Ever look around your house and think, What if that old teacup could be a planter? Well, trust me, you’re not alone. I’ve had that exact thought more times than I’d like to admit.
It turns out, many of our forgotten treasures are just begging to be transformed into quirky homes for plants.
From rusty tin cans to vintage boots, there’s a whole world of possibilities to explore. I’ve rounded up items that can go from mundane to magical with a little soil and greenery.
1. Old teacups
Old teacups bring elegance to any nook, standing as lovely holders for succulents or small ferns. The beauty of the teacup itself becomes part of the display.
Its delicate design, often adorned with floral patterns, adds a charming aesthetic to any room. You can easily place them by windowsills or on side tables.
Cleaning them is a breeze, and repurposing something this pretty is rewarding. Embrace the nostalgia and charm of teacups, turning them into fancy planters that never fail to impress.
2. Wooden crates
Wooden crates offer a rustic vibe that’s simply astonishing. Filling them with flowers or lush greens can turn any ordinary corner into a garden paradise.
Their sturdy build makes them ideal for outdoor spaces. With a little creativity, you can arrange them in varying heights, creating a layered look.
They’re easy to move around, too. By repurposing wooden crates, you’re adding nature in a way that’s both functional and stylish. It’s a cool way to go green.
3. Mason jars
Mason jars are a household staple, perfect for those starting an herb garden indoors. Besides being trendy, they allow you to see the soil and plant’s growth, which is quite fascinating.
Hang them in the kitchen or line them up on a windowsill. These jars are easy to clean and maintain, making them a favorite among novice gardeners.
Plus, they add simplicity and clarity to any setting. Using mason jars as planters is a smart and stylish choice for any home.
4. Tin cans
Tin cans, often tossed away without a second thought, make surprisingly sturdy planters. They’re easy to personalize with paint or decorative wrap, turning them into eye-catching pieces.
The metallic finish can complement a modern or industrial decor style. Drill a few holes for drainage, and you’re good to go.
Whether indoors or out, they offer a budget-friendly way to embrace gardening. Transforming tin cans into planters turns recycling into an art form..
5. Bathtubs
Turning an old bathtub into a planter is as eccentric as it sounds. It’s an excellent choice for those with a large garden space, offering ample room for a mini garden.
You can grow a variety of plants together, creating a stunning centerpiece. The bathtub’s vintage charm is undeniable, adding character to any outdoor setting.
Plus, it’s a great conversation starter during garden parties. With their generous depth and size, bathtubs allow for creative planting arrangements that are both artistic and practical.
6. Shoe organizers
Shoe organizers aren’t just for shoes anymore! Hanging them on a sunny wall makes for a fantastic vertical planter, especially for small spaces.
Each pocket can hold a different herb or flower, turning a plain wall into a vertical garden masterpiece. They’re incredibly space-efficient and perfect for balconies or small patios.
This clever repurposing invites creativity, as you can mix and match plants to suit your taste. Shoe organizers offer a novel way to enjoy gardening, even in tight quarters.
7. Vintage boots
Who would’ve thought that those old boots could become garden art? Fill them with soil and some lively flowers, and you’ve got yourself a quirky and charming planter.
The aged look of vintage boots adds character, making them a delightful garden addition. They’re perfect for creating a fancy corner in your garden.
Plus, they’re portable, so you can change their placement with ease. Vintage boots turned planters combine style with sustainability.
8. Wine barrels
Wine barrels bring personality to any garden. Their round shape and polished wood make them perfect for grouping several plants together.
They fit naturally into any garden setting and offer plenty of space for roots. Whether you plant flowers or vegetables, wine barrels provide both style and function.
Their robust structure makes them long-lasting, and they can withstand various weather conditions. Turning wine barrels into planters is a nod to both elegance and practicality.
9. Old wheelbarrows
Old wheelbarrows, often forgotten, find new life as charming garden planters. Their unique shape and size make them perfect for creating mobile garden displays.
Just fill them with soil and your favorite plants, and you’re ready to roll them around to catch the sun. They add an element of nostalgia and charm to any garden.
Plus, they can hold a surprising amount of plants, turning a single wheelbarrow into a colorful display. Embrace the rustic appeal with this creative and practical planting solution.
10. Coffee mugs
Coffee mugs make for delightful mini planters, especially for small succulents or herbs. Their compact size and designs bring a good vibes to any space.
You can place them on kitchen counters or windowsills, adding greenery where you least expect it. They’re easy to switch out and rearrange, making gardening a flexible hobby.
Whether using mugs with quirky patterns or classic styles, these tiny planters add personality to your home. It’s a fun and simple way to get started with indoor gardening.
11. Colanders
Colanders make surprisingly effective hanging planters. The metal or plastic designs are sturdy and can be easily hung by adding a chain or rope.
They’re perfect for trailing plants or those that love to spill over the sides. The fancy appearance of colanders adds character to any garden setting.
Plus, they’re often available in bright colors, enhancing the visual appeal. Turning colanders into planters is a creative way to bring art into functional gardening.
