We love to repurpose containers as rustic garden planters because they work well with our style. Finding and using unconventional items for your plants brings uniqueness to the space and can often save money.
I’m on the lookout for suitable items all year long when I visit secondhand stores and garage sales. I can usually find something whenever I want it.
Here are some criteria to consider:
- Size. I want to use them outdoors, so I want something that has at least two-gallon capacity.
- Depth. It should be at least as deep as the diameter. Shallow containers dry out too quickly.
- Materials. Metal, fiber or wood are all possibilities. Plastic bins can work also, because they are light weight. I can change the color with special spray paint. Drilling drainage holes is easy, too.
- Condition. I prefer something that has some character and doesn’t look brand new, though it has to be sturdy. Any item used to grow plants outdoors is going to develop some patina in a short time.
Here are some of the favorites we have accumulated in the past several years. You might get some ideas for your own yard!
Metal Garbage Cans
I know that these are still available in places that sell home and farm supplies. These were painted, lined with garden fabric, and drilled for drainage. After more than 10 years, they are still strong and have lots of personality.
This year it’s giving a good home to some cannas and petunias.
Rope Basket
I really liked the size of this, and it was inexpensive at the junk shop. I added a layer of that same lining, filled it with potting soil and planted it with vinca.
It will go into a shed after the season. Even if I only get a few years out of it, it will be worth it for looks and functionality.
Galvanized Tubs
We usually get these new and let Mother Nature give them some extra charm. They come in lots of shapes and sizes, and fit into lots of smaller, unused spots. They are also relatively light weight, and not too expensive.
I look for new ones, because the vintage types can have amazing prices. New ones will age soon enough, especially if they are left outside over the winter.
The petunias seem happy with this arrangement as well.
Your imagination can be your guide to creative re-used of just about anything to add to the design of your backyard oasis. The hunt is a year-round way to scratch the itch to plant.