24 Clever Repurposed Garden Containers
Updated: Dec. 21, 2022Each 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!
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 the 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.
Next, check out 12 common household items you can upcycle into garden seed starters.
Cloth Shoe Caddy Herb Garden
While this storage item may be perfect for storing shoes, it’s also amazingly useful for planting herbs. Next, check out 80 more items that are fantastically fit for repurposing.
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.
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 colorful arrangement anywhere in your yard. Check out more DIY planter boxes we love.
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.
Containers from the Closet
Believe it or not, old boots and purses can be transformed into unique plant containers in the garden.
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 you can also transform an old log into a succulent planter? Here’s how.
Whiskey 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.
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.
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.
Don’t have a pile of bricks laying around? You can also build sturdy raised planter beds out of wood and corrugated metal panels.
Wooden Chair Plant Perch
Add an old wooden chair to your garden to provide a little elevation for your favorite flowers. A fresh coat of colorful paint will make it pop!
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.
What happens when a repurposing project isn’t trendy anymore? Find out here.
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.
Bountiful Bicycle
Catch the eye 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. Don’t let your flower beds get overrun with weeds. Learn how to prevent weeds in flower beds.