Gardening is an art form that marries nature with creativity, and there’s no better way to showcase this blend than by incorporating upcycled plant pots into your outdoor space. Not only do upcycled planters add a unique touch to your polytunnel or elsewhere in your home or garden, but they also help gardeners reduce consumption, reduce waste and live in a more sustainable way.
In this article, we’ll explore 21 inventive garden planter ideas using items you can find around your home, or from your local area. From coconut shells to wheelbarrows, you’ll discover that almost anything can be transformed into a useful and attractive garden planter.
Upcycled Garden Planters From Your Home
The beauty of upcycling lies in the ability to transform everyday items into something new and useful. In this section, we’ll look at several categories of household items that can be repurposed as planters.
1. Coconut Shell Planters (And Other Planters Made From Natural Materials)
Coconut shells are a fantastic natural material to use for upcycled plant pots. After enjoying the refreshing water and nutritious meat, the hard shell can be hollowed out, polished, and used as a small planter.
Coconut shell planters are perfect for small succulents, herbs, or decorative indoor plants. You can even hang them to create a vertical garden or place them on a windowsill to add a rustic touch to your home.
Other natural materials that can be used for planters include bamboo, gourds, and driftwood. Bamboo sections can be cut to create cylindrical planters, while gourds, once dried and hollowed out, make excellent containers for small plants.
Driftwood, with its unique textures, can be carved or shaped to cradle pots or act as planters themselves, adding a natural, earthy vibe to your garden.
2. Plastic Upcycled Planters (Using Plastic Food Packaging Etc..)
Plastic waste is a significant environmental concern, but you can do your part by transforming plastic food packaging into garden planters. Containers like yogurt pots, milk jugs, and plastic drinks bottles can be cut, painted, and decorated to suit your garden’s aesthetic.
To make a plastic bottle planter, cut the bottle in half, use the bottom part as the planter, and poke holes for drainage. You can paint the exterior to match your garden’s colour scheme or leave it transparent to watch the roots grow.
Milk jugs can be used similarly, or you can cut the top off and use the jug handle for easy transportation around your garden or for hanging planters.
These upcycled plant pots are perfect for starting seeds or growing small herbs.
3. Tin Can Planters
Tin cans are incredibly versatile and can be used in various creative ways in the garden. Whether from beans, soup, or other canned goods, these containers can be repurposed into chic planters.
With a few small holes drilled into the bottom for drainage, tin cans are perfect for small to medium-sized plants.
To give your tin can planters a stylish upgrade, consider wrapping them in jute rope, painting them with weather-resistant paint, or even decoupaging them with decorative paper. These planters are lightweight, durable, and can be arranged in clusters or hung on walls to create a vertical garden.
4. Pots, Pans, Colanders, Graters Etc…
Old kitchenware such as pots, pans, colanders, and graters can find a new life as unique upcycled plant pots. Colanders, with their built-in drainage holes, are particularly well-suited for plants that prefer well-drained soil, such as herbs and succulents.
To create a colander planter, line the bottom with a mesh or cloth to prevent soil from spilling out, then fill it with potting soil and your plant of choice.
Old pots and pans can be drilled for drainage and painted to match your garden décor, while old graters can be hung on a wall as quirky vertical planters for trailing plants.
5. Copper and Brass Planters
Copper and brass items, with their warm, metallic hues, make for eye-catching planters or upcycled plant pots. Antique or unused items like teapots, vases, or even plumbing pipes can be repurposed to hold plants. Over time, these metals will develop a beautiful patina, adding to their charm and character.
To use a copper or brass item as a planter, ensure it has adequate drainage by drilling holes if necessary. These planters are perfect for indoor plants, as they bring a touch of elegance and warmth to any room.
You can also place them on outdoor patios or balconies, where their reflective surfaces will catch the sunlight and enhance the greenery around them.
6. Earthenware Planters
Earthenware, such as terracotta pots, clay jugs, and ceramic bowls can also be creatively turned into upcycled plant pots. If you have old, chipped, or cracked earthenware, don’t discard it – instead, repurpose it into a charming planter.
You can enhance the rustic appeal of these planters by painting or stencilling designs on them. Earthenware is porous, which means it provides good drainage, making it ideal for plants that don’t like to sit in water.
7. Chipped Teacup Planters
Chipped or cracked mugs and teacups might seem like they belong in the bin, but they can be transformed into delicate upcycled plant pots perfect for small succulents or herbs. These charming planters are ideal for window sills, kitchen counters, or as part of a tabletop garden.
To create a teacup planter, ensure the cup has adequate drainage by adding a layer of pebbles or small rocks at the bottom before filling it with soil. You can pair the teacup with its matching saucer to catch excess water, adding both functionality and style to your upcycled planter.
8. Wine Glass Planters & Other Old Glasses and Vases
Old wine glasses, tumblers, and vases can be repurposed into elegant planters for your home. These glass containers offer a unique way to showcase your plants, especially when used for growing plants with visible roots, such as orchids or water-grown herbs.
To create a wine glass planter, you can use it as a terrarium for air plants, which require minimal soil and water. For other plants, consider using decorative stones or marbles at the bottom for drainage and visual interest. Old vases can hold larger plants and can be grouped together for a stunning indoor garden display.
9. Jars Planters
Glass jars, whether from pickles, sauces, or jams, can be turned into versatile upcycled plant pots. They are perfect for indoor herb gardens or as containers for small plants like succulents. Jars can be left as is for a clear, minimalist look, or they can be painted and decorated to fit your garden’s theme.
