16 Unconventional Garden Containers to Spice Up Your Outdoor Space

As we enter 2024, the gardening world is buzzing with exciting new trends that promise to transform our outdoor spaces. According to the National Gardening Association’s 2023 survey, a record 80% of American households were engaged in gardening activities in 2022.1

This surge in interest is driving innovation and sustainability in horticulture. If you’re tired of the same old terracotta pots and wooden planters, maybe it’s time to think outside the box.

Here are 16 everyday items that would make for unusual garden containers.

1. Old Boots & Shoes

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Image Credit: Ieva Babre/Shutterstock

Those worn-out boots gathering dust in your closet can find new life as charming planters. Waterproof footwear like rubber boots or leather work boots are ideal, as they already have built-in drainage.

Simply fill them with soil and plant small flowers or herbs for a whimsical touch to your garden or porch.

For an extra eco-friendly approach, consider using biodegradable shoes made from materials like hemp or cork. As these decompose over time, they’ll nourish the soil, creating a self-sustaining mini ecosystem.

Just be sure to drill a few extra drainage holes in the soles to prevent waterlogging.

2. Vintage Suitcases

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Image Credit: iweta0077/Shutterstock

Transform old suitcases into portable gardens that add a touch of nostalgia to your outdoor space. Hard-shell suitcases work best, as they’re more durable and water-resistant.

Line the interior with plastic, add drainage holes, and fill with soil to create a unique raised bed for shallow-rooted plants like succulents or herbs.

Consider using a set of nesting suitcases to create a tiered garden display. This not only maximizes vertical space but also creates an eye-catching focal point.

Remember to choose suitcases with interesting patterns or colors to enhance the visual appeal of your garden.

3. Repurposed Bathtubs

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Image Credit: Olena Kondratenko/Shutterstock

An old claw-foot bathtub can become a statement piece in your garden while providing ample space for a variety of plants.

These large containers are perfect for creating mini vegetable gardens or showcasing a collection of colorful flowers. The porcelain surface is naturally resistant to decay, making it an excellent long-term planting solution.

To prepare a bathtub for planting, ensure proper drainage by drilling holes in the bottom. You can also add a layer of gravel before the soil to improve drainage further.

For a vintage look, leave the tub as is, or paint it in vibrant colors to match your garden’s theme.

4. Hollowed-out Logs

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Image Credit: HELOVESYOU/Shutterstock

Embrace the natural look by using hollowed-out logs as planters. This eco-friendly option blends seamlessly with garden landscapes and provides a rustic charm.

Fallen logs or stumps can be easily transformed into unique containers that support a variety of plants, from ferns to flowering perennials.

When preparing a log planter, make sure it’s properly hollowed out and treated to prevent rapid decay. Line the interior with landscape fabric to retain soil and improve drainage.

As the log slowly decomposes over the years, it will continue to nourish the plants, creating a self-sustaining mini ecosystem in your garden.

5. Wheelbarrows

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Image Credit: Carol Araujo/Shutterstock

Put that old, rusty wheelbarrow to good use by turning it into a mobile garden. The built-in wheels make it easy to move your plants around to catch the best sunlight or protect them from harsh weather.

Wheelbarrows are particularly great for growing vegetables or creating herb gardens, as they provide ample space and depth for root growth.

To prepare a wheelbarrow planter, drill drainage holes if needed and line the bottom with landscape fabric. You can paint the exterior to match your garden’s color scheme or leave it as is for a more rustic look.

The handle of the wheelbarrow can also serve as a trellis for climbing plants, adding vertical interest to your garden.

6. Tin Cans

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Image Credit: Tom Gowanlock/Shutterstock

Don’t toss those empty tin cans – they make excellent small planters for herbs, succulents, or small flowering plants. Clean the cans thoroughly, remove any labels, and punch drainage holes in the bottom.

You can leave them as is for an industrial look or paint them in bright colors for a more cheerful vibe.

For a fun DIY project, consider creating a vertical garden by attaching painted tin cans to a wooden pallet or fence. This upcycling idea not only reduces waste but also adds a pop of color and greenery to small spaces like balconies or narrow garden walls.

7. Old Tires

growing potatoes in tires

Transform discarded tires into eco-friendly planters that add a unique touch to your garden.

Tires are durable, weather-resistant, and provide excellent insulation for plant roots. They’re particularly well-suited for growing potatoes, as the sides can be easily built up as the plants grow.

Clean the tire thoroughly and paint it if desired. You can stack multiple tires to create raised beds or use a single tire as a circular planter.

For a more decorative look, consider cutting the sidewalls into petal shapes to create a flower-like appearance when viewed from above.

8. Wooden Crates

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Image Credit: Klem Mitch/Shutterstock

Wooden crates, whether new or vintage, make excellent planters that add a rustic charm to any garden.

Their rectangular shape is perfect for creating herb gardens or growing shallow-rooted vegetables. The slatted sides of most crates provide natural drainage, reducing the risk of overwatering.

To prepare a wooden crate for planting, line it with landscape fabric to prevent soil from escaping through the slats. You can stack crates to create a tiered garden or use them individually for a more spread-out look.

