Got an old kitchen find, a worn-out boot, or some random container sitting around the house? Good. You don’t need a standard flower pot to grow something great. Unexpected objects you can use as planters can add charm, color, and a little personality to your space. For gardeners, part of the fun is seeing everyday items in a new way and turning something forgotten into something worth showing off.
Cowboy Boots
You can also use cowboy boots as planters. Their thick leather holds up against sun, dirt, and changing weather. To start, grab a boot, or a pair of boots. This should be an older pair you’re no longer interested in wearing, or a cheaper find. Before you fill the boot, give it a clean so it looks nice and sharp. Then, cover the bottom with concrete or gravel, followed by potting soil. Before you add your plant of choice, use a drill to create some drainage holes in the leather. Lastly, plant a thin, low-root option like succulents or string of pearls, which work well in this type of planter.
Colanders
An old colander already has one thing every planter needs, which is drainage. You don’t have to drill holes or do much prep, so it’s an easy pick for gardeners who want something simple but still a little different. Metal colanders have a nice worn-in look, and colorful enamel ones can add a fun pop to your patio or kitchen garden.
Because the sides are shallow and full of openings, colanders work best for plants that don’t need a deep root system. Herbs, lettuce, pansies, and small trailing flowers do well in them. A liner of moss, coco coir, or landscape fabric helps keep the soil from spilling out the sides while still letting water pass through. Once it’s planted, a colander looks great on a porch rail, patio table, or garden hook.
Tea Tins
Tea tins work well when you want a planter that fits into a smaller spot without fading into the background. They’ve got enough color, pattern, or old-school detail to feel interesting on their own, so even a simple plant can look more put together in one. A row of them on a windowsill or outdoor table can look especially nice without taking up much room.
Size is the main thing to keep in mind here. Tea tins don’t give roots much extra space, so they’re better for smaller picks like succulents, thyme, violets, or mini ivy. Be sure to poke drainage holes in them, since the metal won’t absorb extra moisture. Once that’s handled, a tea tin planter gives you an easy way to reuse something decorative instead of letting it sit in a cabinet collecting dust.
Toolboxes
If you have an old toolbox you never use anymore, consider repurposing it into a planter. Toolboxes are typically wide, with enough depth to grow plants like leaf lettuce, spinach, basil, or even compact pepper plants without crowding their roots. As with most makeshift planters, you’ll need to drill drainage holes into the bottom of the toolbox. Then, fill it with potting mix and plant it up. This type of planter looks natural beside garages, sheds, and garden paths, where its worn, practical look fits right in with the surroundings.
A Fresh Way to Finish the Space
Sometimes the best planter isn’t from the garden center at all. It’s the thing you almost tossed, donated, or left in the garage for another year. Unexpected objects you can use as planters give your plants a more personal home and give your space a look people actually remember. And honestly, isn’t it more fun when your garden has a little character?
