DIY Umbrella Stand Planter

The only tools you'll need are a drill with a 1/2-inch bit and a level. You'll also need some PPE, gloves, safety glasses and a dust mask. Concrete dust is a skin, eye and lung irritant.

For materials, you'll need:

• 5 gallon Homer bucket
• Large planter
• 24 inch piece of 1-1/2 inch or 2-inch PVC or ABS pipe, depending on the diameter of the umbrella shaft
• A cap to match the pipe size
• 50lb bag of fast setting concrete, and water according to directions
• Duct tape or heavy packing tape
• River pebbles or lava rocks
• Potting soil
• Plants

• Work on a level surface.
• Tape one end of the pipe closed.
• The pipe can be painted with the appropriate spray paint if a specific color is desired.
• Place the taped end of the pipe into the center of the bucket.
• Use a few strips of tape inside the bucket to hold the pipe in place.
• Fast setting concrete doesn't need to be mixed. Pour the dry mix into the bucket.
• Use the level to make sure the pipe is level side to side and front to back. Builders call this "plumb".
• Stretch tape across the bucket and against the pipe to hold it plumb.
• Slowly pour in the amount of water indicated on the bag. Pour it in several spots to ensure proper distribution.
• Follow the instructions on the bag for drying time.
• Drill a series of 6 to 8 drainage holes around the perimeter of the bucket, level with the top of the concrete.
• Turn the bucket on its side and drill a few holes through the center, into the open end of the pipe.
• Drainage is nessecary because mosquitoes multiply and mold grows in standing water.

• Set the planter in the desired location.
• Carefully lower the bucket into the planter.
• Pour in pebbles or lava rock

• Add a few inches of potting soil and place plants in the soil.
• Follow the thriller, filler, spiller rule. Choose aromatic herbs and colorful flowers.
• Avoid plants that attract bees, since you’ll likely be sitting in close proximity to the plants chosen.
• Backfill with additional potting soil.

• Slide the umbrella into the pipe sleeve and enjoy your newfound shade.
• Remove the umbrella in windy weather.

Tip: When you’re ready to store your patio umbrella, slide it out of the sleeve and add a pipe cap to keep rain out of the pipe.