Have you ever looked at an old boot or a broken chair and thought, I could plant something in that? Well, you’re not alone! Transforming old junk into stunning planters is not only eco-friendly but also an art form.
By repurposing what might otherwise end up in a landfill, we can create unique, eye-catching displays that add character to our gardens. Plus, it’s a great way to spark conversations and showcase your creativity.
1. Teapot Planter
Starting with a teapot, you might wonder what it could hold besides tea. Well, how about a bunch of succulents? This quirky idea turns a teapot into a charming conversation starter.
First, remove the lid and fill the pot with soil. Next, plant some small succulents or herbs. These low-maintenance plants will thrive in the limited space.
The spout even acts as a handy drainage point! This planter adds a touch of whimsy to any garden setting. Who knew teatime could be so green?
2. Old Boot Planter
What do you do with an old boot that’s seen better days? Give it a second life as a planter! The sturdy structure of a boot makes it ideal for holding soil and plants.
Simply fill it with potting mix, and choose your favorite flowers to plant inside. The laces can be tied to support tall plants as they grow.
And don’t worry about drainage. Most boots are already ventilated enough. This boot planter adds a rugged, rustic charm to any garden, proving that style and sustainability can walk hand in hand.
3. Colander Planter
Colanders start life as kitchen helpers, but they can end up as decorative planters. Their built-in drainage holes make them perfect for plants needing well-drained soil.
Simply line the colander with moss or a lightweight fabric to keep the soil in, then add your plants. Herbs work particularly well, creating a mini kitchen garden that’s both functional and attractive.
Hang it using sturdy hooks or place it on a table. This playful planter idea adds a dash of culinary charm to any outdoor space.
4. Drawer Planter
Drawers offer more than just storage; they offer planting opportunities! An old drawer can be transformed into a planter by simply adding some drainage holes at the bottom.
Fill it with soil and select a mix of flowers for a stunning display. The flat base makes it stable, perfect for placing on patios or balconies.
You can even stack multiple drawers for a layered look. This DIY planter brings a touch of vintage elegance and shows that even forgotten furniture can bloom anew.
5. Bathtub Planter
A bathtub might seem like an odd choice, but trust me, it’s a showstopper. With its ample space, a bathtub is perfect for creating a classy garden centerpiece.
Drill some drainage holes, fill it with soil, and plant a mix of tall and trailing plants. The clawfoot design adds an elegant touch, making it a standout feature.
It’s big enough for a mini vegetable patch or a floral display. This planter turns bath time into plant time, blending luxury with the great outdoors.
6. Wine Crate Planter
Wine crates can be more than just storage for bottles. They make classy planters, perfect for a rustic garden look. With a bit of lining and some drainage holes, these crates are ready for soil and plants.
Herbs and small flowers thrive in this environment, and you can easily move the crates around. Stack them for a tiered effect or scatter them throughout the garden.
This project combines functionality with a touch of vintage flair, making wine crates a smart choice for both gardeners and wine lovers.
7. Tire Planter
Got an old tire lying around? Why not paint it and turn it into a funky garden planter? Tires are robust, making them perfect for outdoor use.
Paint the tire in bright colors to add a pop of fun to the garden. Fill it with soil and choose trailing plants to drape over the sides.
You can hang it on a wall or place it flat on the ground. This tire planter is a great way to recycle and adds a playful, artistic touch to any garden space.
8. Birdcage Planter
Birdcages aren’t just for birds anymore. They make fabulous planters! With their cage-like structure, they offer a unique way to display plants.
Line the bottom with moss or coconut fiber to hold the soil. Ferns and trailing plants look stunning as they spill through the bars. Hang it from a tree or a hook for a floating garden effect.
This planter adds a whimsical touch to the garden, reminiscent of fairy tales. Who would have thought a cage could symbolize freedom for plants?
9. Chair Planter
Chairs may lose their seats, but they can still support life as planters! Remove the seat, and you’re left with a frame perfect for holding plants.
Add a pot or line with fabric to contain the soil, and plant blooms or cascading greens. Place it in a prominent spot to showcase its unique form.
This planter idea redefines seating arrangements, turning a once-functional item into a statement piece. It’s both a nod to recycling and a celebration of creativity.
