How to Make a Bowling Ball Planter

After seeing Wuvie's instructable:https://www.instructables.com/id/Easy-to-make-concrete-bowls-and-planters/, I knew I had to do this. So, having all the available tools and materials on hand, I proceeded to make a functional planter using a plastic bowl and a bowling ball as molds.  Having made several instructables that utilize concrete, I will refer you to those sites:https://www.instructables.com/id/Make-Unique-Planters-With-Concrete/, for example and, of course Wuvie's excellent instructable, listed above.

Step 1: Gather Materials and Tools

See above listed instructables for complete material lists, and tools needed to complete this project.  I have shown the specific plastic bowl and bowling ball used.

Step 2: Provide for Drainage

As a gardener, I know that you must absolutely provide for drainage holes in any enclosed planter, else the plant roots will rot in the water that stagnates in the bottom of the planter.  In order to provide that drainage in my planter, I decided to use a piece of PVC pipe cut to about 2 inches.  This will be placed in the bottom of the mold and support the bowling ball, and allow for 2 inch sides, provide the necessary drainage and make it unnecessary to drill the concrete later on.

Step 3: Mix Concrete and Pour Into Mold

After coating both the bowling ball and the plastic bowl with a very light coat of vegetable oil, or a Pam like spray, the mold is ready to be filled.  Mix concrete according to instructions and fill mold.  I used 8 soup cans full of concrete to complete this pour.

Step 4: Decorate Concrete at This Point

I decided to decorate the lip of my bowl with glass beads available at any craft store.  We had some on hand, so decided to use them up. You can wait up to 45 minutes or so to do this step, but I went ahead and completed it as soon as I had poured the concrete.  A simple design was used, but tried to place them in a manner pleasing  to the eye.

Step 5: Let Set Overnight Before Removing Bowling Ball

The concrete must set up to a point where removing the ball will not break the sides of the mold.  After at least 24 hours, or longer, simply lift the ball out of the mold. 

Step 6: Let Bowl Cure for a Week With Water in It

I found that leaving the ball in the plastic bowl mold, I could fill the bowl with water, and that would effectively allow for proper curing. I am not sure of the one week time, but decided to go that route since there would be no harm in waiting.

Step 7: After One Week, Remove Plastic Bowl

I had a little trepidation, but concrete never ceases to amaze me!  After removing the plastic bowl, the project was essentially complete. Now to plant the bowl and place it in the garden.

Step 8: Select Plants and Add to Planter

I used a packaged cactus mix as I wanted the best soil type for the succulents to be added.  Placing a screen over the hole in the planter, the soil and plants are added as in standard practice for potting plants.

Step 9: Some Shots of the New Container in the Garden

I think the choice of succulents was right on for this type of container. And, the bowl fits beautifully in my succulent garden!

Comments

[Hiyadudez]

Very nice!

5*

[Creativeman]

Thank you!

[nojirajan]

thank u 4 giving nice ideas it will work

[Lulu953]

So how is the bowl removed, cut out or can it be slipped off?

[Hariskal]

That is so simple yet so awesome. I tried soething similar but I didn;t have those shiny pebble, so I thought it would be a good idea to put Black sand instead. Didn't work out as i hoped, but still I was happy with the result

[brandt e]

I thought you were supposed to just keep it damp while curing. Btw, great instructable!

[ratgirl13]

Made it and it is awesome. Am giving it to my son for Christmas, then will make one for myself. Thanks for the 'ible!

[Creativeman]

You're welcome, would like to see your work!

[saosport]

This is great I had a bird bath base in my back yard that was with my house when I bought it and I was hoping to find a way to reuse it since it is large concrete and not easy to move. I think I'll try this in spring to make it into a planter. I will just have to use a bigger pipe so it fits on the base. Thanks again

[doodle961]

I got a bowling ball at a yard sale today..now I know what I can use it for :) thank you for a wonderful instructable

[CatTrampoline]

Love it! the decorations on the lip of the bowl add the perfect touch.

I experienced total failure when trying to make tufa-concrete planters 15 years ago, and my quick-crete stepping stones did not last very long. The remains of all were recycled into our garter snake rockpile, "Snake Mountain".

I think the slow cure step you included is essential to making strong concrete. I am ready to try again.

[Creativeman]

Thanks for the comments!

[WUVIE]

Hey, Creativeman, it looks great! And thank you!

Love the addition of the glass gems! Sorry I haven't been on much.
Returned the kudos to you with a link to your Instructable on mine.
Well deserved.

Keep up the great work!

[Creativeman]

Thank you, Wuvie. Your project was the inspiration!

[love2die100]

Amazing idea ,could use it in my Garden.Thx4sharing.

[bajablue]

I really like this!

Were the plastic mold and bowling ball reusable for future planters?

[Creativeman]

Glad you liked it, thanks! I think the plastic bowl cracked a little, but should be able to use it again...bowling balls are pretty much indestructable, I think...got a large mold at a garage sale yesterday for .50 cents so they are easy to find, and can be disposable....

[bajablue]

Good to know.

I have a trio of graduating (nesting) shell-shaped bowls that I'd probably be willing to sacrifice... lol... must decide! ;-)

[blkhawk]

I was looking for an Instructable like this for quite some time now. You can add casting, molding concrete to the the tags, to make easier to find. Thank you for posting.

[Creativeman]

You are welcome, glad you found this ible...good luck!