Rags are used for cleaning and are a household item for many people but gardeners have found another, little-known way to put them to use. Many have positive opinion about this uncommon gardening hack
Every household probably has rags to clean with day-to-day – but they can be used for something else that is quite unusual.
Gardeners have found plenty of hacks to help them keep their plants and gardens in top shape. Now they have discovered a unique way they can use their old rags.
In the Creative Gardening Facebook group a user shared a photo illustrating a rag being used as a planter. You can view the post by clicking here – the rag looks to have been covered in cement or concrete and then moulded into a planter over a wooden post.
People in the comment section had varied views on this gardening hack. One said: “Sort of freaky, but interesting with more possibilities to come, I’m sure”.
Others described it as “cool” and some said they want to try it out for themselves. Another Facebook user was reminded of a trend in the 1970s.
She explained: “It kinda looks like rag towels in cement. There was a trend many moons ago in the 70s where people were taking their grandmother’s doilies and putting them in thick starch and making trash cans and planters and stuff.”
Another said: “I have a couple similar. Paint them and with the right plant they are very pretty.” One person didn’t agree as they commented: “That looks terrible! Just throw the dirty rags away.”
The Facebook post has had more than 500 reactions and more than 100 shares. Some users in the comments were unsure about using cement as one advised others to wear gloves if they try this hack out and another said not to put bare hands in cement or concrete as “cement/concrete can burn your hands”.
Garden decor and plants website Getpotted.com also recommended using rags to make flower pots. The website says: “A great idea is to make an incredible flower pot out of a rag. This form will look very creative. You need to take a dense fabric of any size.
“This will depend on the size of the future pot. Place the cloth in the cement mortar and then hang it on a bucket or pot. Choose the shape that you need to form the bottom of the future planter. Leave it hanging for a few days. The shape of the rag will be the shape of your future pot.”
The website describes cement as a “fairly affordable material that will be strong and durable”. It says to create a cement flower pot you need a bag with cement, protective gloves (preferably tight ones), paraffin for lubrication the walls, two shapes (one bigger, one smaller), a putty knife, a heavy item to carry and a bucket or bowl to mix the cement in.
While some are keen to use their old rags to make plant pots, it’s not for everyone. It is a creative gardening hack for those looking for something a bit different to hold their plants and flowers in.