How to mix concrete for garden ornaments

A strong concrete mix has just the right amount of water
Too little water and the concrete mix will be stiff and unworkable. Too much water results in weak concrete prone to cracking and breaking.

 

YOU WILL NEED:

1 cement
2 coarse concrete sand
A large bucket of water

HERE'S HOW:

1. Pour cement into a wheelbarrow. Add 2 times the amount of sand and mix together with a garden hoe or spade. Make a hole in the centre of the mix.

2. Pour the water into the hole in the mix, reserving some water to add later if needed.

3. Pull a small amount of the surrounding dry mix into the water with a hoe or space and mix it completely. Continue pulling and mixing until all of the powder is wetted and the mix is piled at one end of the wheelbarrow. Continue mixing by going to the other end of the wheelbarrow and pulling the mix back toward you.

4. Drag the hoe through the mix to make a trough. The mix is too dry if the sides of the trough are crumbly and the concrete falls in chunks when you disturb it. Add water one cup at a time, mixing between each addition.

5. Add more dry concrete if the mix is too wet and soupy and sags into the trench.

6. The mix is just right when the sides of the trough stand and the ingredients are thoroughly wetted. A hoe patted against the concrete will leave a slightly shiny surface.

For more information on mixing concrete for DIY projects, visit the www.cnci.org.za/diy.htm