years ago
Yes, paint with varnish or concrete sealer, or line with plastic. If you use plastic just make sure you leave drain holes in the bottom! In fact I would not even bother putting plastic sheeting on the bottom, only the sides.

Concrete is porous and quite a bit of water can evaporate through it in hot weather.
gagalzone8
Original Author
9 years ago
All the ideas sound great! We did plant them one year and lined them with huge trash bags ( with drainage hole). They were in the shade and couldn't keep them watered! Our heat and humidity are unbelievable in the summer....I am going to google olla gardening.. Never heard of it. Also hoping the 5-1-1- mix will help. Our pots are about 3.5 feet tall. I appreciate the ideas. Mary, I would love some cuttings of the pedilanthus macrocarpus! Very unusual and striking!!
MaryMcP Zone 8b - Phx AZ
9 years ago
I'm not sure how to 'friend' ppl here so we can exchange emails. Anyone know?
claireplymouth z6b coastal MA
9 years ago
According to Houzz/GardenWeb Support:

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Claire
MaryMcP Zone 8b - Phx AZ
9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Oh, interesting. Last time I checked Allow anyone to message me was not an option, or I missed it. I should have checked again knowing they will be making changes over time. Done - Thanks Claire!
claireplymouth z6b coastal MA
9 years ago
Glad to help. They really are making changes and they're responsive to feedback. I've had a couple of messages and they're sent to the "Your Houzz" profile, with an email telling you to look there. and you can reply through the Message tab. That way your personal email isn't distributed unless you give it to someone.

Claire
nancyjane_gardener
9 years ago
How bout going to a local nursery who knows local plant life and ask them for drought resistant or low water plants that work in your area? I understand you are very hot and humid, but I'm sure you can find something that can survive a weekend without being watered? Succulents for example? Maybe you are watering too much, making the plants dependent on way too much water? Nancy

Advice for planting two very large cement planters..

Comments (9)

MaryMcP Zone 8b - Phx AZ

sylviatexas2

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Advice for planting two very large cement planters..

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