10 Stunning DIY Upcycled Planters to Transform Your Garden

Upcycling is the perfect way to add unique, personal touches to your garden while also being environmentally conscious. DIY upcycled planters not only reduce waste but also give new life to everyday objects. Whether you’re looking to create an eye-catching centerpiece or just add a splash of color, these upcycled garden ideas will inspire you to get creative and transform your outdoor space.

1. Upcycled Tin Can Planters

Tin cans are incredibly versatile and can be transformed into charming planters with just a few simple steps. Whether you use small cans for herbs or larger ones for flowers, they can be painted, decorated, and arranged in various ways to create a unique garden display.

Steps to Create Tin Can Planters:

Gather Materials: Collect empty tin cans, acrylic paint, a drill for drainage holes, and potting soil.
Paint and Decorate: Paint the cans in your preferred colors or patterns. Consider adding labels or other decorative elements.
Add Drainage Holes: Drill a few small holes in the bottom of each can to prevent water from accumulating.
Plant: Fill the cans with soil and your choice of plants.

Tin can planters can be hung on walls, arranged on shelves, or grouped together to create a striking display.

2. Wine Cork Succulent Planters

If you have a collection of wine corks, consider turning them into miniature succulent planters. These tiny planters are perfect for small spaces and add a quirky touch to any garden.

Steps to Create Wine Cork Planters:

Hollow Out Corks: Use a small drill bit to create a hollow space in each cork.
Add Soil: Fill the hollowed-out cork with a small amount of succulent soil.
Insert Succulents: Place a small succulent cutting into the soil and press gently.
Arrange and Display: These mini planters can be placed on a windowsill, attached to magnets, or grouped together for a unique garden feature.

3. Upcycled Tire Planters

Old tires can be transformed into bold, colorful planters that make a statement in any garden. Whether left whole or cut and stacked, tire planters are durable and offer plenty of planting space.

Steps to Create Tire Planters:

Clean and Prepare Tires: Wash the tires thoroughly and let them dry.
Paint the Tires: Use outdoor paint to give the tires a vibrant color. You can opt for a single color or create patterns for a more artistic look.
Fill with Soil: Position the tires in your desired location, fill them with soil, and plant flowers, herbs, or shrubs.

Tire planters can be stacked to create vertical gardens or laid flat for large, ground-level planters.

4. Wooden Pallet Planters

Wooden pallets are an excellent material for upcycling into planters, particularly for vertical gardens. These planters are great for small spaces and can be leaned against walls or fences.

Steps to Create Pallet Planters:

Prepare the Pallet: Sand down any rough edges and decide on the orientation of the pallet.
Attach Landscape Fabric: Staple landscape fabric to the back of the pallet to hold soil in place.
Fill with Soil: Fill the spaces between the slats with soil.
Plant: Choose plants that thrive in vertical settings, such as succulents, herbs, or cascading flowers.

Pallet planters are perfect for creating a lush, green wall in your garden.

5. Repurposed Furniture Planters

Old furniture, such as dressers, chairs, or desks, can be repurposed into one-of-a-kind planters. These upcycled pieces add character and serve as conversation starters in your garden.

Steps to Create Furniture Planters:

Select Furniture: Choose a piece of old furniture that can hold soil and plants, such as a dresser with drawers.
Prepare the Furniture: Drill drainage holes if necessary and reinforce any weak spots.
Add Soil and Plants: Fill the drawers or compartments with soil and plant your chosen greenery.

Furniture planters can be arranged to create a tiered garden effect, adding depth and dimension to your outdoor space.

6. Colander Hanging Planters

Old colanders make for perfect hanging planters with their built-in drainage holes and sturdy structure. These planters can be hung from trees, porches, or pergolas to create a floating garden effect.

Steps to Create Colander Planters:

Select a Colander: Choose a metal or plastic colander with a handle for easy hanging.
Decorate if Desired: You can paint or decorate the colander to match your garden’s theme.
Add Soil and Plants: Fill the colander with soil and plant flowers or trailing plants.
Hang the Planter: Use strong rope or chains to hang the colander in your desired location.

These hanging planters add a whimsical touch to any garden.