For added durability, consider treating the wood with a non-toxic sealant to protect it from moisture and decay.

9. Colanders

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Image Credit: Inna Reznik/Shutterstock

Metal colanders, with their built-in drainage holes, are ready-made planters waiting to happen.

Their lightweight nature makes them perfect for hanging gardens or as tabletop centerpieces. The perforated design ensures excellent air circulation for plant roots, promoting healthier growth.

When using colanders as planters, line them with coco fiber or moss to prevent soil from washing out. They’re ideal for growing herbs, succulents, or trailing plants that can cascade over the sides.

For a cohesive look, collect colanders in similar colors or styles to create a themed display in your garden or kitchen.

10. Old Furniture

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Image Credit: felker/Deposit Photos

Give new life to old furniture pieces by turning them into unique garden planters. Drawers from dressers, bookshelves, and even old chairs can be repurposed into charming containers for your plants.

This approach not only saves these items from the landfill but also adds character and nostalgia to your garden.

Ensure proper drainage by drilling holes if necessary. For wooden pieces, apply a waterproof sealant to protect against rot.

Consider the style of the furniture when choosing plants – for instance, an antique writing desk could house a collection of vintage rose varieties, while a mod ’60s chair might be perfect for showcasing bold, tropical plants.

11. Teapots & Coffee Pots

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Image Credit: Inna Reznik/Shutterstock

Transform your collection of old teapots and coffee pots into whimsical mini gardens.

These containers are perfect for small succulents, air plants, or delicate herbs. Their unique shapes and designs add an element of surprise and charm to any garden space or indoor windowsill.

When planting in teapots or coffee pots, ensure proper drainage by adding small pebbles to the bottom before the soil. For pots without a drainage hole, be careful not to overwater.

These planters work particularly well in themed gardens – imagine an “Alice in Wonderland” inspired tea party garden, complete with plants growing out of various teapots and cups!

12. Broken Fountains

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Image Credit: MC MEDIASTUDIO/Shutterstock

A broken fountain doesn’t have to be a garden eyesore – it can be transformed into a stunning planter. The various tiers and bowls of a fountain provide natural levels for creating a cascading plant display.

This is an excellent way to add vertical interest to your garden while repurposing a non-functioning water feature.

Fill each level of the fountain with soil and choose plants that complement its structure. Trailing plants work well for the upper tiers, while more upright plants can be used in the lower bowls.

For added visual interest, consider mixing in some decorative stones or creating a dry creek bed effect with pebbles between the planted areas.

13. Old Bicycles

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Image Credit: Chaipruck Mekara/Shutterstock

Turn that rusty old bicycle into a show-stopping garden feature.

The basket, if present, makes a ready-made planter, while additional containers can be attached to the frame or balanced on the seat. This creates a whimsical, vintage-inspired focal point for your garden or porch.

Secure it firmly in place to prevent tipping. Use wire or strong twine to attach additional planters to the frame if desired.

Choose cascading flowers or trailing vines to create the illusion of movement, as if the bicycle is zooming through a field of blooms. For a cohesive look, paint the bicycle in a color that complements your garden scheme.

14. Watering Cans

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Image Credit: Smiler99/Shutterstock

Old watering cans, whether metal or plastic, make charming planters that tie into the garden theme perfectly. Their spouts can serve as built-in drainage, while their handles make them easy to move or hang.

This is a great way to upcycle watering cans that may have small leaks or dents.

When planting in watering cans, ensure the spout is clear to allow for proper drainage. You can fill larger watering cans with soil and plant directly in them, while smaller ones work well as hanging planters for trailing plants or herbs.

Group watering cans of different sizes and colors together for an eclectic garden display.

15. Wooden Pallets

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Image Credit: Thomas Holt/Shutterstock

Wooden pallets can be easily transformed into vertical gardens, perfect for small spaces or bare walls.

Their slatted design naturally creates individual planting pockets, ideal for a variety of small plants, herbs, or succulents. This upcycling project is not only eco-friendly but also highly customizable.

To create a pallet garden, start by lining the back and sides with landscape fabric to contain the soil. You can paint the pallet to match your garden decor or leave it natural for a rustic look.

Plant drought-tolerant species in the upper rows and more water-loving plants in the lower rows for easier maintenance. Secure the pallet to a wall or fence for stability, and enjoy your space-saving vertical garden!

16. Old Toolboxes

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Image Credit: Louism/Shutterstock

Repurpose vintage toolboxes into unique planters that add a touch of industrial chic to your garden.

Metal toolboxes are naturally weather-resistant, while wooden ones can be sealed for outdoor use. Their compartments are perfect for creating divided herb gardens or showcasing collections of small succulents.

When preparing a toolbox planter, drill drainage holes if necessary and line them with landscape fabric. The handle makes it easy to move your plants around, while the lid can be propped open to create additional planting space.

For a cohesive look, pair your toolbox planter with other vintage garden tools or industrial-inspired decor elements.

By repurposing everyday items and forgotten treasures, you can create a unique and personalized outdoor space that reflects your style and ingenuity. Not only do these ideas add character to your garden, but they also promote sustainability by giving new life to old objects.

Source:

  1. AP News
davin
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Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.