Unconventional Planters: A Creative Twist for Growing

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Are you tired of the same old terracotta pots and traditional garden beds? Or just tired of the cost of new planters, and using old thin plastic pots leftover from things bought at a nursery?

If you’re looking to add a unique and creative touch to your vegetable garden, you’re in for a treat!

Plants in plastic containers are next to gardening tools — Thinking Outside the Pot: Fresh Ideas for Cultivating Veggies in Unique Spaces!

Unconventional Planters

Today I thought it would be fun to look at some unusual items that can be repurposed as planters for your favorite veggies.

Not only will these unconventional planters add an element of surprise to your garden, but they’ll also showcase your innovation and passion for sustainable gardening.

Let’s dive in and discover some out-of-the-box ideas to elevate your gardening game!

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Vintage Boots and Shoes

Have a pair of worn-out rain boots or old sneakers lying around? Don’t toss them just yet! Give them a second life by transforming them into whimsical planters.

Fill them with soil, plant your choice of vegetable seeds, and watch as your garden takes on a playful and nostalgic vibe. Hang them on a fence or arrange them on your porch for a delightful sight that’s sure to turn heads.

Vintage Tins and Containers

Coffee beans in a can — Don’t know what to do with your unused cans & tins? Why not use them in your garden.

Those vintage tins and containers gathering dust in your attic can be the perfect planters for your vegetables. From coffee tins to antique watering cans, these containers add a touch of rustic charm to your garden space.

Simply drill drainage holes in the bottom, fill with nutrient-rich soil, and start planting your veggies. These unique planters are not only visually appealing but also eco-friendly, giving new life to old items.

Pallets and Wooden Crates

If you’re looking to create a vertical garden or save space in your backyard, repurposed wooden pallets and crates are the way to go.

Stack them up, secure them in place, and fill the gaps with soil. Plant your veggies in the open slats, creating a stunning and functional display.

This DIY planter solution is perfect for herbs, lettuce, and smaller vegetables, adding a touch of rustic elegance to your garden.

Kitchen Gadgets

A teapot on a table surrounded with herbs — Don’t throw out that old cookware instead use it for a new planter.

Who knew kitchen gadgets could double as creative planters? Teapots, colanders, and even old saucepans can be repurposed into unique planting vessels.

Make sure to drill drainage holes in the bottom, fill with a well-draining soil mix, and plant your veggies with care. These unexpected planters add a playful twist to your garden while showcasing your resourcefulness.

If you choose to plant in a teapot a great addition would be to plant in a teacup next to it. You could plant herbs or small veggies in mismatched teacups for a charming and delicate touch.

Wheelbarrows and Wagons

Have an old, rusted wheelbarrow or wagon lying around? Don’t let them waste away in the garage – turn them into eye-catching planters!

Line them with landscaping fabric, fill them with soil, and arrange your vegetable plants for a charming display. These mobile planters not only make gardening easier but also add a touch of vintage flair to your outdoor space.

Vintage Suitcases

An old suitcase is on the train tracks — Save money and have a trendy yard by turning old items into planters.

Have an old suitcase gathering dust in your attic? Turn it into a unique planter by opening it up, adding a layer of landscape fabric, and filling it with soil.

Plant your vegetables directly inside or use small pots for a multi-level effect. This vintage-inspired planter adds a dash of nostalgia and charm to your garden while keeping your plants happy.

Bathtubs and Sinks

Upgrade your garden aesthetics by repurposing an old bathtub or sink as a planter. These larger-than-life containers offer ample space for a variety of veggies.

Imagine a cascade of plants spilling over the sides of an antique bathtub or a retro sink growing your produce.

With proper drainage and soil, these planters can become a show-stopping centerpiece in your garden. However, bathtubs and sinks aren’t the only interesting items that can be used as a planter you can also use the following:

Chandelier Charm: Hang a chandelier outdoors, replacing bulbs with hanging planters for a touch of elegance. Now wouldn’t that be elegant?
Piano Planter: Repurpose an old piano into a multi-tiered planter, creating a harmonious garden display. This type of planter would do wonders for loads of different greenery.
Retro Refrigerator: Turn an old fridge into an unexpected vertical garden with its doors serving as planting space.