12. Birdcages
Birdcages aren’t just for birds anymore. They make exquisite planters for a variety of small plants. Their intricate metalwork adds elegance to the place.
By lining them with moss or a coconut coir mat, you can create a cozy nest for plants to flourish. Hanging them from trees or placing them on stands adds height to garden arrangements.
Birdcages turned planters offer an enchanting way to showcase plants, making them a delightful addition to any garden or patio.
13. Broken pottery
Broken pottery might seem like a trash item, but it offers a unique way to create planters with character. By arranging the pieces together, you can form a mosaic-like planter.
Perfect for succulents, they create a rugged and artistic look. The sharp and irregular edges add an interesting texture to the garden.
It’s an eco-friendly way to recycle broken pieces, turning them into a focal point. Transforming broken pottery into planters is both a creative and sustainable gardening solution.
14. Metal buckets
Metal buckets offer a cool and industrial edge, serving as robust planters for a variety of plants. Their metallic finish reflects light, adding sparkle to the garden.
You can easily drill holes for drainage and move them as needed. They’re perfect for herbs or small flowering plants, creating a neat and organized look.
With their sturdy build, they can withstand outdoor conditions with ease. Repurposing metal buckets as planters is a stylish way to combine gardening with industrial design elements.
15. Wooden pallets
Wooden pallets are the unsung heroes of DIY planters. Their structure makes them ideal for vertical gardening, especially in tight spaces.
By attaching pots or planting directly into the slats, you can create a living wall. It’s a fantastic way to grow herbs or ornamental plants without taking up much ground space.
They’re versatile and can be painted or stained to match any decor. Turning wooden pallets into planters is a smart and stylish choice for maximizing space in any garden.
16. Wooden drawers
Wooden drawers, often discarded, make for quirky stacked planters. Their different sizes allow for creative arrangements, creating a tiered planting effect.
Perfect for flowers or trailing plants, they add height and interest to any garden. You can paint them to match your garden theme or leave them weathered for a rustic look.
The drawers provide ample space for root growth, making them functional as well as decorative. Using wooden drawers as planters is an inventive way to recycle and beautify your garden.
17. Plastic bottles
Plastic bottles are a fantastic option for upcycling into hanging planters. By cutting them and adding soil, you create a mini garden that can be hung on walls or fences.
They’re perfect for herbs or small flowering plants. It’s an eco-friendly way to recycle plastic and save money. The clear plastic allows you to see the soil and roots, adding an educational element to gardening.
Using plastic bottles as planters is both a resourceful and creative solution for any gardening enthusiast.
18. Teapot sets
Teapot sets bring an element of storybook charm to any garden. Their spouts and handles add character, making them delightful planters for small flowers or herbs.
You can place them on a garden table or hang them by the handle for a unique display. The variety of designs available means you can match them to any style, from classic to quirky.
Repurposing teapot sets as planters adds magic to your garden. It’s a playful way to showcase plants.
19. Old suitcases
Old suitcases, often left to gather dust. They can transform into charming and portable flower beds. Lined with plastic and filled with soil, they offer plenty of room for a variety of plants.
Their portability allows you to move them to catch the sun or create new garden arrangements. The vintage look of suitcases adds nostalgia, making them a unique garden feature.
Using old suitcases as planters is an imaginative and stylish way to recycle, adding character to any garden.
20. Bicycle baskets
Bicycle baskets offer a charming way to display plants, especially when attached to a vintage bicycle. They’re perfect for small flowers or herbs, creating a mobile garden on wheels.
The woven design adds texture and rustic appeal. Placed in a garden or on a patio, they make for a delightful feature.
The combination of the bicycle and flowers creates a nostalgic scene that’s sure to captivate. Using bicycle baskets as planters is a playful and creative way to showcase your love for gardening.
21. Large seashells
Large seashells bring a hint of coastal charm to gardening. Their curvaceous shapes and natural beauty make them perfect for housing small succulents.
Placed indoors or out, they add seaside feeling to any setting. The shells’ natural drainage makes them a practical choice for certain plants.
Collecting seashells and turning them into planters combines a love for the ocean with gardening. It’s a delightful way to create a seaside atmosphere, even if you’re nowhere near the beach.
22. Ice cream cones
Though unconventional, Ice cream cones make fun temporary planters for parties or events. Their edible nature adds a quirky twist, making them perfect for themed gatherings.
Filled with small flowers or herbs, they provide a unique display that’s sure to draw smiles. They’re biodegradable and easy to dispose of.
While not long-lasting, using ice cream cones as planters is a creative way to add a playful element to any occasion, blending food and gardening in a fun way.
23. Antique watering cans
Antique watering cans add a nostalgic flair to gardens, serving as charming planters. Their spouts and handles make them ideal for trailing plants like ivy.
Placed on a porch or within garden beds, they offer a vintage decor. The patina finish gives them character, blending well with other antique garden elements.
Repurposing them as planters provides a functional and aesthetic use for these old tools. Using antique watering cans as planters is a classy and creative way to enhance your garden’s charm.
