Deterring Thieves From Taking Your Garden Pots
A while back, I decided to put some large garden pots out in my front yard. The area I live in is relatively safe but there is a school close by and I get quite a few people walking down the street and through the yard. So, I have a concern that if I put some large garden pots out that someone will, eventually, either try to haul them away or take them just to smash them up.
My solution that I came up with has kept them where they belong for over two years. And, the best part is that its so simple that anyone should be able to do it. For my own yard, I used three medium to large sized garden pots but any number of pots will do.
You have to start by determining where to place your garden pots. Around the base of each pot, draw a circle. Next, remove the pot to one side and dig a circular hole using the outline you just made in the dirt. Dig it out about one foot deep. Mix about half of a plastic five gallon bucket of cement.
Pour your concrete about half way full into the hole. Now, take an end of the chain and press it into the wet cement. If you were to pull tight on the chain, it should be long enough to stick out of the hole by about six inches or so. While the cement is drying, take the chain and pull it straight up tight (not too tight that it comes out of the cement). Take a dowel or wire and thread it through one of the links and then brace it over the hole.
Fill the remainder of the hole with dirt once the cement has had enough time to dry. A short length of chain coming out of the ground is the only thing you should see. Bring the pot back over and thread the length of chain up through the drain hole that is in the bottom of your garden pot. You may need to recruit some help to do this.
I then used a carabiner that’s used for rock climbing (available at most camping and outdoor sporting goods stores) and looped it into the link that made the chain tight and the garden pot firmly against the ground. If you can’t find a carabiner, use whatever you wish to hold the pot in place.
I then filled the pots about three quarters of the way full with dirt. This not only adds weight but also keeps anyone from simply removing the carabiner and taking the pot. This method should be enough to deter anyone from messing with your garden pots.
Bill Richardson has been working in gardens since his early childhood and has always been interested in educating others regarding garden pot and landscaping techniques. If you would like to know more about garden pots, visit AllGardenPots.com.
