Creativity is such a broad concept, that it’s difficult to define. Finding examples of creativity would be a much easier challenge. And when it comes to good housekeeping, creativity properly includes clever repurposing.
For instance, here’s an interesting project made with an old bath towel. Take a look at the linen cupboard. Have you got a towel or two past their ‘use by date’? Maybe one or two were gifted to you by a colourblind friend? Well, here’s a fun way to give that old towel or two a whole new opportunity for longevity… a cement/concrete towel planter!
At first glance, this might look like a job best left to the experts but this old towel garden planter is a very basic concrete project – quick and easy but robust and long-lasting! It’s also guaranteed to be a ‘one of a kind’ feature in your garden :)
All you have to remember for this DIY old towel garden planter project, as with any project involving concrete, is that it is important to wear protective gloves at all times to prevent skin damage. Cement is very corrosive and will quickly damage exposed skin. Suitable gloves cost less than $1.50 a pair so there is no excuse for not wearing them.
It is also important to make sure that your towel is really soaked through with the concrete mix so that you don’t end up with a weak and soft planter. Therefore the amount of concrete mix that you need will depend on the size and number of towels you wish to turn into planters. One bucket can cover one big towel and two small towels. :)
If you want to get a bit more creative, make a hypertufa mix by adding some vermiculite or perlite together with some coconut coir or sphagnum moss. The advantage of hypertufa over a straight concrete mix is that it is more absorbent making it better for your plants. There’s a touch more effort required but the result is worth it.
Get more concrete towel planter ideas from our album below and learn how to do it by watching the step-by-step tutorial shown below!
Contents
How to Make an Old Towel Garden Planter
You’ll need these materials:
- 1/2 bag of Quikrete
- Water
- 2 x 5-gallon Buckets
- 1 Towel
- Gloves (for concrete work)
And these tools:
- 1 Mixing Stick (for concrete)
- Drill
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Still, wondering if you’re up to the task? You won’t be after watching this great ‘warts and all’ tutorial…
Ready to get started?
Cute Old Towel Garden Planters
Creating an extraordinary old towel garden planter with just a few ordinary materials opens up a world of cute and charming possibilities. Here are some adorable ideas to inspire your project:
1. Colourful Towel Choices
Instead of using plain white towels, opt for colourful towels to add vibrancy and cheer to your garden planter. Choose towels in bright hues such as pink, blue, yellow, or green to create a visually appealing and playful look.
2. Patterned Towels
Select towels with fun patterns or designs to add personality to your garden planter. Look for towels featuring floral prints, stripes, polka dots, or geometric patterns to create an eye-catching and whimsical effect.
3. Mix and Match Towels
Get creative by mixing and matching different towel colours and patterns to create a unique and eclectic look. Combine complementary or contrasting colours and patterns to add visual interest and dimension to your old towel garden planter.
4. Towel Origami
Experiment with towel origami techniques to create decorative accents for your garden planter. Fold towels into fun shapes such as flowers, animals, or geometric figures to add a touch of whimsy and charm.
5. Towel Ruffles
Add texture and dimension to your garden planter by incorporating towel ruffles. Cut strips of towel fabric and gather them to create ruffled edges along the rim of the planter. This adorable detail will add a soft and feminine touch to your garden décor.
6. Towel Bows or Ribbons
Tie cute bows or ribbons made from towel fabric around the base of your garden planter to add a charming finishing touch. Choose coordinating colours or contrasting hues to create a playful and stylish look.
7. Personalized Towel Embellishments
Customize your garden planter with personalized towel embellishments such as monograms, embroidered initials, or appliqué designs. This personal touch will make your garden planter truly one-of-a-kind and reflect your unique style and personality.
8. Towel Tassels
Add a bohemian flair to your garden planter by attaching towel tassels along the edges or corners. Create tassels from towel fabric in complementary colours or contrasting hues to add a playful and eclectic touch to your garden décor.
9. Towel Pom-Poms
Create playful pom-poms from towel fabric and attach them to the corners or sides of your garden planter. Pom-poms add a fun and whimsical touch to your garden décor and are sure to bring a smile to your face.
