MARKtoe! JULIE 2021 | Page 43

PPC CEMENT

STEPS :

Fig 7 Fig 8

1 . Start by placing the wood for your first box , as in Fig 1 .

2 . Using small nails or a nail gun , assemble it as in Fig 2 . ( I prefer a nail gun with small , short nails , that can easily pull out afterwards .) 3 . Repeat for the second box , as in Fig 3 . 4 . To ensure your box stays nice and closed , you can use masking or duct tape , as in Fig 4 . 5 . For drainage holes , you can use a glue gun and glue your delft spacers to the bottom of your box , as in Fig 5 . 6 . Cut welded mesh or chicken wire to fit your mould . You want wire on the bottom and sides - basically everywhere there will be concrete ( Fig 6 ). 7 . Connect the corners ( Fig 7 ). 8 . Make sure it fits into your mould before you start mixing your concrete – see Fig 8 ).

9 . Mix your concrete according to product instructions . Mix well and make sure there are no dry spots - you want it to be a peanut butter consistency . For extra colour options , you can also mix in oxide powder ( we added black ) at this point . ( Fig 9 ) 10 . Fill your box halfway up the delft spacers , as in Fig 10 . 11 . Add your wire reinforcement , as in Fig 11 . 12 . Fill it up level with your delft spacers , as per Fig 12 . 13 . Add your second box , being sure to keep it in the middle and push it in all the way down onto the delft spacers . ( Fig 13 )

14 . Fill it up all the way , making sure to use a rubber mallet to tap out all excess air . ( Fig 14 ) 15 . Cover with plastic and keep it moist for 48 hours . ( Fig 15 ) 16 . Remove the plastic and work gently , as it ’ s still very soft and wet inside . ( Fig 16 ) 17 . Remove the sides gently , as in Fig 17 . 18 . Using a scraper and some water , gently wet your planter and smooth out the edges . Let it dry for another 24-48 hours . ( Fig 18 )

19 . Turn it on its side and gently start removing the inner box - it helps to tap on the delft spacers to push it out . ( Fig 19 )

20 . To ensure it sets strong , I would recommend leaving it to dry for another 48 hours and spray lightly with water 2-3 times a day . The longer it takes to dry , the stronger it sets . ( Fig 20 )

21 . You also have the option of sealing it with stone seal or an acrylic paint . Once dry , go ahead and plant !

Cut List

Box 1

• 1x 480x200x16mm Supawood / Melamine

• 2x 200x125x4mm Masonite

• 2x 488x125x4mm Masonite

Fig 19 Fig 20

Box 2

• 1x 430x150x16mm Supawood / Melamine

• 2x 150x125x4mm Masonite

• 2x 438x125x4mm Masonite

• 20mm Delft cut into 4x 25mm lengths

MARKtoe ! Julie 2021 43