Looking for a creative way to add charm to your garden without spending much? These 17 easy, affordable flower pots made from upcycled materials will do just that!
I’ve had so much fun turning everyday items into unique planters, and the results are always a conversation starter. From old jars to wooden crates, these DIY pots are not only budget-friendly but also eco-friendly.
Get ready to give your garden a personal touch while keeping your wallet happy!
1. Tin Can Planters
Soup’s finished but don’t toss that can! Remove the label, punch a few drainage holes in the bottom, and sand any sharp edges for safety.
Paint the exterior with rust-resistant spray paint or wrap with twine, fabric, or colorful paper. These slim containers work perfectly for herbs in kitchen windowsills or succulents on narrow shelves.
2. Mason Jar Garden
Those extra mason jars gathering dust can become charming homes for small plants. Fill the bottom with pebbles for drainage since drilling glass requires special tools.
The clear sides allow you to watch roots develop, making them perfect for propagating cuttings. Group different sizes together for an adorable indoor garden that brings farmhouse charm to any space.
3. Book Planter Box
Got old hardcover books that are too damaged to donate? Hollow out the pages with a craft knife, leaving about an inch border around the edges.
Line with plastic to protect from moisture before adding soil and a small plant. The unexpected contrast between literature and greenery makes for a conversation-starting centerpiece that bibliophiles and plant lovers will equally admire.
4. Plastic Bottle Hanging Planters
Cut the bottom third from a plastic soda bottle, poke drainage holes, and decorate with paint, washi tape, or even colorful yarn wrapping. The smooth plastic surface takes well to many adhesives.
Punch holes near the cut edge and thread string through to create a hanging planter. Perfect for trailing plants like pothos or string of pearls that can cascade down from above.
5. Wooden Drawer Herb Garden
Rescued an old dresser from the curb? Those drawers can become rustic planters with minimal effort. Drill drainage holes in the bottom and consider lining with landscape fabric.
The rectangular shape provides ample space for multiple herbs or flowers. Leave the wood natural for a farmhouse look or paint bright colors for a pop of cheer on your patio or balcony.
6. Teacup Succulent Homes
Chipped teacups from thrift stores make adorable mini planters for small succulents or cacti. Their shallow depth is actually perfect for these low-maintenance plants that don’t need deep root systems.
Display on windowsills or arrange a collection on a tray for a whimsical indoor garden. The delicate patterns on vintage china create a beautiful contrast with the structural forms of desert plants.
7. Boot and Shoe Gardens
Children’s outgrown rain boots or worn-out work boots make quirky containers for trailing plants. Punch a few holes in the bottom sole for drainage before filling with potting mix.
The waterproof exterior is already perfect for outdoor use. Hang them on a fence, arrange on porch steps, or create a whimsical pathway through your garden with these personality-filled planters that always bring smiles.
8. Colander Hanging Baskets
Metal or plastic colanders already have perfect drainage built in! Line with coconut fiber or moss to keep soil from washing out during watering.
Attach chains or sturdy rope through the handles to create instant hanging baskets. The industrial look of metal colanders pairs wonderfully with trailing herbs like thyme or oregano, while colorful plastic ones add playful charm to patios.
9. Wine Cork Tiny Planters
Been saving wine corks? Hollow out one end with a small drill bit or screwdriver, creating a tiny planting cavity. The natural cork material holds moisture well for air plants or miniature succulents.
Attach magnets to the back for refrigerator gardens, or glue to a picture frame for living wall art. These thumb-sized planters make perfect gifts and use materials that would otherwise end up in the trash.
10. Paint Can Container Garden
Empty paint cans, thoroughly cleaned and dried, make industrial-chic planters for indoor or outdoor use. The metal handles make them easy to move around as needed.
Leave silver for a modern look or paint the exterior with leftover house paint. The deep containers work well for plants needing root space like dwarf tomatoes or peppers, making them perfect for small-space vegetable gardening.
11. Wooden Crate Flower Boxes
Wooden produce crates from farmers markets or wine crates from liquor stores transform into rustic planters with minimal effort. Line with landscape fabric before adding soil to prevent leakage.
Stack several at different heights for a dynamic display, or mount to a wall for vertical gardening. The natural wood weathers beautifully outdoors, developing character while providing a home for cascading flowers or strawberry plants.
12. Coffee Can Herb Holders
Metal coffee cans with their plastic lids make perfect herb planters with built-in humidity control. Punch holes in the bottom for drainage and in the lid for the plant to grow through.
The reflective surface helps bounce light to plants in dim corners. Label each can with chalkboard paint strips to keep track of what’s growing, creating a functional kitchen herb garden that costs almost nothing to make.
13. Bucket Bloom Containers
Plastic buckets from laundry detergent, cat litter, or paint make surprisingly attractive large planters. Clean thoroughly, drill drainage holes, and transform with outdoor paint or decorative contact paper.
Their generous size works well for larger plants like dwarf sunflowers or ornamental grasses. The sturdy handles make seasonal rearranging easy, while their durability ensures years of use in all weather conditions.
14. Tire Garden Beds
Old tires from auto shops (often free!) create raised beds perfect for flowers or vegetables. Paint the exterior with bright colors using exterior latex paint that withstands weather.
Stack multiple tires for deeper planting areas needed for root vegetables. The black rubber absorbs heat, making these ideal for plants that love warm soil like peppers and eggplants, while also keeping garden beds defined and neat.
15. Toolbox Planter Box
Metal toolboxes, especially vintage ones with character, make unexpected and charming planters. Drill holes in the bottom, then line with plastic (poked with drainage holes) to slow rust development.
The compartments create natural dividers for different plant varieties. These conversation starters work especially well with tough plants like sedums and hens-and-chicks that complement the toolbox’s industrial vibe with their own hardy nature.
16. Muffin Tin Seedling Starters
Old muffin tins with scratches or burns make perfect seed starting containers. Each cup holds just enough soil for germination, and the metal conducts heat to keep soil warm.
Place the entire tin in a sunny window, keeping seedlings organized until they’re ready for transplanting. The uniform size ensures consistent watering needs, while the durable construction lets you use them year after year for spring garden prep.
17. Toy Truck Garden
Broken plastic trucks or construction toys from childhood make whimsical planters that kids love. The truck bed becomes a miniature garden after drilling drainage holes in the bottom.
Use these playful containers to introduce children to gardening with fast-growing plants like grass or bean sprouts. The mobility factor adds fun as little ones can drive their green cargo around the patio before parking it back in the sunlight.