Making Hypertufa Troughs

Hypertufa

Hypertufa (hyper-toofa) means “fake tufa.” Hypertufa is concocted by mixing peat moss, various aggregates and Portland cement as a substitute for the natural volcanic limestone rock called “tufa”, of which antique feeding and watering troughs were made.

You can grow almost anything in a trough, because the bulky and porous wall thickness acts as a reservoir for water from which the plants can drink between waterings. It also allows for easy passage of air to the root systems.

Hypertufa is relatively lightweight compared to stone or concrete.

Troughs are also freeze proof.

Succulents love hypertufa.

Bird (and toad) baths are sealed to prevent water leakage.

Over time, moss will grow on the hypertufa, adding to the antique look.

Hypertufa bird bath on stacked brick column.