Toolbox Treasures

A man caring a toolbox — Even everyday items can be made into new homes for your plants.

Revive an old toolbox by turning it into a unique planter with character. Small compartments can house individual herbs or veggies, making it a functional and decorative addition to your garden space.

Hang the toolbox planter on a wall, fence, or railing for a vertical garden that’s sure to impress your visitors.

Bicycle Baskets

Give your garden a whimsical twist by using bicycle baskets as planters. Attach these baskets to a wall or fence, fill them with soil, and let your veggies thrive in their newfound homes.

Bicycle baskets offer a playful and vibrant touch to your garden, making it an excellent conversation starter and an ode to sustainable living.

Rain Gutters

A man removing leaves from a rain gutter — Who knew rain gutters had more than one purpose?

Repurpose rain gutters as unique planters for shallow-rooted vegetables like lettuce, radishes, and herbs.

Mount the gutters horizontally on a wall or fence, create drainage holes, and fill them with soil. The result? A space-efficient vertical garden that’s both functional and visually appealing.

Old Drawers

Give new life to old furniture by transforming drawers into quirky planters. Whether standalone or stacked, these drawers offer plenty of room for planting a variety of vegetables.

Just add drainage holes and a layer of soil, and watch your garden flourish with these unexpected containers.

Colossal Tires

Flowers planted in tires — Need a bigger planter on a budget? If so, repurpose your used tiers into a new bed.

Looking to make a bold statement in your garden? Repurpose large tires as planters for your vegetables.

Paint them in vibrant colors to add a playful touch, and fill them with soil to create a stunning focal point. Large tires provide ample space, making them ideal for growing sprawling veggies like pumpkins or a mix of plants in a tire stack.

If tiers aren’t your style, you’ll love wheel rim planters. Old wheel rims can be turned into circular planters for a unique touch.

Gallon Jug Planters

Have you ever wondered if there was a use for all your leftover gallons of milk and juice jugs? If so, you’ll love this gallon jug planter. All you need to do is cut the tops off gallon plastic jugs, make drainage holes, and then add soil.

That’s it, and now you can use them as simple, cost-effective planters. If you instead use half gallons, that’s not a problem. They work just as well.

Cinder Block Creations

Cinder blocks in a garden — If you’re looking for a sturdy planter, you’ve come to the right place.

Need a planter that will hold up over time? Then, building a cinder block planter is the thing for you, and the best part is that it’s as easy as one, two, or three. All you need to do is stack cinder blocks in creative configurations and plant in the holes.

If you wanted to take it further, you could make a cinder block raised bed or beds. To do this, just stack the cinder blocks to your desired width and height and plant them in the square or rectangle you made.

Wooden Ladders

Create a vertical vegetable garden by using an old wooden ladder as a unique planter.

Prop the ladder against a wall or fence, then place pots or containers on its steps to hold your plants. This inventive approach not only saves space but also adds a rustic charm to your garden.

Broken Pots

A broken planter — There’s no need to stress over broken pots. They’ll be just the vintage pieces you need.

Don’t throw away those broken clay pots just yet! Upcycle them into charming miniature gardens.

Stack the broken pots to create a multi-level planter, resembling a garden staircase. The various levels offer opportunities to plant different veggies in each section, making the most of limited space.

PVC Pipe Planters

Repurpose PVC pipes as modular planters that can be hung vertically or mounted horizontally.

Cut the pipes to your desired lengths, drill holes for planting pockets, and secure them to a wall or fence. Fill the pipes with soil, and you’ve got a planter that doubles as an artistic garden display.

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Remember to consider the specific needs of the plants you’ll be growing and adapt the containers accordingly. With these unusual planter ideas, you’ll not only add a creative flair to your garden but also create a unique and personalized space that showcases your gardening style.

Gardening is all about creativity, and these unconventional planters provide the perfect canvas for your imagination to run wild.

Breaking away from traditional planters opens up a world of endless possibilities for your vegetable garden. From vintage suitcases to bathtub marvels, these unusual planters not only showcase your creativity but also contribute to a vibrant and dynamic garden space.

By using unexpected items as planters, you’ll infuse your garden with personality and create an outdoor oasis that reflects your unique style. So, go ahead and explore the unconventional – your garden will thank you for it!