To make a jar planter, start by adding a layer of small rocks or gravel at the bottom to aid drainage. Fill the jar with potting soil and plant your choice of herbs, flowers, or succulents. You can place these jar planters on a sunny windowsill, hang them in a macramé holder, or arrange them on a shelf for a charming indoor garden.
10. Bottle Planters
Plastic or glass bottles are another excellent material for upcycled plant pots. By cutting, decorating, and planting in bottles, you can create a series of mini-gardens that are easy to maintain and visually striking.
For a plastic bottle planter, cut the bottle in half, poke holes for drainage, and fill it with soil and a plant. These can be hung by string to create a vertical garden or mounted on a wall for a living art piece. Glass bottles, on the other hand, can be used for propagating plants in water. Simply fill the bottle with water and place a plant cutting inside to grow roots.
11. Kitchen Bin Upcycled Plant Pots
Old kitchen bins, particularly metal ones, can be repurposed as large upcycled plant pots for your garden. These bins, once cleaned and sanitized, can hold a significant amount of soil, making them suitable for larger plants or even small trees.
To transform a kitchen bin into a planter, drill holes in the bottom for drainage and line the bottom with rocks or gravel. Fill the bin with soil and plant your favourite flowers, shrubs, or even a small vegetable garden. Kitchen bin planters are sturdy and durable, adding a touch of industrial chic to your garden.
12. DIY Fabric Planters/ Planters made from Upcycled Clothing
Old clothing and fabric scraps can be upcycled into soft, flexible upcycled plant pots that are perfect for lightweight plants.
You can sew together old jeans, t-shirts, or other durable fabrics to create custom-sized upcycled plant pots. These fabric planters are particularly useful for hanging gardens or for plants that need frequent watering, as the fabric can help retain moisture.
To make a fabric planter, cut and sew the fabric into the desired shape, ensuring there are no leaks. You can add a plastic lining to the inside if needed, then fill it with soil and plant. These planters can be hung on walls, fences, or placed on balconies for a quirky touch.
13. Upcycled Boot Planters
Old boots, whether they are wellies, hiking boots, or work boots, can be transformed into quirky garden upcycled plant pots. These planters add a whimsical element to your garden and are perfect for small flowers, herbs, or trailing plants.
To create a boot planter, start by drilling drainage holes in the soles. Fill the boot with soil and plant your desired greenery. You can place these boot planters at the entrance of your garden or along a path, where they can serve as unique garden ornaments as well as functional planters.
Other Upcycled Planter Ideas
Beyond household items, larger and more unconventional objects and recycled materials can also be upcycled into impressive garden planters. Here are some creative ideas for turning unexpected items from reclamation yards or other sources into stunning garden focal points.
14. Barrel Planter
Old wooden barrels can be upcycled into large, rustic planters perfect for creating focal points in your garden. Whether it’s a half-barrel used as a single planter or a full barrel repurposed for multiple plants, these containers offer plenty of space for deep-rooted plants, shrubs, or small trees.
15. Bathtub or Belfast Sink Planter
Old bathtubs or Belfast sinks can be upcycled into large planters, providing ample space for a wide variety of plants. These planters make a bold statement and can serve as a centrepiece in your garden.These planters can be painted or left as is, depending on your garden’s aesthetic.
16. Galvanized Steel Trough
Galvanized steel troughs, often used in agriculture, can be repurposed as modern, industrial-style planters. These durable containers are ideal for creating raised garden beds, making them perfect for growing vegetables, herbs, or a variety of flowers.
17. Galvanized Steel Chicken Feeder Planter
Different chicken feeders can also be used as planters. These planters add a rustic, farmhouse feel to your garden and can be placed on the ground or mounted on a wall for a vertical garden effect.
18. 50 Gallon Drum
50-gallon drums, often used for storing liquids, can be cut in half and repurposed as large, durable upcycled plant pots. These drums provide plenty of space for deep-rooted plants, trees, or a large collection of smaller plants.
19. Oil-Free Oil Can
Old oil cans, once thoroughly cleaned and decontaminated, can be transformed into unique, industrial-style upcycled plant pots. These cans, with their distinctive shapes and colours, add a touch of vintage charm to your garden.
20. Wheel Rim Planter
Old car or bike wheel rims can be upcycled into modern, circular planters. These rims, with their sturdy metal structure, can hold soil and plants, adding to an industrial yet artistic aesthetic.
21. Wheelbarrow Planter
An old wheelbarrow can be given a new life as a mobile garden planter. This upcycled planter is perfect for adding a rustic touch to your garden, and its mobility allows you to move it around to find the perfect spot for your plants.
FAQs
How to upcycle a planter?
Upcycling a planter involves taking an existing object and repurposing it to hold plants. This process can include cleaning the item, modifying it to include drainage, and decorating it to match your garden’s aesthetic.
How can I reuse a planter?
You can reuse a planter by cleaning it thoroughly, checking for any damage, and replanting it with new soil and plants. You can also repurpose old planters for different uses, such as using them to organize garden tools or create decorative garden features.
How do you make a recycled planter?
To make a recycled planter, select an item to repurpose, such as a tin can, plastic bottle, or old boot. Ensure it has proper drainage, fill it with soil, and plant your choice of greenery. Decorate the planter if desired, and place it in your garden or home.
What can you put in a planter besides plants?
In addition to plants, planters can be used to hold garden tools, store seeds, create decorative displays with stones or shells, or even serve as water features by adding a small fountain or birdbath.
Sources
Moowy. (2023) Gardening with Recycled Materials: Ingenious Tips and Tricks. [online] Available at: https://moowy.co.uk/recycled-materials/ [accessed 21/08/24]
