Unusual ideas for upcycled planters and flower pots
For those urban gardeners with limited outdoor space - maybe just a tiny concrete courtyard or a balcony - planters and pots are essential.
But why stick to conventional plant pots or raised planters when you can unleash your creativity with some upcycling? Urban gardening is all about sustainability and thinking outside the box, after all - especially in the cramped yet opportunity-filled confines of an enclosed garden or balcony.
In this article, we’ll look at unusual ideas for upcycled planters and flower pots so you can turn your concrete slabs into a bountiful city garden, whatever the square footage.
Advice from the experts 👩🌾
Imagine this: By upcycling instead of buying just 10 containers per year, you could potentially save around £50 to £100 , showcasing the considerable cost-saving impact of adopting sustainable gardening practices.
How to upcycle your own gardening containers
Your only limit is your imagination! Let's give in 👇
- Tea cups - Turn vintage teacups into charming planters for succulents or herbs.
- Boots - Fill old rain boots with soil and plant vibrant flowers for a quirky garden display.
- Tin cans - Clean out tin cans and paint them in bright colors for a rustic yet stylish planter.
- Books - Hollow out old books and use them as unique containers for small plants or air plants.
- Ladder - Utilize an old wooden ladder as a multi-tiered planter, perfect for cascading flowers or herbs.
- Wooden crates or toy boxes - Repurpose wooden crates or toy boxes as planters for a playful touch.
- Drawers - Give old drawers a new lease on life by transforming them into deep planters for vegetables or herbs.
- Wine barrels - Cut a wine barrel in half to create two large planters for trees or shrubs.
- Bicycle baskets - Mount a bicycle basket on a wall or fence and fill it with trailing plants or colorful flowers.
- Gutters - Install gutters horizontally along a wall to create a sleek, modern planter for herbs or lettuces.
- Metal colanders - Drill drainage holes in the bottom of a metal colander and plant herbs for a kitchen garden with flair.
- Toolboxes - Fill an old toolbox with soil and plant a variety of herbs or small vegetables for a functional garden display.
- Mason jars - Hang mason jars on a wooden board or fence and plant herbs or small flowers for a charming, rustic look.
- Plastic soda bottles - Cut plastic soda bottles in half and use them as mini greenhouse planters for seedlings or small plants.
- Tires - Paint old tires in bright colors and stack them to create a tiered planter for a bold statement.
- Vintage suitcases - Line a vintage suitcase with plastic and plant a variety of succulents for a portable garden display.
- Kitchenware (pots, pans, mixing bowls) - Use old pots, pans, or mixing bowls as planters for a whimsical garden display in the kitchen or patio.
- Bathtubs - Turn an old bathtub into a large planter for a dramatic focal point in your garden.
- Woven baskets - Fill woven baskets with soil and plant colorful flowers or trailing plants for a cozy garden display.
- Vintage birdcages - Line a vintage birdcage with moss and plant small ferns or ivy for a charming indoor garden.
- Coffee cans - Paint coffee cans in vibrant colors and plant herbs or small flowers for a cheerful garden display.
- Picnic baskets - Line a vintage picnic basket with plastic and plant a variety of herbs or flowers for a charming outdoor display.
- World globes - Hollow out a world globe and plant small succulents or air plants for a unique, conversation-starting planter.
- Tin tubs - Fill an old tin tub with soil and plant water-loving plants like irises or water lilies for a serene garden pond.
- Wooden drawer dividers - Use a wooden drawer divider as a planter for succulents or small herbs on a windowsill or tabletop.
- Wagon wheels - Plant herbs or flowers in the spokes of an old wagon wheel for a rustic garden display.
- Paint cans - Clean out old paint cans and plant herbs or small flowers for a colorful garden display.
- Pot racks - Hang pots from a pot rack for a vertical garden that adds charm to your kitchen or patio.
- Magazine racks - Repurpose a magazine rack as a vertical planter for herbs or small flowers on a balcony or patio.
- Cinder blocks - Stack cinder blocks to create a multi-tiered planter for herbs, flowers, or even small vegetables.
- Plastic bath toy boxes - Repurpose a plastic bath toy box as a shallow planter for water-loving plants like watercress or mint.
- Non-functioning guitars - Turn a non-functioning guitar into a whimsical planter by filling it with soil and planting trailing plants or flowers.
- Tennis rackets - Attach small pots or mason jars to an old tennis racket for a unique hanging planter.
Garden planter maintenance tips
Maintaining DIY planters requires a bit of attention to ensure your green oasis thrives. Here are some general tips to keep your upcycled planters looking lush and vibrant:
- Drainage is key: Whether you're using a vintage teacup or an old boot, make sure to drill drainage holes in the bottom of your DIY planters. Adequate drainage prevents water from pooling at the bottom, which can lead to root rot and other issues. If your planter doesn't have drainage holes, consider adding a layer of gravel or broken pottery pieces at the bottom to improve drainage.
- Choose the right soil: Selecting the right soil mixture is crucial for plant health. Opt for a well-draining potting mix that's appropriate for the types of plants you're growing. Consider adding compost or perlite to improve soil structure and provide essential nutrients for healthy growth.
- Water wisely: Overwatering is one of the most common mistakes in gardening. Check the moisture level of the soil regularly and water only when the top inch feels dry to the touch. Ensure that excess water can drain freely from the planter to prevent waterlogged roots.
- Protect against weather: If your DIY planters are exposed to the elements, consider applying a weatherproof sealant or paint to protect them from moisture damage and prolong their lifespan. Additionally, move delicate planters indoors during extreme weather conditions to prevent damage from frost or excessive heat.
- Fertilise regularly: Keep your plants healthy and thriving by fertilizing them regularly during the growing season. Choose a balanced fertilizer or opt for organic alternatives to provide essential nutrients for robust growth and vibrant blooms.
- Prune and deadhead: Regularly prune your plants to remove dead or diseased foliage and encourage new growth. Deadheading spent flowers promotes continuous blooming and prevents the plant from expending energy on seed production.
- Monitor for pests and diseases: Keep an eye out for signs of pests or diseases, such as yellowing leaves, wilting, or unusual spots. Promptly address any issues with organic pest control methods or appropriate fungicides to prevent further damage to your plants.
By following these general upkeep tips, you can ensure that your DIY planters not only look beautiful but also provide a thriving environment for your beloved plants to flourish. With a little care and attention, your urban garden will continue to delight and inspire for seasons to come.
Conclusion
And that's all, folks! Enjoy upcycling your new planters - and happy gardening.
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