10. Towel Fringe
Add a touch of texture and movement to your garden planter by incorporating towel fringe along the edges or bottom. Cut strips of towel fabric and attach them to the planter using glue or stitching to create a cute and playful fringe effect.
11. Towel Appliqué:
Create adorable appliqué designs from towel fabric and attach them to the surface of your garden planter. Choose fun shapes such as hearts, stars, or animals to add a cute and whimsical touch to your garden décor.
12. Towel Trim
Use towel fabric as trim or edging along the top or bottom of your garden planter to add a decorative finishing touch. Cut strips of towel fabric and attach them to the edges of the planter using glue or stitching to create a cute and polished look.
These cute ideas for making an extraordinary old towel garden planter will add charm and character to your outdoor space and create a delightful oasis for your plants to thrive. Get creative and have fun experimenting with different towel colours, patterns, and embellishments to personalize your garden planter and make it uniquely yours!
Pro Tips to Consider
Crafting an extraordinary old towel garden planter with simple materials can be an innovative and rewarding project. Here’s a comprehensive guide on pro tips to make it happen:
1. Choose the Right Towel
Opt for old towels that are no longer in use but are still absorbent and durable. Avoid towels with excessive wear and tear or stains that might affect the appearance of the planter.
2. Select a Suitable Container
Consider the size and shape of the container based on the plants you intend to grow. Ensure that the container has adequate drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.
3. Prepare the Towel
Cut the towel into strips or squares, depending on the size of the container and the desired look of the planter. You can also fold the towel to create a thicker layer for better water retention.
4. Layering Technique
Start by lining the bottom of the container with a layer of soil or gravel for drainage. Then, add a layer of towel pieces, ensuring they cover the entire bottom surface. Repeat the process, alternating between soil and towel layers until you reach the top of the container.
5. Plant Selection
Choose plants that are suitable for your climate and the conditions of your garden. Consider factors such as sunlight exposure, soil type, and watering needs when selecting plants for your old towel garden planter.
6. Watering Strategy
Since towels have excellent water retention properties, be mindful not to overwater your plants. Check the moisture level regularly and adjust your watering frequency accordingly. You may need to water less frequently than traditional soil-based planters.
7. Maintenance Tips
Keep an eye on the towel planter to ensure it’s retaining moisture effectively and that the plants are thriving. Prune any wilted foliage to promote healthy growth. Periodically replace the towel layers as they break down over time.
8. Enhance Aesthetics
Get creative with the design of your old towel garden planter by using towels in different colours or patterns. You can also experiment with layering techniques to create a visually appealing arrangement.
9. Sunlight Exposure
Place your towel garden planter in an area that receives adequate sunlight for the plants you’ve chosen. Monitor the sun exposure throughout the day to ensure optimal growing conditions.
10. Fertilization
Consider using a slow-release fertilizer or organic compost to provide essential nutrients to your plants. Apply fertilizer according to the specific needs of the plant species you’re growing.
11. Pest Control
Keep an eye out for common garden pests such as aphids, snails, and slugs, and take appropriate measures to control them. You can use natural remedies or organic pest control products to keep pests at bay.
12. Seasonal Care
Adjust your care routine based on the changing seasons. During hot summer months, you may need to water more frequently, while in colder weather, you may need to protect delicate plants from frost.
13. Monitor Plant Health
Regularly inspect your plants for signs of stress, disease, or nutrient deficiencies. Address any issues promptly to prevent them from worsening and affecting the overall health of your garden.
14. Harvesting and Pruning
If you’re growing edible plants, such as herbs or vegetables, harvest them as needed for fresh culinary use. Prune back overgrown or leggy growth to maintain the shape and appearance of your old towel garden planter.
15. Experiment and Have Fun
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different plant combinations, container sizes, and towel arrangements. Gardening is a creative and enjoyable hobby, so embrace the opportunity to express your style and preferences.
By following these pro tips, you can create an extraordinary old towel garden planter that not only looks beautiful but also provides a thriving environment for your plants to flourish. Enjoy the process and the rewards of nurturing your own green oasis!
