How to Plant in Concrete Urns

Choose concrete or cement planters that have drainage holes. Plants fare better when they have adequate drainage. If planters with drainage holes are not available, drill them yourself with a masonry bit.

Pour 2 to 3 inches of pebbles into the bottom of the planter, regardless of whether it has drainage holes.

Select plants that do well in your climate and that do well in moisture-holding cement containers. Ask nursery personnel if you aren't sure, but you can generally choose among many annuals, roses, shrubs, herbs and even vegetables. The University of West Virginia Extension offers a free list of good container plants.

Move the planter to different spots until you find the right location. Once it's filled with drainage pebbles, soil and plants, the planter will be heavy and difficult to move.

Fill the bottom inch or two of the planter with small stones or broken pieces of clay pots. Fill with the rest of the planter with lightweight potting soil, allowing enough space for plants. Add more soil later, if need be.

Check to see that the plants are not root bound in their original containers. If they are, pull or cut the bottom of the root ball off, and tug on the roots until they are loosened. Position the plants in the potting soil.

Fill in gaps between the plants with lightly tamped soil to within 2 inches of the rim of the cement container. Mulch to just within the rim.

Prop any plants that need support with stakes. Roses are among those that often need a stake to lean on until they're well established.