How to Make Your Own Concrete Mold Garden

Select two boxes to make the mold for the garden container; one that fits the desired outside dimensions of the container and one that is about 2 inches smaller so it makes a for the walls of the container when you set it inside the larger box.

Place a nylon tarp or drop cloth on a flat surface outdoors to contain the mess from this project.

Measure the bottom and sides of the large box. Cut pieces of mesh fencing that are one-half inch smaller on all sides than these measurements.

Mix the dry concrete together by combining two parts concrete mix with three parts dry peat moss and three parts perlite. Pour water into the dry ingredients while mixing it constantly until the concrete reaches the consistency of cottage cheese.

Pour 1 inch of the concrete mixture into the bottom of the large box and lay the piece of wire on top. Pour a second 1-inch-layer of concrete mixture on top of the wire and smooth the surface with a trowel.

Cut a one-half diameter wood dowel into five 4-inch-length sections and poke them evenly into the bottom concrete layer to make draining holes.

Push the top flaps on the smaller box to the inside and tape them to the box to hold in place. Set the smaller box on top of the bottom concrete layer to create a mold for the container sides.

Place the wire mesh sections between the box sides so they are centered in the space. Scoop the concrete mixture into the side space of the wall so it falls on both sides of the wire mesh to hold it in place. Pack the concrete into the space with the trowel or a stick so there are no gaps or air pockets. Smooth the top of the walls with the trowel.

Cover the molded container with a piece of plastic or a large garbage bag and let it dry for 48 hours. Move the container to a dry, protected area and let it cure for about four weeks to let the concrete harden and strengthen.

Remove the plastic cover and pull the interior box out of the container. Rip the outside box from the container and pull out the wood dowels. Paint the container with a concrete seal and let it dry overnight.

Fill the container with a well-draining potting soil and plant small perennials into the container for a miniature garden.