24 Clever Repurposed Garden Containers
Updated: Aug. 12, 2019
Each of these creative garden containers once had a completely different purpose.
Rain Gutter Window Box
Have an extra section of gutter laying around? Drill some drainage holes along the bottom and mount it to a fence or exterior wall for an instant window box!
Consider adding these mosquito repellent plants to your new DIY container!
Cardboard Box Containers
These days, the cost of container gardening can really add up. Save money and spend it on plants instead by using cardboard boxes as repurposed garden containers. Treat them the way you’d treat conventional containers: Fill with soil, make sure you have proper drainage and don’t forget to water. But do they hold up all season? Birds & Blooms tested it out.
Cloth Shoe Caddy Herb Garden
While this storage item may be perfect for storing shoes, it’s also amazingly useful for planting herbs. Find out landscaping expert Carson Arthur’s herb growing tips.
Farmhouse Sink for the Garden
Salvage yards are a great place to find old home items that can be repurposed into garden fixtures. This vintage farmhouse sink, for example, may be past its prime in a kitchen, but it makes a charming container for prepping and maintaining your potted plants.
Don’t miss these clever new uses for mason jars.
Wagon to Mobile Planter
Add a little DIY flair to an old wagon by building a big wooden planter on top of the wheels. Then you can tote your colourful arrangement anywhere in your yard.
Complement this clever container with these inexpensive plants that make your garden pop.
Plastic Grocery Bag Hanging Planter
In need of a cheap hanging planter for your cascading flowers? Get one for free at the grocery store. You can easily repurpose a plastic grocery bag into a hanging planter by punching a few drainage holes in the bottom and hanging it up.
Psst—these are the best annuals for container gardening.
Antique Chamber Pot Pot
This vintage chamber pot is pretty enough for houseplants!
These are the best air cleaning houseplants, according to NASA.
Flower Bed Frame
Have your kids outgrown their old bed? Save the metal headboard and footboard for your garden to create a true flower bed.
Take inspiration from this gorgeous gallery of Canadian garden photography.
Mugs of Mint
When it comes time to declutter your mug collection, don’t just toss the ones you no longer need for coffee and tea. Mugs are the perfect size for planting an indoor herb garden.
Here are 19 things to toss, according to a professional organizer.
Umbrella Door Decor
Fill a closed umbrella with cut or silk flowers and hang it on your front door for an instant (and creative!) pop of colour.
Here’s what you should know before starting a garden.
Old Tire Hanging Planter
Recycle old tires yourself by turning them into clever hanging planters. Drill a hole for drainage, paint it a bright colour and fill it with your favourite flowers.
Be sure to never plant these flowers in your garden.
Containers from the Closet
Believe it or not, old boots and purses can be transformed into unique plant containers in the garden.
Consider adding these 40+ colourful plants to brighten up your landscape.
Woven Basket
Breathe new life into those old woven baskets that’ve been sitting in storage for years. Create an arrangement of succulents for indoors or out.
Did you know these flowers attract hummingbirds to your garden?
Whisky Barrel Fairy Garden
You can turn just about any ol’ outdoor container into an adorable fairy garden. Just add some small plants and fairy garden supplies to create an enchanting focal point in your yard.
Check out more simple landscaping ideas for the perfect garden.
Birdbaths and Cinder Blocks
Old birdbaths and concrete cinder blocks make perfect outdoor planters. They’re heavy and weather-resistant, which means they’ll hold up to the outdoor elements.
These are the home improvement projects you should never, ever DIY.
Old Brick Raised Garden Bed
Brick is one of the easiest, most durable building materials to work with. You can build a simple raised garden bed out of a pile of old bricks, and it’s sure to look great and last a long time.
Here are more gardening shortcuts that can save you time and money!
Metal Antiques for Climbing Plants
This old metal bench was given new life in the garden. The seat provides a perfect spot for a potted plant, and the tall back doubles as a trellis for climbing plants.
Find out the 13Â things you should never do to your lawn.
Wooden Chair Plant Perch
Add an old wooden chair to your garden to provide a little elevation for your favourite flowers. A fresh coat of colourful paint will make it pop!
Read on for more clever home improvement ideas for under $200.
Washtubs and Watering Cans
Add a rustic touch to your patio by using old washtubs as planters. Metal watering cans will do the trick, too.
These brilliant yard tool hacks will make your life so much easier!
Wheelbarrow Flower Bed
If you’ve upgraded your wheelbarrow and no longer have a need for your old one, push it on over to your garden and fill it with flowers. You’ll get an instant flower bed that you can move around your yard as you please.
Add these bee-friendly plants to your yard, garden or balcony.
Vintage Light Fixture Planter
You can transform an old light fixture into garden decor by swapping out the lightbulbs for small planters and giving it a fresh coat of paint. Add a little birdhouse for even more charm.
Interested in growing a healing garden? Consider adding these medicinal plants to your plot.
Plant Stand of Dishes
Transform an old set of dishes into a plant stand. Or use it as a bird feeder.
Working in tight quarters? These brilliant urban gardening tips are perfect for small outdoor spaces!
Stock Tank Planter
You can plant an entire vegetable garden or flower bed in a stock tank. Since they’re made for the outdoors, this large planter will last for many, many seasons.
Don’s miss these vintage home hacks that are still brilliant today.
Bountiful Bicycle
Catch the eyes of passersby by incorporating a vintage bicycle into your garden design. Attach a couple of baskets spilling over with flowers and you’ll have a showstopper.
Next, find out 50 more things to repurpose all around the home!