7. Mason Jar Herb Garden

Mason jars are a popular choice for indoor and outdoor herb gardens. Their clear glass makes it easy to see the soil and roots, adding a decorative element to your planting.

Steps to Create Mason Jar Herb Planters:

Prepare the Jars: Clean the jars and remove any labels.
Add Drainage Layer: Place a layer of pebbles or small stones at the bottom for drainage.
Fill with Soil: Add potting soil on top of the drainage layer.
Plant Herbs: Choose herbs that thrive in small containers, such as basil, thyme, or mint.

Mason jar planters can be lined up on windowsills, mounted on walls, or placed on shelves.

8. Upcycled Shoe Planters

An old pair of shoes can be transformed into quirky, rustic planters. This upcycling idea is perfect for adding a personal touch to your garden while also reducing waste.

Steps to Create Shoe Planters:

Select Shoes: Choose sturdy shoes, such as boots, that can hold soil and withstand outdoor conditions.
Prepare the Shoes: Poke a few holes in the soles for drainage.
Fill with Soil: Add soil to the shoes and plant your chosen flowers or succulents.

Shoe planters can be placed along garden paths, hung from fences, or grouped together for a unique display.

9. Repurposed Bathtub Planters

If you have an old bathtub that’s no longer in use, it can make a stunning large-scale planter. This idea is perfect for creating a focal point in your garden.

Steps to Create Bathtub Planters:

Clean the Bathtub: Thoroughly clean the inside and outside of the bathtub.
Add Drainage: Ensure there are drainage holes, or add a layer of stones at the bottom to prevent waterlogging.
Fill with Soil: Fill the bathtub with soil and plant flowers, shrubs, or even small trees.
Decorate the Surroundings: Enhance the look by placing rocks, statues, or smaller planters around the bathtub.

A bathtub planter can become the centerpiece of your garden, drawing attention and adding a unique flair.

10. Bicycle Planters

Repurposing an old bicycle into a planter stand is a creative way to add charm and whimsy to your garden. The bike’s frame and baskets can hold multiple plants, creating a dynamic and mobile display.

Steps to Create Bicycle Planters:

Select a Bicycle: Choose an old bicycle that can be securely positioned in your garden.
Prepare for Planting: Attach baskets to the front and back of the bike, or use the bike frame as a support for hanging planters.
Plant: Fill the baskets with soil and plant a variety of flowers, herbs, or cascading plants.

A bicycle planter can be placed at the entrance of your garden, along pathways, or near seating areas for a playful touch.

FAQs

1. What are the best materials for DIY upcycled planters?

The best materials for DIY upcycled planters include items like tin cans, wooden pallets, old tires, wine corks, and repurposed furniture. These materials are durable, readily available, and can be easily transformed into planters with a bit of creativity.

2. How do I ensure proper drainage in upcycled planters?

To ensure proper drainage, drill holes in the bottom of your planters or add a layer of stones or gravel before adding soil. This prevents water from accumulating, which can cause root rot in plants.

3. Can upcycled planters be used indoors?

Yes, upcycled planters can be used indoors, especially for small plants or herbs. Just be sure to place them in areas where they can receive adequate sunlight and remember to provide drainage to prevent water damage to your floors.

4. What types of plants are best suited for upcycled planters?

Succulents, herbs, flowers, and small shrubs are well-suited for upcycled planters. Choose plants that thrive in the size and environment of the planter you’re creating.

5. How can I maintain the longevity of my upcycled planters?

To maintain the longevity of your upcycled planters, use materials that are resistant to weathering. Treat wood with sealant, use outdoor paint for tires and metals, and protect furniture planters from excessive moisture.

6. Can I use upcycled planters in a vegetable garden?

Absolutely! Upcycled planters can be an excellent addition to a vegetable garden. Ensure they have sufficient depth and drainage for the vegetables you plan to grow.

Conclusion

Upcycling offers a sustainable and creative way to enhance your garden with unique planters. By repurposing everyday items, you can create a personalized outdoor space that reflects your style while also reducing waste. Whether you’re an experienced gardener or a beginner, these DIY upcycled planters provide endless possibilities for transforming your garden into a vibrant, eco-friendly haven.