Give your garden a creative and eco-friendly touch with these 18 unique planters made from salvaged materials. From vintage teapots to repurposed boots, these inventive ideas will add charm and sustainability to your green space.
Old Bicycle Basket Planter
Transforming an old bicycle basket into a planter adds a whimsical touch to any garden. The rusted charm of the metal contrasts beautifully with vibrant blooms, creating an artistic focal point. By placing the bicycle strategically, you can elevate otherwise unused garden corners. A layer of coconut coir or moss inside the basket helps retain moisture while adding a rustic look. Opt for trailing plants like petunias or ivy to accentuate the basket’s shape. This quirky planter not only recycles materials but also showcases your personality. Perfect for urban gardens where space is at a premium.
Vintage Toolbox Succulent Planter
A vintage toolbox can serve as a charming home for succulents. The sturdy metal provides a durable container, while the aged patina adds character. Succulents thrive in shallow soil, making them ideal for this setup. Drill drainage holes if necessary, ensuring the plants don’t sit in water. Group a variety of succulents for texture and color diversity. This planter is portable, allowing you to easily reposition it for optimal sunlight. It’s a fantastic way to repurpose a piece of history while adding greenery to your space. Perfect for patios or small balconies.
Wine Barrel Herb Garden
Half wine barrels offer ample space for creating a thriving herb garden. The natural wood complements greenery, creating an inviting look. With plenty of room for root growth, herbs can flourish in this setting. Drill holes for drainage and fill with a quality potting mix. Arrange herbs according to height for visual interest. Basil, rosemary, and thyme work well in this setup, providing fresh flavors for your kitchen. This planter offers a nod to rustic charm, perfect for those who enjoy culinary delights. Ideal for garden enthusiasts who appreciate a vintage touch.
Tire Flower Planter
Repurpose an old tire by turning it into a vibrant flower planter. Painting it a bright color can add a pop of fun to your garden. Hang it from a tree or place it directly on the ground, depending on your space. Ensure proper drainage by drilling holes. This sturdy planter is perfect for annuals or perennials, adding height and texture to your garden. Choose trailing or bushy plants to soften the tire’s edges. It’s an excellent way to recycle while adding a colorful statement piece. Suitable for playful and creative garden designs.
Colander Hanging Planter
An old colander makes an ideal hanging planter, especially for herbs. The pre-existing holes offer excellent drainage, crucial for plant health. Line with moss to retain soil while adding a natural aesthetic. Hang it near a sunny window or on a porch for easy access to fresh herbs. This planter is both functional and decorative, turning kitchen utensils into garden art. Choose herbs like cilantro or parsley that thrive in well-drained soil. This creative planter is a testament to resourcefulness and style, offering a simple yet effective way to upcycle. Perfect for culinary enthusiasts.
Teapot Mini Planter
Giving a second life to a vintage teapot as a planter can add charm to your outdoor or indoor space. Perfect for small flowers or succulents, the teapot’s modest size requires minimal soil. Ensure the spout or bottom has drainage to prevent waterlogging. This quaint planter works brilliantly as a centerpiece for a garden table. It encourages creativity in gardening, using everyday objects for unexpected purposes. A teapot planter is a delightful conversation starter, adding whimsy and nostalgia. Ideal for those who love unique and personalized garden decor.
Wooden Crate Vegetable Planter
A wooden crate provides a rustic and practical solution for growing vegetables. The breathable material allows roots to thrive, while its mobility offers flexibility in garden design. Line the crate with burlap to retain soil while allowing excess water to drain. This planter is perfect for leafy greens or root vegetables, making it a versatile addition to any garden. It promotes sustainable gardening practices by repurposing materials. The natural wood look complements any outdoor space, offering both functionality and style. Ideal for urban gardeners looking to make the most of limited space.
Bathtub Water Garden
A vintage bathtub can create a serene aquatic garden in your backyard. Its generous size allows for a variety of water plants and even small fish. Ensure proper drainage or seal it entirely for a consistent water level. Surround the tub with stones or gravel to enhance its natural look. Water lilies or lotus plants thrive well in this environment, providing a tranquil oasis. This creative use of salvaged materials is both unexpected and functional, inviting nature into your space. It’s perfect for those looking to add a water feature with character.
Pallet Vertical Garden
Transform a wooden pallet into a vertical garden, perfect for small spaces. Secure the pallet to a wall or fence, creating pockets with landscape fabric. This setup is excellent for herbs, flowers, or even small vegetables. The vertical design maximizes space, ideal for balconies or urban gardens. Choose plants based on light availability, grouping similar needs together. This method not only recycles pallets but also encourages urban greening. It’s a practical and stylish solution for adding greenery to compact areas. Perfect for apartment dwellers or those with limited gardening space.
