Hypertufa was invented for use in alpine gardens, where gardeners originally used antique animal watering troughs, which became rare and expensive. Hypertufa looks very similar to tufa and is easy to make yourself at home. Although it can be messy, it’s also a lot of fun and the list of things you can make from it are quite varied. Hypertufa troughs are a classic and one of the simplest uses of hypertufa. You can also craft ornaments, stepping stones, birdbaths, and just about anything you can mold or shape.
What You Need
Portland cement Perlite Peat moss (sifted) Concrete reinforcing fibers Water
The amounts needed will depend on the size of whatever it is you are making. The proportions are approximately 2 parts cement to 3 parts each of perlite and sifted peat moss, plus a handful of reinforcing fibers and all the water it takes. For an 18- by 12- by 6-inch trough you will need about 12 pounds of cement, 2 gallons each of peat and perlite, and a handful or two of reinforcing fibers. You will also want some type of large tub for mixing, as well as heavy-duty rubber gloves, preferably the chemical resistant type, a dust mask, a screen or sieve to get the lumps out of the peat moss, and a stiff wire brush, to finish the edges and give your hypertufa a weathered look. Things can get quite messy, from mixing the ingredients to hosing out your tub. Working on a tarp or a sheet of plastic is advisable. You will also need a large plastic bag, to hold the trough while curing. Finally, you will need some type of mold or form.
Creating a Mold for Your Hupertufa
You can buy molds for making hypertufa troughs, stepping stones, and other creations, but you can also make a basic trough with a plastic tub or even a couple of cardboard boxes. Plastic, cardboard, and Styrofoam are the best choices for molds because the hypertufa will not stick to them the way it can in wood or metal. If you want to form your hypertufa over a something like a metal bowl, place plastic between the metal and the mixture. Find two similarly shaped but different size boxes or plastic tubs, so that the smaller container nests inside the larger one, with about 1 to 2 inches of space between them. The larger the trough, the thicker the sides will need to be. Curved sides should be at least 2 inches thick.
Making the Hypertufa Mixture
Put on your gloves and measure out the ingredients by the proportions given above. Add these to your tub and mix them together as best you can. Add water a little at a time to thoroughly dampen the dry ingredients. Test for the right consistency by squeezing a handful of the mixture. When it holds together and barely drips, let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes to set up, then it’s ready to use. If the mixture gets too wet, add more dry ingredients. A watery mix will not cure properly and will turn out brittle.
Forming the Trough
Pat a 1- to 2-inch layer of the mixture on the bottom of the larger box. Place the smaller box on top of that layer, centering it, and then start to pack the mixture between the sides of the two boxes. When you reach the top, smooth it off if you want a level edge. Alternatively, you can press in leaves or make any decoration you like. If you are working with an overturned, rounded mold, such as a bowl or pot, begin by making a 2-inch ring of mixture around the base of the mold and slowly build it up and over.
Curing the Final Creation
Once completed, your hypertufa will need to cure for up to three days. Curing, which is a three-step process, means allowing it to dry and bond together into a sturdy product. At this point, your trough is ready to plant. You can plant anything in your trough, but they are especially good for plants that appreciate well-drained conditions, such alpines and succulents, including hens and chicks. Test it for doneness by poking the side with your fingernail. If your nail does not pierce the mixture, it is ready for step two. If it does, let it cure a bit longer and retest. Once it has hardened, you can carefully remove it from the mold. Tapping the sides gently with a rubber mallet can help loosen the hypertufa from the mold. Next, use your wire brush, sandpaper, or a file to remove any rough edges. You can also use the bristles to add texture to the walls of the trough.