10. Toilet Planter
Turning a toilet into a planter is sure to get laughs and start conversations! The bowl and tank provide ample room for a variety of plants. Just drill a few drainage holes and fill with soil.
The tank can be filled with taller plants while the bowl holds smaller ones. It’s a quirky addition that’s sure to stand out.
This cheeky planter isn’t just a joke; it’s proof that with a little imagination, even the most mundane items can find new purpose. Flush away your doubts, this idea is pure gold!
11. Basket Planter
Baskets aren’t just for picnics or storage; they’re perfect planters too! With their rustic look and natural materials, baskets add a cozy feel to any garden.
Line them with a plastic sheet or moss to hold the soil, and fill with your favorite blooms. Place them on benches, hang them, or even set them on the ground.
They’re incredibly versatile and can be moved as needed. This planter option combines practicality with charm, proving that sometimes the simplest ideas are the most effective.
12. Gutter Planter
Gutters do more than channel rain; they channel creativity too! By cutting and mounting sections of guttering on a wall, you create a vertical planter perfect for herbs or small flowers.
Ensure proper drainage with some holes, and layer with soil. This planter is a great space-saver and adds a modern twist to your garden.
It’s ideal for small outdoor areas where space is at a premium. Transform those gutters into flourishing green strips, and let them rain down beauty instead of water.
13. Basketball Planter
Basketballs don’t just bounce; they can cradle plants too! By cutting a basketball in half, you create a unique hanging planter.
Fill it with soil and add your plants of choice. Trailers work wanders for this. Hang it using sturdy ropes or chains for a sporty look.
This planter is perfect for sports lovers looking to add a personal touch to their gardens. It’s a slam dunk way to recycle and showcase your love for the game while keeping things green and fancy.
14. Toolbox Planter
Toolboxes are built to last, but when they outlive their original purpose, they become perfect planters. With their sturdy construction, just drill some drainage holes, fill with soil, and you’re ready to plant.
Herbs and small plants thrive in this environment. Place it on a bench or hang it for a unique garden feature.
The toolbox planter is a testament to the idea that utility and beauty can coexist. It’s a green way to give old tools a new job, holding life instead of tools.
15. Bed Frame Planter
Once its sleeping days are over, a bed frame can support life in a new way as a planter and trellis. Secure it in the garden, and plant climbing vines or flowers at its base.
As the plants grow, they weave through the frame, creating a living sculpture. This repurposed bed adds a touch of romance and nostalgia to any garden.
It’s a dreamy way to recycle an old piece of furniture, turning it into a unique focal point that supports both plants and imagination.
16. Canoe Planter
Canoes aren’t just for water; they can sail through the sea of creativity too! An old canoe makes an astonishingly large planter.
Drill drainage holes, fill with soil, and plant a variety of flowers for a rainbow effect. This unique planter is perfect for large gardens or as a centerpiece. Its elongated shape allows for creative planting arrangements.
The canoe planter floats into the realm of innovative gardening, proving that even the most unusual items can be transformed into something spectacular.
17. Lightbulb Planter
Lightbulbs don’t just brighten rooms; they can brighten your garden too! Carefully hollow out a bulb and fill it with a bit of soil for a mini terrarium.
Air plants are perfect for this setup due to their low maintenance. Hang these delicate planters in windows or from branches for a whimsical effect.
Lightbulb planters are a clear example of innovation, turning what was once destined for the trash into a glowing beacon of creativity. Light up your garden with these tiny treasures.
18. Suitcase Planter
Suitcases can travel through time and into your garden as unique planters. Line the interior with plastic, add soil, and plant a mix of flowers or succulents.
When open, they create a dynamic display of colors and textures. The suitcase planter is portable, allowing you to move it around as needed.
It adds a touch of vintage flair and reminds us that old items, like memories, don’t have to fade. They can grow into something beautiful. Pack your garden with nostalgia and blooms.
19. Milk Can Planter
Milk cans, once a staple of dairy farms, can become charming garden planters. With their tall, narrow shape, they’re perfect for grasses and tall flowers.
Add soil, plant, and place them prominently for a rustic touch. Painted or left as is, they evoke a sense of nostalgia.
