HYPERTUFA

Tomorrow is the First Day of Summer – time to spruce up your garden with some new accessories like hypertufa pots.

 

Hypertufa is a cast rock-like material made from a blend of ingredients and molded into plant containers by using a variety of shapes and sizes.  Gardeners developed hypertufa to simulate the rustic look and feel of old stone sinks and livestock troughs used by English gardeners.  Tufa rock is formed naturally by water dissolving the minerals in composite rocks leaving them rough, mottled and porous.

Materials: Small Batch (2 pots depending on size of mold)

• 3 quarts Portland cement
• 3 quarts Masonry sand
• 6 quarts screened Peat moss
• 2 quarts Water (approximately)

 1.  Line mold with a plastic bag

 2.  Mix dry ingredients together in a large container

 3.  Add water, a little at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition, until you can squeeze a handful together and it retains its shape.  A drier mixture will make a denser, smoother surface – a wetter mixture will make a more irregular surface

 4.  Fill the mold – bottom first and then work up the sides keeping them 1-1 ½” thick.  Pack mixture firmly to eliminate air pockets

 5.  Make drainage holes in the bottom using a dowel rod or stick

 6.  Cover the entire container with plastic

 7.  Leave container undisturbed for 24-48 hours

 8.  Unmold and add texture with a wire brush if desired.

 9.  Let the container cure for 4-6 weeks before planting to eliminate its alkalinity.  Keep it out of direct sun & freezing temperatures and rinse daily.

10.  Add your favorite plants & ENJOY!!!

 

“The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it,

the world and all who live in it”
Psalm 24:1