Making a Trough Garden |
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| Materials
needed |
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| Step 1: Choose a form to serve as a mold such old pots, dishpans, and containers |  |
| Step 2: Put on safety gear (glasses, face mask and gloves) |  |
| Step 3: Gather ingredients - equal parts of Portland Cement, perlite or vermiculite, peat moss and water |  |
| Step 4: Line wheelbarrow with heavy duty plastic Mix Portland cement with perlite or vermiculite by rolling back and forth |  |
| Step 5: Add peatmoss - pick out sticks, wood, chunks, and other large pieces |  |
| Step 6: Add half the water at one time. Gradually add water until the mix is moist but not soggy. Test by squeezing the mix in your hand. You have added enough water when just a little water oozes out when squeezing. |  |
| Step 7: Line mold with a garbage bag |  |
| Step 8: Fill the bottom of the mold with mix (hypertufa) until it is 1 1/2 to 2 inches thick |  |
| Step 9: Fill the sides making the corners slightly thicker for stability. |  |
| Step 10: Punch one or several (for large containers) holes in the bottom for drainage. |  |
| Step 11: Loosely cover the mold with the sides of the garbage bag and allow to sit for 3 days. |  |
| Step 12: Remove the trough from the mold. Roughen sides with wire brush or hammer to create an aged appearance |  |
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| Step 13: Rinse with water everyday for the next week | |
| Step 14: Allow to cure for 6 weeks - then you can plant. |  |
