Well Insulated for More Hardiness
Keep used Styrofoam packaging out of the waste stream and make it into planters – they have more benefits than you would imagine.
I’ve made several of these planters, several using the odd shaped pieces formed to hold electronics or other small appliances, and some made from StyrofoamTM coolers.
I’ve even carved them from StyrofoamTM blue board (which comes in pink as well) used for rigid insulation.
The pieces can be glued together using carpenters glue, or any other kind of weather proof adhesive.
If the piece has a hole in it, cover that with a piece of plastic screen to hold the soil in place. I sometimes stick wires across to hold it, if the hole is too big.
The StyrofoamTM blocks from packaging appliances is usually shaped into forms that will hold it in a box, making it impossible for it to move and get damaged in transit.
This will be a bit of a challenge to figure out how to shape it to make it possible to plant with succulents or other plants.
Sometimes, it’s necessary to make a screen to hold the soil in place if the hole is too big to fill.
So apart from being cute, what’s the benefit of these kinds of planters? Being constructed out of what is essentially insulation, these great planters will not only hold a bit of moisture for the plants, but they insulate and protect the plants roots from cold temperatures.
I’ve displayed plants in these up off the ground, on a table or plant shelf, which show no sign of damage after a winter there.
Fish coolers can be found occasionally in grocery stores. Keep an eye open for them, they make great troughs.
To cut them, the best thing is a serrated kitchen knife. Then scrape off the rough edges to round them, which makes them less prone to breakage.
Wear old clothes while doing this, as the small bits of foam are staticly charged and stick to everything.
You can fine tune the shape with a ‘cheese grater’ tool that is designed for drywall, or a rasp.
How Long Will Styrofoam Planters Last?
In time, the StyrofoamTM will break down and start to disintegrate, but it will take years.
Edges getting weathered, or the planter gets damaged? No problem – just dab on some more paint in similar colors.
