How to Build a Modern Planter Box

Pour a 10lb bag of playground sand onto a tarp. Mix water into the sand until the sand is the texture of mashed potatoes. You want the sand thick and pliable but not soaking wet. Move the sand into a 12-inch tall pile.

Dig out a hole in the center of the sand with your hands, to create a sand mold for the planter box. Make the hole any shape and size desired, keeping in mind the hole you make determines the shape and size of the finished box. Keep a 3-inch border of sand on the sides and bottom of the sand hole.

Press small pieces of colored glass or glass beads into the sides of the sand hole. Press the glass so that at least 1/4-inch of glass sticks out of the sand.

Prepare a 5 lb. batch of quickset concrete according to manufacturer’s directions. Add enough water to create a thick pudding consistency. Like the sand, you want a mixture that is pliable without excess moisture.

Add the concrete to the sand mold you created.Use your hands to spread the concrete inside the sand, pressing it against the glass pieces. Keep the concrete 1/2- to 3/4-inch thick on the sides and bottom of the sand mold. Smooth the surface of the concrete with a trowel.

Spray two 1/2-inch dowel rods with cooking spray. Press the dowel rods into the bottom of the concrete and into the sand to create drainage holes.

Let the concrete set for 72 hours. After the 72 hours, remove the concrete from the sand mold. Remove the dowel rods. Dust away any sand from the surface of the planter using a dry paintbrush. If necessary, spray the surface with a garden hose to remove the sand. Let the planter sit for another 72 hours before using.