Cowboy boot planter

 I made a hen and chick arrangement using a cowboy boot. The full video can be seen on my youtube channel Crazy plant lady blog.

The first step was to cut out the holes where I wanted to place the succulents. There is multiple layers to cut through. I cut through the leather layer first, then the fabric layers. The layers are pretty thick so this was the easiest way I found to do it.

The second was to drill holes into the sole of the boot. Succulents need proper drainage. My experience with hen and chicks has made me believe they hate water. I wanted to make sure they had plenty of drainage holes so I used a medium sized drill bit and drilled four holes into the boot. 

Once I had drainage holes and spots to put each of the hen and chicks I started filling the boot with dirt. I filled until the soil was lined up with the bottom hole. Then placed the first succulent into the hole. I had to remove some of the old dried up leaves to get a good fit. Then I used my finger to push all the roots inside the boot. Once the first succulent was secure I placed more soil and more succulents around the boot.

I started off using succulent and cactus soil and as I got to the top of the boot I switched to a gritty mix of chicken grit and succulent and cactus soil. I forgot I had the gritty mixture until I was almost done, but that is what I prefer to use on all of my succulents especially if they will be outside. The gritty mixture aid in drainage. I know they will be exposed to rain and want to make sure that they are able to properly dry out. Succulents are prone to root rot if there roots stay too wet. 

This arrangement will be outdoors all year long. Hen and chicks are hardy and can survive winter in most zones. Hen and chicks can also survive in poor soil that offers little nutrients to the plant. They do not need to be watered often and require very little care.

You can divide they baby plants from the mother plant when they reach a good size if you want. I am going to let the babies help fill in the top of the boot. I will probably have to remove the babies from the plants on the side of the boots or create more holes for them. If the container or pot you have your hen and chicks in is starting to look over crowded you will need to replant some of your hen and chicks to keep them healthy. Hen and chick succulents live 4-6 years and then will die. Don't worry though they will produce a lot of babies during this time.