Georgia gardeners know that creativity and sustainability go hand in hand. Instead of tossing old containers into the trash, many are finding clever new uses for them in their yards and gardens.
From plastic bottles to tin cans, these recycled items are helping plants thrive while keeping waste out of landfills.
1. Plastic Milk Jugs As Self-Watering Planters
Cut a milk jug in half and flip the top section upside down into the bottom. This creates a simple self-watering system that keeps soil moist for days. Your plants will love having constant access to water without you needing to check them constantly.
Perfect for growing herbs like basil or parsley on a sunny windowsill. Georgia summers can get brutally hot, so this method prevents your plants from drying out too quickly.
2. Coffee Cans Turned Into Vertical Garden Towers
Stack empty coffee cans on top of each other and secure them with wire or strong glue. Paint them in bright colors to add personality to your garden space. Drill drainage holes in the bottom of each can before filling with potting soil.
Strawberries and lettuce grow wonderfully in these vertical setups in Georgia. You can mount the tower against a fence or porch railing, saving valuable ground space while creating an eye-catching display.
3. Wine Bottles As Drip Irrigation Systems
Fill an empty wine bottle with water and quickly flip it upside down into the soil near your plant’s roots. Water slowly seeps out, keeping the soil consistently moist. This trick works especially well for tomatoes and peppers during Georgia’s steamy summer months.
You can also find special stakes designed to hold wine bottles at the perfect angle. Colored glass bottles add a decorative touch while serving a practical purpose.
4. Yogurt Cups For Starting Seeds Indoors
Single-serve yogurt containers make excellent seed starters in Georgia because they’re the perfect size for young plants. Poke a few small holes in the bottom for drainage and fill with seed-starting mix. Label each cup with the plant name using a permanent marker.
Once seedlings outgrow their cups, you can transplant them directly into your garden. This method costs nothing and reduces plastic waste at the same time, making it a win-win solution.
5. Old Colanders As Hanging Strawberry Planters
That rusty colander sitting in your cabinet can become a charming hanging planter. The built-in drainage holes are already perfect for plants, and strawberries look beautiful cascading through the openings. Hang it from a sturdy hook on your porch or pergola.
You might also try growing trailing flowers like petunias or sweet potato vines. Metal colanders develop a lovely weathered patina over time, adding vintage character to your Georgi outdoor space.
6. Egg Cartons For Organizing Small Succulents
Cardboard egg cartons work surprisingly well for displaying tiny succulents or starting cuttings. Each compartment holds just enough soil for these drought-tolerant plants. Arrange several cartons on a tray to create an interesting desktop garden or gift for friends.
Succulents thrive in Georgia’s humidity with minimal care required. When the cardboard eventually breaks down, you can plant the whole thing directly in the ground since it’s biodegradable.
7. Tin Cans As Rustic Herb Containers
Remove labels from soup or vegetable cans, punch drainage holes in the bottom, and you’ve got instant herb planters. Paint them with chalkboard paint so you can write plant names directly on the containers. Line them up on a kitchen windowsill for easy access while cooking.
Thyme, oregano, and mint all grow beautifully in these compact spaces. The metal keeps roots cooler during hot afternoons, which helps herbs maintain their flavor.
8. Laundry Detergent Jugs As Garden Tool Caddies
Cut away one side of a large detergent jug to create a sturdy carrying caddy for your garden tools. The handle makes it easy to transport hand trowels, pruners, and gloves around your Georgia yard. You can even decorate the outside with weatherproof paint or stickers.
Some gardeners cut smaller jugs into scoops for potting soil or fertilizer. The thick plastic holds up well to outdoor conditions and won’t crack easily like cheaper alternatives.
9. Mason Jars For Rooting Plant Cuttings
Clear glass mason jars let you watch roots develop from plant cuttings, which is both educational and exciting. Simply place stems in water and set the jar in bright, indirect light. Change the water every few days to keep it fresh and prevent algae growth.
Pothos, philodendron, and coleus root easily using this method. Once roots reach about two inches long, you can transplant them into soil and share new plants with neighbors and friends.