24. Laundry baskets
Laundry baskets, often overlooked, make spacious and practical planters. Their open design allows for ample airflow, which is beneficial for many plants.
Filled with colorful blooms, they can transform a dull corner into a fancy garden spot. They’re lightweight and easy to move, making them perfect for those who like to rearrange their gardens often.
Laundry baskets as planter is a fun and functional way to expand your gardening possibilities, turning a household item into a garden asset.
25. Fish tanks
Fish tanks offer a unique twist on conventional planters, turning into mini ecosystems for plants. You can create a terrarium-like setup with ferns, moss, and small stones.
The transparent sides allow you to watch the growth process, adding an educational element. Placed near a window, they can become a focal point in any room.
Using fish tanks as planters adds a modern yet natural vibe to interiors, blending aquatic and terrestrial worlds. It’s a cool way to repurpose old tanks creatively.
26. Firewood logs
Firewood logs, when hollowed out, become rustic and natural planters. Their sturdy and organic look fits beautifully into forest or countryside gardens.
Filled with colorful flowers, they create a striking contrast against the wood’s rough texture. This natural element blends seamlessly with outdoor settings.
Firewood logs are a clever way to recycle and reconnect with nature, providing a unique and stylish option for garden enthusiasts looking for something different.
27. Old guitars
Old guitars can be transformed into artistic planters, adding a musical flair to your garden or home. By hollowing them out and filling them with soil and plants, you create a unique display.
Their shape and structure make them eye-catching and perfect for cascading plants. Hung on a wall or placed on a stand, they become the main character of the place.
28. Ceramic bowls
Ceramic bowls provide a chic and colorful way to display plants, especially for patio or indoor settings. Their variety in size and design allows for endless creativity.
They’re perfect for herbs, adding both beauty and functionality to any space. The sturdy material ensures they last, and they can easily be moved around to catch the sun.
Using ceramic bowls as planters is an elegant and practical option. It’s a simple way to add color and life to your home.
29. Strainers
Strainers, with their perforated design, make excellent hanging planters. Perfect for trailing plants, they offer both function and style.
Hanging them in kitchens or patios adds a vintage charm. Their lightweight nature makes them easy to hang and reposition.
The metal finish complements rustic or industrial decor beautifully. Repurposing strainers as planters is a smart and savvy way to infuse a bit of old-world charm into your gardening.
30. Cookie tins
Cookie tins, often found collecting dust in cupboards, can become planters for small plants or herbs.
Their colorful designs add charm to any room, and they’re easy to arrange and rearrange. With a bit of drainage added, they’re ready to go as unique planters.
Place them on windowsills or shelves for a pop of color. Using cookie tins as planters is a delightful way to repurpose these containers.
31. Old baskets
Old baskets bring rustic charm to gardens, serving as ideal planters for ferns and wildflowers. Their woven design adds texture and warmth to any setting.
They’re perfect for creating a natural look, blending seamlessly with garden landscapes. Easy to move and arrange, they offer flexibility in garden design.
This way you can create lovely garden displays that evoke a sense of nature and simplicity. It’s a creative way to recycle and add character to your outdoor space.
32. Plastic milk crates
Plastic milk crates make great and functional planters. Their open design allows for excellent drainage and airflow, ideal for a variety of plants.
By stacking them, you can create vertical gardens, maximizing space in small areas. They’re durable and can withstand outdoor conditions.
Using plastic milk crates as planters is a smart and efficient way to incorporate vertical gardening into your home. It’s a resourceful option for garden enthusiasts.
33. Cookie jars
Cookie jars offer a stylish way to display succulents. Their transparency allows you to see the soil and plant roots, adding an interesting visual element.
They’re perfect for indoor gardens, bringing a bit of nature into the kitchen or living room. Easy to maintain and arrange, they make gardening accessible for anyone.
By using cookie jars as planters, you blend functionality and style, creating lovely displays that highlight the simple beauty of plants.
34. Old pans
Old pans, often discarded, find new purpose as creative planters. Their flat shape and sturdy construction make them perfect for shallow-rooted herbs or small flowers.
Hung on fences or walls, they add a rustic touch to outdoor spaces. By arranging them creatively, you can create unique garden art.
Using old pans as planters is a clever way to recycle and bring personality to your garden. It’s both a functional and artistic approach to gardening.
35. Broken furniture
Broken furniture can become unique planters with a bit of imagination. By dismantling pieces and reassembling them, you create new planting spaces.
Perfect for large gardens, they allow for creative and artistic arrangements. The rustic and weathered look of old furniture adds a bit of charm to the place.
Using broken furniture as planters is a sustainable way to recycle. This way you’re turning what was once unwanted into a garden centerpiece.
36. Sinks
Sinks can serve as sturdy and stylish planters. Their deep basins are perfect for a variety of plants, providing ample space for roots to spread.
Placed in gardens or patios, they add a unique and vintage vibe. The porcelain finish offers a clean and classic look, making them a standout feature.
Using sinks as planters is an innovative way to recycle, giving new life to old fixtures. It’s both a practical and decorative element for any garden.