20 Clever Repurposed Garden Containers
Updated: Apr. 10, 2024
Each of these creative garden containers once had a completely different purpose.
Rain Gutter Planter 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 planter box that won’t rot. Give it a new coat of paint while you’re at it to match the look you’re going for in your garden. Check out the wheelbarrow planter ideas and this instant and cheap planter upgrade hack, too.
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. They can also be used as seed starters.
Cloth Shoe Caddy Herb Garden
While this storage item may be perfect for storing shoes, it can be repurposed as a hanging herb garden.
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.
Antique Chamber Pot Planter
This vintage chamber pot is pretty enough for houseplants!
Coffee Mug Planter
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.
Umbrella Door Decor
Fill a closed umbrella with cut or silk flowers and hang it on your front door for an instant (and creative!) pop of color.
Old Tire Hanging Planter
Recycle old tires yourself by turning them into clever hanging planters. Drill a hole for drainage, paint it a bright color and fill it with your favorite flowers.
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. Looking for more ideas? Learn how to build a container water garden.
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. Or, you can also opt for one that only requires some simple at-home assembly, like the VegTrug.
Metal Antiques for Climbing Plants
This old metal bench was given new life in the garden. The seat provides a perfect spot for a potted plant, and the tall back doubles as a trellis for climbing plants. Looking for more? Here’s a list of potting shed ideas.
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.
Wheelbarrow Flower Bed
If you’ve upgraded your wheelbarrow and no long have a need for your old one, push it on over to your garden and fill it with flowers. You’ll get an instant flower bed that you can move around your yard as you please.
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.
Stock Tank Planter
You can plant an entire vegetable garden or flower bed in a stock tank. Since they’re made for the outdoors, this large planter will last for many, many seasons.
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.
