Homegrown Stone Pots

The bigger a pot, the more it costs. Why not make your own inexpensive container, one that can withstand the test of time and the elements? Learn how to construct a homemade hypertufa trough.

Ready to Plant(14 of 14)

Once your trough has fully cured, you are ready for planting. First, place a small piece of screen or pantyhose over the drainage holes to keep soil from washing away.
Because they're porous and typically shallow (although they don't have to be), the plants that do best—with minimum upkeep from you—are drought-tolerant alpines, sedums, herbs, cacti and other succulents. But you can plant virtually anything in your trough; just remember to keep it well watered. There's a limited amount of soil and growing space, so go for plants that are naturally slow growing or that stay petite.

During the winter don't leave your trough on the ground in climates with freezing temperatures. Moisture can enter the porous openings and potentially cause the container to crack and break during a freeze. Instead, place it on a concrete or other solid surface or bring it indoors into a garage or basement. Because hypertufa pots are made from durable materials, you're less likely to have breakage during a cold snap than you would with terra-cotta pots. Using the micro-synthetic fibers or Fibermesh in the construction of your trough will also help to reinforce the structure for overwintering.