The Wrap Up
Creating an extraordinary old towel garden planter with just five ordinary materials is not only a fun and creative project but also a sustainable and eco-friendly way to breathe new life into old towels and enhance your outdoor space.
This old garden towel planter project allows you to unleash your creativity and imagination as you transform ordinary towels into a charming and whimsical garden planter. From choosing colours and patterns to experimenting with different embellishments and designs, the possibilities are endless.
One of the joys of DIY projects is the opportunity to infuse them with your style and flair. Whether you prefer a vibrant and eclectic look or a more subtle and understated aesthetic, you can tailor your old towel garden planter to reflect your unique taste and personality.
Instead of purchasing expensive planters or decorative accents, you can repurpose items you already have on hand to achieve stunning results. While bringing greenery into your outdoor space not only enhances its beauty but also fosters a deeper connection to nature. Watching your plants thrive and grow in your DIY garden planter can be incredibly rewarding and provide a sense of peace and tranquility.
Gardening is a therapeutic and fulfilling hobby that allows you to nurture and care for living things. By creating a garden planter with your own hands, you’re inviting nature into your home and cultivating a space where plants can flourish and thrive.
Making an extraordinary old towel garden planter with just five ordinary materials is a delightful and rewarding DIY project that offers numerous benefits. From its eco-friendly and sustainable nature to the boundless opportunities for creativity and self-expression, this project is sure to bring joy and beauty to your outdoor space.
So gather your materials, unleash your creativity, and embark on the journey of transforming ordinary towels into an extraordinary garden planter that will delight and inspire for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What type of towels should you use for the garden planter project?
You can use any old towels that are no longer in use, but it’s best to choose towels that are absorbent and in good condition. Avoid towels that are overly worn or stained, as they may affect the appearance of the planter.
2. Can you use towels with patterns or designs?
Yes, you can use towels with patterns or designs to add visual interest to your garden planter. Just make sure the patterns or designs won’t bleed or fade when exposed to moisture.
3. Do you need any special tools or equipment for the old towel garden planter project?
No, you don’t need any special tools or equipment. The materials required for this project are simple and readily available, and you can easily complete it using basic household items such as scissors and glue.
4. How do you choose the right container for your old towel garden planter?
When choosing a container for your old towel garden planter, consider the size and shape based on the plants you intend to grow. Make sure the container has drainage holes to prevent waterlogging and that it’s sturdy enough to support the weight of the soil and plants.
5. How do you prevent the towel from becoming waterlogged?
To prevent the towel from becoming waterlogged, make sure to create adequate drainage in the container by adding a layer of gravel or rocks at the bottom. This will allow excess water to drain away freely and prevent it from saturating the towel.
6. Can you use the old towel garden planter indoors?
Yes, you can use the DIY old towel garden planter indoors as long as it’s placed in a well-lit area with proper ventilation. Just be mindful of watering to avoid any potential water damage to indoor surfaces.
7. How often do you need to water the plants in the old towel garden planter?
The frequency of watering will depend on factors such as the type of plants you’re growing, the weather conditions, and the moisture retention properties of the towel. It’s important to monitor the moisture level regularly and water as needed to keep the plants healthy.
8. Can you use the old towel garden planter for edible plants?
Yes, you can use the old towel garden planter for edible plants such as herbs or vegetables. Just make sure to use organic towels and non-toxic materials to ensure the safety of your plants.
9. How do you clean and maintain the old towel garden planter?
To clean and maintain the old towel garden planter, simply remove any wilted foliage and wipe down the container as needed. You can also replace the towel layers periodically to keep the planter looking fresh.
10. Can you use the old towel garden project as a fun activity for kids?
Absolutely! The old towel garden planter project is a great way to engage kids in gardening and DIY activities. They can help choose the towels, arrange the layers, and plant the seeds, fostering a love for nature and creativity.
Assign kids the task of watering the plants and monitoring their growth. Teach them about the importance of regular watering and proper plant care, such as removing weeds and dead foliage.
