Quickly Fix A Cracked Planter Using An Affordable Solution

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Anyone with plants at home knows that broken planters are bound to happen. An accidental nudge, an excited pet, or a simple accident can send a pot flying and your hopes of a pristine planter crashing to the ground. Even frost and natural temperature changes can cause cracks to appear in your planters. And while it may be tempting to just throw the pieces in the bin, you should stop tossing broken plant pots because there are plenty of clever ways to reuse them. For example, you can upcycle broken planters into a stunning succulent display or, if you have a backyard, turn broken terracotta planters into a DIY mulch that helps repel slugs.

Even better, though, you can save money and salvage the planter in a few simple steps, so it can be used for years to come. One easy, affordable solution is to use J-B Weld's epoxy. First, wash each of the pieces of the broken pot with water to remove all dirt and debris. Pay close attention to the cracked edges you'll be gluing together later, ensuring there is absolutely no dirt left on these. Use a sponge or brush, as needed, to get the pot sparkling clean, then let it dry fully. Next, wipe the cracked edges with 99% isopropyl alcohol to remove any final layers of oil and residue, then prepare your work surface by taping down a piece of freezer paper. Finally, it's time to put your planter back together again.

There are numerous smart fixes to save broken and chipped pots, starting with J-B Weld's epoxy. This two-part adhesive needs to be mixed in a 1:1 ratio; a good way to ensure this is to squeeze the tubes side-by-side in two parallel lines, then blend them together using a popsicle stick. Once the black and white formulas are seamlessly mixed into a light gray solution, spread the substance liberally on each broken edge. Using the popsicle stick, ensure both edges are fully coated, then press the pieces firmly together and wipe off any excess epoxy that may seep out. Wrap bungee cords or any other elasticized rope around the planter to keep the pieces in place and allow your DIY to sit overnight and set. The pot should be good as new and ready for planting in about 12 hours.

Another option is to use Gorilla Glue. Simply moisten one broken edge with water, apply glue to the other, and press the pieces together before wrapping the pot with a bungee cord. Once dry, scrape off the excess glue with a blade and use the planter as normal. One other alternative, which is a particularly good choice for outdoor planters, is E-6000 glue as it's both weather- and water-proof. The clear industrial-strength adhesive can be spread across cracks to stop a full break before it happens or used to weld broken ceramic and terracotta pieces together.