Suitcase Flower Bed
An old suitcase can be transformed into a charming flower bed. Its portability allows you to find the perfect spot for sunlight. Drill holes for drainage and line with a protective layer to prevent soil leakage. Choose flowers that complement the suitcase’s vintage style, adding a nostalgic touch. This planter is ideal for annuals or perennials, offering a unique twist on traditional flower beds. It’s a wonderful way to repurpose luggage while enhancing your garden’s aesthetic. This creative idea combines travel nostalgia with gardening, perfect for those with a love for adventure.
Birdcage Hanging Planter
An antique birdcage can serve as a whimsical hanging planter. The cage’s intricate design adds an element of sophistication and charm. Choose trailing plants like ferns or flowering vines that can spill through the bars. This planter is both decorative and functional, providing a unique display for your garden. Hang it from a tree branch or porch for an enchanting effect. The birdcage planter is a creative way to repurpose items, adding a touch of vintage elegance. It’s perfect for creating a focal point in any outdoor space.
Drawer Stack Planter
Stacking old drawers to create a planter adds depth and interest to your garden. Each drawer acts as a separate compartment, perfect for different plant types. Arrange them at varying angles for a dynamic look. This setup allows for a mix of flowers, herbs, or succulents, offering versatility in plant choice. The worn wood finish adds a rustic charm, enhancing the garden’s aesthetic. It’s a sustainable gardening solution that repurposes furniture in a creative way. Ideal for gardeners looking to add character and functionality to their space.
Boot Planters
Old boots can find new life as quirky planters. Their unique shape and size make them suitable for small plants or flowers. Drill holes in the soles for drainage, ensuring a healthy environment for growth. This playful planter is easy to move, allowing you to change your garden’s layout effortlessly. Ideal for adding a splash of color to pathways or porch steps. Boots bring a sense of humor to gardening, turning footwear into a delightful planting container. Perfect for those who enjoy an eclectic garden style.
Tin Can Herb Garden
Tin cans offer a simple and budget-friendly solution for growing herbs. Clean thoroughly and add drainage holes to prevent waterlogging. Their compact size makes them suitable for windowsills or small spaces. Grouping several cans together creates an appealing display. Choose herbs like basil, mint, or chives that thrive in confined spaces. The metallic finish adds a modern touch to your garden, complementing both indoor and outdoor settings. This approach not only recycles materials but also encourages fresh cooking ingredients at your fingertips. Ideal for culinary enthusiasts and novice gardeners alike.
Chair Planter
An old chair with a missing seat can be upcycled into a unique planter. The hollowed seat area is ideal for a flower arrangement, adding height and interest to your garden. Paint or leave the chair as-is to match your garden’s theme. This planter brings a touch of nostalgia and creativity, transforming furniture into garden art. It’s perfect for displaying colorful blooms, creating a charming focal point. The chair planter is a conversation piece, combining practicality with whimsy. Ideal for gardeners looking to add a personal touch to their space.
Cinder Block Wall Planter
Cinder blocks offer a modern and versatile option for creating a wall planter. Their sturdy construction provides a durable base for various plants. Arrange them in a geometric pattern for a contemporary look. The blocks’ compartments are perfect for succulents or small flowers, allowing for creative planting arrangements. This setup maximizes vertical space, adding greenery to walls or fences. It’s a sustainable solution that repurposes building materials, offering both functionality and style. Perfect for urban environments or modern garden designs, providing a sleek and minimalistic aesthetic.
Log Planter
A hollowed-out log can seamlessly blend with natural surroundings as a planter. Its organic shape and texture complement any garden, offering a rustic appeal. Choose native plants or wildflowers to enhance the natural aesthetic. Drill drainage holes to prevent water buildup. This planter is ideal for those who want to integrate their garden with the surrounding landscape. It provides a habitat for local wildlife, promoting biodiversity. The log planter is a sustainable choice, utilizing fallen timber in a creative way. Perfect for nature enthusiasts and eco-conscious gardeners.
Birdhouse Planter
Upcycling a birdhouse into a planter adds both charm and functionality to your garden. The compact size is perfect for small flowering plants or succulents. Ensure proper drainage by modifying the base. Hang it from a tree branch or place it on a stand for an elevated look. This planter combines gardening with birdwatching, creating a lively and vibrant garden feature. It’s a delightful way to attract birds while enhancing your outdoor space. Ideal for those seeking to combine their love for nature and gardening in a creative manner.