Turning ordinary household items into unique, creative planters not only adds personality and charm to your garden but also promotes sustainability by giving new life to old objects. Here’s how to transform everyday items into fun and functional containers for your plants.
𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐪𝐮𝐞 𝐇𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐞𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐝 𝐈𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐔𝐬𝐞 𝐚𝐬 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬
Get inspired by these imaginative ideas:
* 𝐓𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐮𝐩𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐞 𝐌𝐮𝐠𝐬: Ideal for small succulents, herbs, or flowers, these compact vessels add whimsical charm.
* 𝐎𝐥𝐝 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐭𝐬 𝐨𝐫 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐞𝐬: Perfect for outdoor planting, these quirky containers suit hardy annuals or trailing plants like petunias or ivy.
* 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬: Excellent for drainage, colanders make colorful hanging baskets for herbs or vibrant annuals.
* 𝐌𝐞𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐓𝐢𝐧𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬: Vintage tins or recycled cans can house herbs, succulents, or small flowering plants, adding retro flair to any garden space.
* 𝐖𝐨𝐨𝐝𝐞𝐧 𝐂𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐃𝐫𝐚𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐬: Wooden Crates and Drawers: These provide ample space for multiple plants and can be stacked or arranged creatively on patios or balconies.
* 𝐆𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐬 𝐉𝐚𝐫𝐬: Ideal for water-rooted plants like pothos or lucky bamboo, clear jars create an elegant display indoors.
𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐮𝐫𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬
Proper preparation ensures your creative containers support healthy plant growth:
* 𝐃𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐇𝐨𝐥𝐞𝐬: Drill or poke holes in the bottom of items (if possible) to prevent waterlogging and root rot.
* 𝐋𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠: If items can't be drilled (like ceramic or glass), use them for plants that tolerate wetter conditions or line the bottom with pebbles or activated charcoal for drainage.
* 𝐒𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐬: Apply sealants or liners to metal or wood items to prevent rust or rot and prolong the planter’s lifespan.
𝐁𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐮𝐫𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬
Match your plants to the container's size and characteristics:
* 𝐒𝐦𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬 (𝐓𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐮𝐩𝐬, 𝐌𝐮𝐠𝐬): Succulents, air plants, and small herbs like thyme or mint.
* 𝐌𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐮𝐦 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬 (𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐭𝐬, 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬): Petunias, pansies, strawberries, herbs like basil or parsley.
𝐋𝐚𝐫𝐠𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬 (𝐂𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬, 𝐃𝐫𝐚𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐬): Mix flowering annuals, vegetables, or larger herbs like rosemary or lavender.
𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐓𝐢𝐩𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐂𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬
Maintain healthy plants by:
* Regularly monitoring soil moisture, as unconventional containers may dry out faster or retain water differently.
* Fertilizing appropriately, as limited soil volume in smaller containers can quickly deplete nutrients.
* Placing containers strategically based on sunlight needs and weather exposure.
𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐨𝐨𝐫 𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐮𝐫𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬
Indoor gardeners can use repurposed planters effectively:
* Ensure good light exposure, supplementing with grow lights if necessary.
* Use decorative trays to catch excess water, protecting furniture and surfaces.
* Regularly rotate and inspect plants to ensure balanced growth and early detection of pests or diseases.
With a bit of creativity and care, repurposing household items into planters can make your container garden uniquely attractive and environmentally friendly, turning ordinary items into extraordinary garden features!