Using Wicker Baskets for Making Hypertufa




This article presumes that you are familiar with the basics of making projects with hypertufa. If you aren’t familiar with the process, or just need a refresher, go to our Hypertufa 101 article with step by step hypertufa-making instructions, by clicking here.


I have made several hypertufa projects and by far my favorite mold for making planters is wicker baskets. They can readily be found for a few bucks at second-hand shops so I don’t worry that they will be destroyed by the process.


When you firmly push the hypertufa mix into the wicker basket’s cracks and crevices, the final look has a basket imprint which I find hard to match by any other method.


 
 

Types of Wicker Baskets


The thickness and strength of the wicker basket is important. Baskets that are thicker with a tighter weave will give you the deepest imprint on the final project but will be more difficult to de-mold later.




Recipe for Wicker Basket Planters


The common mix recipe of one part Portland Cement, one part peat moss and one part vermiculite or Perlite works well for small to medium planters.




Building on the Inside of the Basket



The above wicker heart was used as a mold to build the hypertufa on the inside.  It will be a small planter just big enough for a mini hosta or sedum.





Wicker Baskets are generally used as inside molds so that beautiful wicker design is imprinted on the outside of the planter. It’s important to firmly press those hypertufa meatballs into the basket.

  

Here's a thicker basket filled with hypertufa.

 

DeMolding from a Wicker Basket



There are a few things you can do to make de-molding the project from the wicker basket easier.


Greasing the inside of the basket with Vaseline or cooking spray before adding the hypertufa mix is one way.


A trick I have learned is to vertically slice one area of the basket from the top to the bottom. Then place some duct tape over the slice to hold the basket steady while you build.

When it's time to demold, pull off the tape and begin the slow process of demolding at the area that you previously sliced open.


There are few garden projects that are as easy and rewarding as making hypertufa garden art and planters.

If you haven't tried it yet, read our Hypertufa 101 and get started!  You'll be hooked in no time.

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Making Seed Tapes



Making Seed Tapes 


I used to think making seed tapes was a waste of time and I didn’t understand why gardeners would spend time making them.


That was until I was at my wit’s end trying to thin out carrot seeds that I had direct sown. I find it nearly impossible to get the spacing right on those tiny seeds. So I tried the seed tape thing and made enough of them to fill a four by eight foot raised garden bed.


The result?  The carrots germinated with just the right spacing – NO THINNING!  I was sold.

Don't Cut Corners in your Vegetable Garden!



Don't Cut Corners in your Veggie Garden!
You Can Be Frugal and Successful!


There are a lot of ways to cut corners in the garden to save money. Buying garden supplies such as containers, watering cans, etc from a second-hand store is one way. Building your own raised garden beds or trellises is another.

Feeding Bread to Wild Birds

  


Feeding Bread to Wild Birds


Generally, bread is not safe to feed birds on a regular basis, and the general category of “bread” for this article includes any bread-like product including buns, bagels, crackers, chips, etc.  

Choosing the Best Birdbath



Zebra Finch



Choosing the Best Birdbath


We all prefer birdbaths that add beauty and whimsy to our yards, but the birds themselves may be looking for something else, things that were designed for them in mind.

Using Baking Soda in your Garden




Uses for Baking Soda in the Garden


We all know that Baking Soda is great for indoor use as a mild abrasive cleaner and also to neutralize those fridge odors, but what about its uses in the garden?


Baking Soda is made up entirely of sodium bicarbonate which is a highly alkaline substance making it great for the following uses in the garden:

Seven Best Annuals for a Veggie Garden


Seven Best Annuals for Veggie Gardens


Gardens can tend to look rather bland and can be more practical than beautiful. The addition of beautiful flowering plants can bring back the beauty that every garden deserves. Using the right annual plants strategically will not only bring the garden back to life visually but can help your veggies stay healthy and pest free.

Great Books for New Food Preservers


Great Books for New Food Preservers


I started preserving food years ago after a series of power outages occurred that cost me hundreds if not thousands of dollars in food loss that was stored in the freezer.

Choosing the Right Bird Feeder



Choosing the Right Bird Feeder


Walking out on my back deck at 7 a.m. and hearing the happy chirping of the birds I have drawn into my yard makes the perfect start to my day.

Draw in Beneficial Insects


Draw in Beneficial Insects


Attracting beneficial insects to your garden can be as easy as planting the right plants or flowers or a combination of them.

Common Reasons that Hypertufa Cracks





Why Hypertufa Projects Crack


This article presumes that you are familiar with the basics of making projects with hypertufa.  If you aren’t familiar with the process, or just need a refresher, you may want to first go to our Hypertufa 101 article by clicking here.

Best Homesteading Books for Beginners




Best Homesteading Books for Beginners



The word "homesteading" today has come to mean the pursuit of a rewarding and self-sufficient lifestyle. It can include everything from keeping bees, growing vegetables, composting, installing solar panels, creating a rain barrel, raising animals, canning your own food, and the list goes on!

Unique and Fun Hosta-Related Gift Ideas

 


Unique and Fun Hosta-Related Gift Ideas



Welcome to part two of our hosta gift ideas blog! 


If you missed Part 1 which includes important and very practical tools and supplies for your hosta garden, you can read it here:  Great Hosta Gifts

Now onto our top picks for unique hosta-related gifts.

Great Gifts for Hosta Lovers




Great Practical Gifts for Hosta Lovers!

Besides the Plants!

Whether you're buying for yourself or that hosta lover you know, it's not easy to find great gifts aside from hosta plants (which are ALWAYS a good gift choice)?


Here are some great gift ideas that any hosta lover would love.  The end of the blog has a link to our list of
unique hosta gifts sure to please any hostaholic or hosta lover!

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