DIY Hypertufa Containers: Recipe & Molding Guide

Hypertufa—lightweight, stone-look planters made from Portland cement, peat moss, and sand—are easy to craft at home.

Basic Recipe (by volume)

• 1 part Portland cement
• 1 part sand
• 2 parts peat moss (or perlite/sphagnum for different texture)

Molding a Round Pot

1. Mix dry ingredients thoroughly; add water slowly until consistency resembles oatmeal.
2. Cut a 3-gallon plastic pot to 8″ height; line with a garbage bag.
3. Place 1″ of mix in bottom.
4. Center a 1-gallon pot inside; pack mix between the two pots with a stick.
5. Cover with plastic; cure 2 days.
6. Demold; cure 2 more weeks. Roughen surfaces with a fork or dull knife for a weathered look.

For larger troughs, use nested cardboard boxes. Experiment with aggregates to customize appearance.