This planter idea is a nod to simpler times, reminding us that beauty can be found in the most unexpected places. Turn those old milk cans into a testament to creativity and sustainability.
20. Grill Planter
Grills can serve more than burgers. They can serve plants too! Once retired from cooking, grills make perfect planters.
The deep basin holds plenty of soil, ideal for herbs or floral displays. Add drainage holes if needed, and place it on a patio for easy access.
The grill planter adds a quirky, fun element to your garden, perfect for those who love outdoor entertaining. It’s a hot way to recycle and adds a spark of humor and creativity to your green space.
21. Birdbath Planter
Birdbaths aren’t just for birds anymore. They make elegant planters, with their shallow basins perfect for a bed of flowers. Fill it with soil, and plant low-growing greenery and blooms.
Place it in a visible spot to showcase its beauty. This birdbath planter combines function and artistry, offering a tranquil spot for both plants and visiting wildlife.
It’s a sophisticated way to repurpose an old garden staple, turning it into a centerpiece that amazes both nature lovers and garden guests alike.
22. Tea Cup Planter
Tea cups, often collecting dust, can become dainty planters for succulents. Their small size makes them perfect for windowsills or tabletops.
Simply fill with soil and plant your succulents. Group them for a charming display. Tea cup planters add a touch of elegance and whimsy to any space.
They’re an adorable way to recycle old china and bring a bit of the indoors outside. Stir up some creativity with this planting idea, and let your garden party begin!
23. Dresser Planter
Dressers can dress up gardens too! By removing some drawers and angling others, a dresser becomes a tiered planter.
Line each drawer with plastic, fill them with soil, and plant a variety of flowers and greens. This vertical garden creates a stunning visual display and saves space.
The dresser planter is a beautiful example of how furniture can be repurposed, turning something once outdated into a fancy addition to your outdoor decor.
24. Record Player Planter
Record players may no longer play music, but they can play host to plants! By opening the top and filling it with soil, you create a retro planter.
Choose trailing plants to spill over the sides for added drama. This planter is perfect for music lovers looking to combine their passion with gardening.
It’s a harmonious way to recycle and adds a melodic touch to your garden decor. Let the plants take center stage and make your garden sing with this creative idea.
25. Suitcase Bar Planter
Suitcases can open up a world of possibilities, including serving as planters for cocktail-themed herbs. Line the interior with plastic, fill with soil, and plant mint, basil, or other herbs.
This mobile garden is perfect for patios and entertaining spaces. The suitcase bar planter combines practicality with a nod to travel and leisure.
With a little creativity, even old luggage can carry new life. Cheers to garden innovation and the journeys we take, both near and far!
26. Barrel Planter
Barrels have held wine, now let them hold plants! By cutting a barrel in half, you create a spacious planter. Drill drainage holes, fill with soil, and plant seasonal flowers or even a small tree.
The rustic look of the barrel adds charm to any garden setup. This planter is perfect for large spaces or creating a focal point.
It’s a barrel full of possibilities, proving that with creativity, even the humblest objects can be transformed into garden treasures.
27. Metal Tub Planter
Metal tubs are tough, making them ideal for planters. Fill one with soil and plant a mix of flowers or vegetables. Their large size offers ample room for creativity.
Place them in a farmhouse garden or any outdoor space needing a rustic touch. The metal tub planter is a shining example of how industrial materials can be repurposed into something beautiful.
It’s a galvanizing way to recycle and bring a touch of the past into the present, right in your garden.
28. Wagon Planter
Wagons, once a child’s joy, can become a gardener’s main character. Fill an old wagon with soil and plant colorful blooms or herbs.
Its mobility allows for easy repositioning to catch the sun. The wagon planter adds a playful, nostalgic touch to any garden. It’s perfect for those who love vintage charm and practical gardening solutions.
This idea is a wheely good way to recycle, combining the joy of childhood with the beauty of nature, one plant at a time.
29. Typewriter Planter
Typewriters might not write anymore, but they can still tell a story in the garden. Fill the space between keys with soil, and plant small succulents.
This planter combines history with horticulture, creating a unique conversation piece. The typewriter planter is ideal for writers and garden enthusiasts alike.
It’s a novel way to recycle and adds a touch of literary flair to your outdoor space. Let your garden be the page where creativity writes its own tale.