Things You Can Repurpose as Garden Planters

Ever look at an old bucket, crate, or teapot and think, “Could I plant something in that?” The answer is yes. You don’t always need fancy pots to grow a garden. Some of the best planters are things you already have at home.

Repurposing everyday items not only saves money, it also makes your garden look creative and personal. In this list, you’ll find simple things you can turn into planters.

1. Old Buckets

A rusty or dented bucket doesn’t have to go to waste. Drill a few holes in the bottom, fill it with soil, and you’ve got a ready-to-go planter.

Buckets are deep, so they’re perfect for growing vegetables like peppers, tomatoes, or leafy greens. Metal buckets add a farmhouse vibe, while plastic ones can be painted for a fun, colorful touch.

Place them on your patio, porch, or right in the garden bed. An old bucket is one of the easiest and most practical items to repurpose.

2. Wooden Crates

Wooden crates are sturdy and have a rustic charm that works well outdoors. You can line the bottom with fabric or burlap so soil doesn’t fall out.

Crates are great for herbs, small flowers, or even succulents. Stack a few crates together, and you can create a layered garden display.

The worn wood gives your garden a cozy look, and you can move them around easily. If you find old fruit crates at a market or garage sale, grab them. They make perfect planters with very little effort.

3. Tin Cans

Don’t throw out those soup or coffee cans. With a quick wash, they turn into cute little planters. Tin cans are best for small plants like herbs, succulents, or even starter seedlings.

You can leave them plain for a simple look, or paint and decorate them for extra charm. Add a few holes in the bottom for drainage, and they’re ready to use.

Group several cans together for a bright and cheerful display. They’re perfect for windowsills, balconies, or small gardens.

4. Worn-Out Boots or Shoes

That old pair of boots sitting in the closet can live a second life as a planter. Boots, especially rain boots, are waterproof and deep enough to hold soil.

Fill them up and plant flowers or even trailing plants that spill over the sides. Smaller shoes work too, especially for succulents or tiny flowers.

They add personality to your garden, and each pair tells a story. Place them on steps, porches, or even hang them on a fence for a fun touch.

5. Colanders

A colander already has holes, which makes it a natural fit as a planter. Just line the inside with a bit of fabric or moss to keep soil in place, then fill with plants.

Colanders are great for trailing plants like ivy or petunias that can spill out through the sides. You can hang them with chains for a creative hanging basket, or set them right on a table or porch.

With their handles and fun shapes, colanders add a playful and unexpected twist to garden decor.

6. Wheelbarrows

Got an old, rusty wheelbarrow that’s too wobbly for work? Don’t toss it. Turn it into a planter. Wheelbarrows are large, so you can grow a mix of flowers, herbs, or even vegetables.

They’re also easy to move around if you want to change the look of your space. You can leave them looking rustic, or paint them for a pop of color.

A wheelbarrow planter is a real statement piece that makes your garden look creative and full of character.

7. Drawers from Old Furniture

Don’t throw out that broken dresser just yet. The drawers can be used as planters. Line the inside with plastic to keep the wood from rotting, then fill with soil and plants.

Drawers are shallow, so they’re best for flowers, herbs, or succulents. Stack them at different angles for a layered garden effect.

You can even paint them to match your outdoor style. Old drawers bring a vintage, upcycled charm to any garden corner.

8. Teapots or Kettles

A chipped teapot or dented kettle may no longer belong in the kitchen, but it can shine in the garden. These small containers are perfect for herbs, succulents, or small flowers.

The spout adds a playful touch, making them look like they’re pouring out plants. Place them on a garden table, shelf, or even use them as centerpieces for outdoor gatherings.

Teapots and kettles make your space feel whimsical and unique.

9. Tires

Old tires can look like junk, but with a little imagination, they become bold planters. Lay one flat, fill the center with soil, and plant flowers for a circular bed.

You can also stack them or hang them on a wall for vertical planting. Paint the tires in bright colors for a cheerful look, or leave them black for a more rugged style.

Tires are large, so they work well for flowers, shrubs, or even climbing plants if stacked.

10. Mason Jars

Mason jars are simple, clear, and charming. They’re perfect for small herbs or succulents. You can use them indoors on a windowsill or hang them outside with twine for a rustic display.

Mason jars don’t have drainage holes, so add pebbles at the bottom before soil to keep plants healthy. They’re small, so they’re best for plants that don’t need much root space.

Mason jar planters add a cozy, farmhouse feel to any garden setup.

11. Baskets

Old wicker or wire baskets make beautiful planters. Line them with fabric, plastic, or moss to keep the soil in. Baskets are roomy, so they work well for flowers or mixed plant displays.

The woven texture adds a soft, natural touch that fits in with outdoor spaces. You can hang smaller baskets or place larger ones on the ground for variety.

Baskets are also easy to move, making them a flexible option for seasonal gardening.

12. Birdcages

Vintage or old birdcages are perfect for unique planters. Their open design allows plants to spill out in all directions, creating a cascading effect.

Place a pot or line the bottom with moss and soil, then add flowers or vines. Birdcages look beautiful hanging from a tree, sitting on a table, or tucked into a garden corner.

They give your space a romantic, whimsical vibe that feels straight out of a storybook garden.

13. Barrels or Half-Barrels

Large barrels, especially cut in half, make excellent planters. They’re deep enough for bigger plants like shrubs, vegetables, or even small trees.

Wooden barrels add a rustic, country feel to your space, while metal barrels look bold and industrial. Place them in patios, backyards, or along garden paths.

Barrels give you plenty of planting space and work well for creating a focal point in your garden.

14. Toy Trucks or Wagons

Old toy trucks, wagons, or even dump trucks can be turned into fun mini planters. Fill them with small flowers or succulents and roll them onto your patio or porch.

Kids’ toys add a playful touch to the garden, and they’re small enough to fit in tight spaces. If the toys are colorful, they’ll brighten up your garden instantly.

This idea is perfect if you want something quirky that makes people smile.

15. Metal Tubs or Washbasins

Large metal tubs or washbasins are strong and hold plenty of soil. They work well for flowers, vegetables, or even as a small raised bed.

You can drill holes in the bottom for drainage, then fill them up and start planting. Their shiny or weathered surface adds a farmhouse or industrial look to your garden.

These tubs are also great for grouping plants together in one big, bold container.

Final Thoughts

You don’t always need to buy new planters. Many everyday items can be repurposed into something useful and creative.

From crates to teapots, boots to barrels, these ideas show that gardening is about imagination as much as plants. Repurposing not only saves money but also gives your garden a personal touch.

The next time you’re about to throw something out, pause and ask yourself could this be my next planter? Chances are, the answer is yes.