Some of the best garden planters don’t come from the garden center. An old watering can, a rusty wheelbarrow, a cooler you no longer use, or even a vintage wagon can become a fun home for flowers and plants with a little creativity.
Repurposing old items for the garden is also a great way to keep useful items out of the trash. You don’t need a collection of expensive pots to create a garden that feels personal. A few unexpected containers can add plenty of interest while giving forgotten household items a second use.
If you like gardening projects that don’t require much time or money, these ideas are worth checking out. You might even already have a few of these items sitting in your garage, shed, or basement.
Tin Can Steampunk Planter
An ordinary tin can can become a fun little planter with a few creative touches. This steampunk version uses recycled materials and decorative details to give the can a completely different look.
It’s also a fun project to make with kids. They can help decorate the can, then choose a small plant or flower to place inside once it’s ready.
Make this craft: DIY Tin Can Steampunk Planter
DIY Backyard Fountain From Planters
Planters can do more than hold flowers. With a couple of large pots and a small pump, you can turn them into a backyard fountain that adds the sound of moving water to your outdoor space.
This project uses planter pots and a fountain pump to create a fountain without a complicated setup. It can be a fun weekend project if you want to add something different to a patio, deck, or garden.
Get the Project: DIY Backyard Fountain From Planters
Faux Rusty Tin Can Barrel Bag Planter
Old tin cans can take on a completely different look with the right finish. This barrel bag planter gives a basic can the appearance of a worn, rusty container without requiring a trip to the store for new garden decor.
The finished piece can hold small flowers or plants, and the same basic idea can be used for other projects around the house. The tutorial also shows how the technique can be used to make picnic caddies and small flower bag planters.
Make this craft: Faux Rusty Tin Can Barrel Bag Planter
DIY Repurposed Cooler Planter
That old cooler sitting in the garage doesn’t have to stay there forever. With a few changes, it can become a roomy planter for vegetables, flowers, or herbs.
A cooler can also be useful if you’re short on garden space because it can be placed on a patio, deck, or another convenient spot. This is a good project for an old cooler that still has plenty of life left but isn’t getting much use.
Make this craft: DIY Repurposed Cooler Planter
Easy Doll Head Planter for Kids
An old doll can make a surprisingly unusual planter. This project turns a vintage doll head into a small garden container and gives kids a chance to get involved in both crafting and planting.
You don’t need much gardening experience to give it a try. Let the kids help choose the plant and decorate the planter, then find a spot where the finished project can be enjoyed.
Make this craft: Easy Doll Head Planter for Kids
Upcycled Planter
Have an old watering can that has seen better days? Instead of putting it away or throwing it out, turn it into a flower planter.
A vintage watering can already has the look of garden decor, so adding plants makes it even more useful. Place it near a garden path, on a porch, or among other containers for a casual display.
Get the Project: How To Make An Upcycled Planter
DIY Stenciled Concrete Block Planters
Concrete blocks can be surprisingly useful for garden projects. This idea turns a basic 8×8 cinder block into a planter with a stenciled finish and a bottom that allows for proper drainage.
Since the blocks are fairly compact, they can work well in smaller outdoor spaces. You can also move them around as your garden changes or use several together to create a simple display.
Get the Project: DIY Stenciled Concrete Block Planters
Faux Aged Copper Succulent Planter
Copper planters can look beautiful, but you don’t have to spend a lot on genuine aged copper. This project shows how to give a planter a copper-like finish and turn it into a home for succulents.
Succulents are a good match for this type of project because they do well in smaller containers and don’t require frequent watering. The finished planter could also make a thoughtful housewarming gift.
Get the Project: Faux Aged Copper Succulent Planter Housewarming Gift
Tipped Wheelbarrow Planter
An old wheelbarrow can become one of those garden pieces that immediately gets attention. Instead of leaving it empty in the shed, fill it with flowers and let the plants spill over the sides.
The tipped design gives the arrangement a relaxed, rustic look. Before planting, check the wheelbarrow’s condition and ensure it has adequate drainage so water doesn’t pool around the roots.
Get the Project: DIY Tipped Wheelbarrow Planter
Upcycled Faux Copper Succulent Planter
If you like the look of aged copper, this project gives you another way to get that appearance using an item you already have. The faux copper finish can turn an ordinary container into something that looks much more decorative.
Add a few succulents, and you have a small planter that can work indoors or outside, depending on the container and plant you choose. It’s also a handy way to give an old object a fresh purpose.
Get the Project: Upcycled Faux Copper Succulent Planter
DIY Vintage Wagon Garden Planter
A vintage wagon can make a great container for flowers, herbs, or trailing plants. The wheels and old-fashioned shape already give it plenty of personality, so you don’t need to do much to make it stand out.
This project can be put together in 30 minutes or less and doesn’t require any tools. Look for an old wagon at a flea market, garage sale, or tucked away in a storage area, then give it a new purpose as a garden planter.
Make this craft: DIY Vintage Wagon Garden Planter
