Creative Garden Planter Ideas

Some gardeners choose to splurge a bit and invest in raised garden beds, while others are  more thrifty, turning to salvaged materials and DIY for a cost-effective way to showcase their plants. You might be surprised at how many ways you can reuse and recycle old, unwanted items. From the frugal to the fantastical, here’s a list of cleverly repurposed containers for your plants. 

If you’re wondering where to begin, many vintage shops sell used and vintage items that are awaiting a second life. When scouting for materials, make sure that they are safe for growing crops. While growing food in tires may be fine, there’s also the risk of chemicals leaching onto the soil – a risk that is not worth taking. Cheap timber is another potential hazard, as it has been treated with chemicals that can pose a threat.  

 

1. Vertical Gardening        

Give more room for your plants to grow with a vertical trellis. Choose an arched trellis for a fairytale look or a wall trellis for a simple set up. Many flowering vining plants, such as clematis, garden roses, and morning glory will quickly festoon a trellis with blooms, creating a picturesque scene with little effort. Trellises can also be used to grow vining crops such as beans, tomatoes, and peas. 

2. Herb Gardens         

Herbs are known for their versatility as both a seasoning and a medicine. They’re also easy to grow and can be cultivated indoors for convenient harvesting. Simply situate self-watering herb planters near your kitchen for a hassle free, edible garden right inside your home. 

 

3. Rolling Planter 

With a garden on wheels, there’s a bounty of opportunities to be had: a lush bed of annuals, fragile tropics that would otherwise not survive the winter, and a multicolor layer of wildflowers. Large enough to accommodate crops, these planters are designed for gardeners who live in small spaces or are indecisive on what they want to grow. 

4. Old Toolbox      

By applying a fresh coat of paint and incorporating some stylistic enhancements, a rusty toolbox can be transformed into a functional container for your plants. Some of them may already have vintage fonts stenciled onto their surface, or you can mimic the style using a little creativity. Make sure to drills with holes for drainage. 

5. Teacup Planters       

A ceramic teacup is a great way to showcase miniature succulents or even small flowers. Collect a fanciful assortment of teacups for a look reminiscent of Alice in Wonderland’s tea party – funky prints are always fun to find. To prevent roots from becoming waterlogged, drill a hole at the bottom and use the saucer to catch any water that flows out. 

6. Fishbowl    

For hardy succulents and air plants that thrive on neglect, a fish bowl is an inexpensive vessel for a terrarium. More ambitious gardeners can also take it a step further by creating an aquaponic set up, filling their bowls with adorable algae balls, pond plants, and even carnivorous varieties. Despite their small size, those aquariums are host to a thriving underwater ecosystem teeming with furry, wispy tendrils of green.  

7. Antique Stone Urns             

Some garden stores will offer reconstituted stone urns, typically in the Greco-Roman style, which would be perfect for a Mediterranean themed garden, evoking the timeless elegance of the classical world. Pack a bouquet of fragrant lavender into a Grecian urn for a perfect pairing. In addition, those with old baptismal fonts or gothic designs are not only beautiful, but powerful. 

8. Farmhouse Sink   

Although kitchen sinks may not seem like much, their durability and crisp white exteriors make them ideal candidates for a container. Plant a delicate array of alpine plants for a pint-sized themed display. The rectangular shape can also accommodate a medley of herbs or an old-fashioned row of bulbs. Look for old sinks on sites like eBay, where they won’t cost an arm and a leg. 

9. Woven Baskets  

Now might be a good time to dig out your old wicker baskets and use them to house houseplants. Even dull plants like snake plants are transformed – the rustic fibers of woven baskets are a natural complement to the earthy tones of the plants. 

10. Cardboard Box  

In today’s world, there’s no shame in being a penny pincher. With so little that’s truly free, there’s one thing that practically is – a cardboard box, which actually does hold up for at least one growing season. It’s not the tidiest of approaches, but it’s a sustainable way to get more out of your old shoebox. 

11. Birdcage          

Birds do not like being caged, but flowers do not mind. Put your creativity to use by thrifting a vintage birdcage and fill it with plants. Floppy succulent and ferns are recommended due to their fabulous ability to trail through the wire framework. 

12. Birdbaths    

Old birdbaths made of stone can easily be repurposed as planters, adding a charming, rustic touch to the garden. Because of their shallow depth, they’re best suited for shallow-rooted plants such as stonecrop, but they also work well for fairy gardens that feature panoramic displays of tree-like plants and tiny houses. 

13. Vintage Bicycle            

Vintage bicycles won’t survive another ride, but they fare wonderfully as ornamental décor, serving a renewed purpose when laden with florals. Attach a basket of plants to the handlebar for a quaint vignette straight out of a postcard. 

14. Antique Crib 

Antique cribs were made for nurturing plants; their sturdy, wrought-iron surface can easily support several potted plants. Perch a few colorful blooms like petunias and pansies together for a whimsical flower bed. On a related note, antique bed frames can also be recycled – transform them into a surreal tapestry of color by grouping together a multitude of flowers.