How to Make Planting Pots

Planting pots are essential for gardening and growing your own plants from seeds. While you can always buy planting pots from a store or online, making your own can save you money and give you a sense of satisfaction. Here’s a simple guide on how to make planting pots.

Materials Needed

To make planting pots, you’ll need the following materials:

Clay

A potter’s wheel or a flat surface to roll the clay

A wooden or plastic rib tool

A sponge

A needle tool

A kiln

Instructions

Follow these steps to make planting pots:

Knead the clay to get rid of any air pockets and make it easier to work with. Roll the clay into a ball and start shaping it into a pot form. If you’re using a potter’s wheel, center the clay and start shaping it by applying pressure and turning the wheel.

Use a rib tool to smooth the clay and create a spiral pattern on the outside of the pot. This will also reinforce the pots’ structure and remove any excess water.

Poke a drainage hole in the center of the bottom of the pot with a needle tool to ensure proper drainage once the plants are inside. Using a damp sponge, gild the hole to remove any excess water.

Let the clay dry slightly to a leather-hard consistency before trimming the bottom of the pot with the rib tool to create a flat surface. This is important to ensure that the pot stands upright once it’s fired.

Let the pot dry completely before firing it in a kiln. The firing process will depend on the type of clay and the kiln temperature. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for firing the clay properly.

Once the pot has cooled, it's ready to use. You can add soil and a plant of your choice and start enjoying your own homemade planting pot.

Conclusion

Making your own planting pots can be a fun and rewarding experience. Not only can you save money, but you can also personalize your pots to match your gardening style. Follow these simple instructions to make your own planting pots and let your plants thrive in a beautiful home.