Make your own concrete pots They’re perfect for growing succulents indoors and out

These easy DIY plant pots are a great way to display small succulents or soft pink summer flowers

The industrial look is all the rage and these smart concrete planters have a sleek grey finish that’s perfect for any patio, whatever your style of garden. Plant them with lax cottage garden flowers in contrasting white, pink or yellow, or tender echeverias in summer – the pots are smart enough to overwinter on an indoor windowsill. It’s surprisingly easy to make concrete: just mix equal quantities of sand and cement with water in an old washing-up bowl. Pour or spoon the pliable mix into a mould made from a plastic beaker with a plastic cup inside. You’ll need to weigh the inner cup down or trapped air will push it upwards as the wet cement tries to level itself. On a dry day, working outdoors, wait about an hour for the concrete to set, then ease out the new pot from its mould. Sandpaper the sides for a smoother finish.