Bruno Pugh
Every home hides something that could turn into a planter with barely any effort. The fun starts the moment you stop looking at objects for their original purpose and start imagining what they could hold. Grab a cup of tea, step outside, and see which forgotten item in your space is ready for soil.
Vintage Suitcase Planter
A vintage suitcase can be used as a planter once you drill drainage holes at the bottom. Herbs settle in nicely, especially with a plastic liner to protect the interior. Gardeners often decorate the top layer of soil with small figurines for style. And the added depth promotes strong, healthy root development.
Teapot Succulent Holder
An unused teapot offers a tight chamber suited to hardy succulents, as its narrow walls limit excess moisture. Simple routines suit these plants, and the pot fits easily on shelves or porches. Many teapots also support low-maintenance varieties with steady success thanks to their shallow interiors.
Colander Herb Pot
A colander makes an easy herb pot with its bright color and built-in drainage. The perforations keep soil from getting waterlogged, and you can hang it by the handle or place it on a flat surface. Its metal frame naturally supports compact herbs as they grow.
Wooden Wine Crate Garden Box
Line a wine crate with burlap or fabric, and you get an instant rustic planter that handles drainage well. Untreated wood gives roots a healthier environment, too. Stack a couple of crates near a small patio for extra height without taking up much room. They’re strong enough for herbs or veggies of all kinds.
Rubber Boot Planter
Rubber boots can double as planters, offering more root depth than people expect. Herbs or small flowers fit nicely in the slim interior. Place a few pairs along a fence, and you get a neat, colorful row instantly. The sturdy boot material keeps soil stable no matter the season.
Birdcage Plant Basket
Some gardeners enjoy the charm of a metal birdcage once trailing plants settle inside the open frame, since steady air movement keeps leaves comfortable. A soft layer of moss or coconut fiber holds the soil without fuss. Adding a hook or a low branch to support the cage well and introduce gentle height without crowding the area.
Wheelbarrow Garden Bed
Gardeners sometimes turn old wheelbarrows into roomy beds once soil enters the basin. Flowers or vegetables root well inside the curved metal shell. Its single wheel also allows easy movement toward brighter light or safer cover. Bright color across the frame transforms the wheelbarrow into a lively feature with no extra trouble.
Kitchen Sink Basin Planter
Few household fixtures serve as sturdy as a retired kitchen sink with a deep basin and a drain that clears excess moisture. Root vegetables or flowers settle comfortably inside the solid interior. Vintage sinks add a playful spark to patios, while raised stands create a neat layout for gardeners who prefer order.
Toy Dump Truck Planter
You may notice a toy dump truck in a corner of your home and realize it can handle soil across the open bed with surprising ease. Small flowers or succulents sit comfortably inside the shallow space. The wheels even help you shift the planter anywhere, and bright colors add instant warmth outdoors.
Old Paint Can Planter
Pick up a retired paint can, and the tall metal shell quickly reveals enough strength for medium or smaller plants once holes are drilled near the base to let spare moisture escape. A few cans along fences or low branches add height, and hand-painted details to the sides introduce a relaxed personal touch.