From Trash to Terrarium: 31 Household Items Begging to Be Planters

Chuvic - March 4, 2025

Look around your home. That chipped teapot, the rusted toolbox in the garage, even the old books gathering dust. They’re not trash waiting for the curb. They’re potential homes for your next plant adventure. Before tossing out another “useless” item, consider its second life as a unique planter. The 31 ideas below will help you see ordinary objects through fresh eyes, save money on store-bought pots, and create conversation pieces that showcase both your plants and your creativity. Ready to turn household castoffs into garden gold?

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Old Teapot

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That chipped teapot collecting dust in your cabinet makes a perfect herb planter. Small herbs like mint thrive in these containers, and the spout offers natural drainage. A vintage floral teapot doubles as a lovely centerpiece on your patio table. If it looks worn, a coat of bold red or yellow paint refreshes its appearance. Just place a saucer underneath to catch water and protect your surfaces from moisture damage. The size works perfectly for kitchen windowsills, too.

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Tin Cans

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Soup cans transform into charming planters with minimal effort. After removing labels, punch drainage holes in the bottom and fill with soil for succulents or seedlings. Wrapping them in twine or burlap adds rustic texture. Group several cans of various sizes for a cohesive display. A quick spray of metallic copper paint elevates their look. They fit perfectly on kitchen counters, holding tiny aloe or thyme plants. The metal conducts heat, so place them in partial shade during the summer months.

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Mason Jars

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Those extra mason jars serve as excellent herb planters. Line the bottom with pebbles for drainage, then add soil and plant basil on your sunny windowsill. Colorful glass beads layered over the pebbles create visual interest. Many people tie ribbons around the rims or add chalkboard paint labels for a farmhouse look. Their compact size suits small spaces, and you can hang them with wire for vertical gardening.

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Worn-Out Boots

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Old rain boots or leather shoes find new life as flower containers. Drill holes in the soles for drainage, then fill them with soil and colorful flowers. Bright rubber boots look fantastic with matching petunias or pansies. Set them beside your garden gate or porch steps as welcoming accents. Lining the inside with perforated plastic bags helps extend their life against soil moisture. Children love helping with this project, choosing flowers that match the boot colors.

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Wooden Crates

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Fruit crates make excellent shallow planters for vegetables like lettuce. Line them with plastic, poke drainage holes, then add soil. A weathered gray stain enhances their rustic charm in outdoor settings. You can stack multiple crates to create tiered garden beds, securing them with screws for stability. The portability of wooden crates allows you to move your garden around the patio as needed. Their rectangular shape maximizes growing space while adding architectural interest to garden corners.

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Broken Mugs

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Mugs with broken handles or chips still have purpose as tiny plant homes. They fit cacti or air plants perfectly and stack well for tiered displays. Mugs with fun patterns or quotes add personality to desks or shelves. Strong adhesive secures them together if you want to create a tower. A thin layer of sand over the soil completes the desert aesthetic for cacti. Office workers appreciate these small-scale planters that brighten workspaces without taking up valuable desk real estate.

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Vintage Suitcase

That old suitcase in your attic transforms into a portable flower bed. Fill it with good soil and plant anything from herbs to colorful flowers. Hard-shell suitcases from the 60s offer retro appeal when filled with daisies or lavender. Most look beautiful propped open against walls or fences as garden focal points. Adding a waterproof liner prevents rot and protects the interior fabric. Some gardeners add small wheels for easier mobility. Vintage luggage tags left intact add character to these conversation pieces.

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Colander

Metal colanders offer built-in drainage holes for trailing plants like ivy. Suspend them from hooks or tree branches with chains to create cascading greenery displays. A coat of bright teal spray paint makes them stand out against surrounding plants. Variegated pothos looks especially striking tumbling over the edges. The holes provide excellent aeration for root systems too. Most colanders already have convenient handles for hanging. Plastic versions work equally well but should be kept away from extreme heat.

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Wine Bottles

Wine Bottle Planter — Source: guidepatterns.com

Empty wine bottles become sleek herb containers with a little modification. Cut the tops off, invert them, and grow microgreens or small herbs inside. Sanding the cut edges ensures safety, while twine wrapping adds nautical flair to the base. They line up beautifully along sunny window ledges growing parsley or cilantro. DIY bottle cutters make this project accessible even for beginners. Wine enthusiasts appreciate the sustainability aspect of reusing bottles. Green glass creates a pleasing filtered light effect for roots.

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Tire Rims

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Old tire rims create bold outdoor planters for shrubs or annual flowers. Stack and paint them in vibrant yellows or corals to brighten dreary corners of your yard. Two or three stacked rims create different planting levels for cascading flowers like nasturtiums. You should secure them with stakes when placing them on uneven ground for safety and stability. Their industrial aesthetic works particularly well in contemporary garden designs. The metal retains heat, extending growing seasons in cooler climates.

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Drawer from a Dresser

33 Dressing Up Old Dresser Drawers Vertical Gardens Homebnc — Source: homebnc.com

Discarded dresser drawers convert into charming rectangular planters. Line wooden drawers with plastic, add soil, and fill with violas or other small flowers. Shabby-chic drawers with chipped paint add character to garden spaces. You can mount them on walls or set them on benches for easy access. Metal brackets underneath provide extra support for drawers heavy with soil. Original drawer pulls serve as convenient handles for moving them.

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Metal Toolbox

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Rusty toolboxes offer character and portability as succulent planters. Keep the rustic patina for vintage charm or polish with a wire brush and clear sealant. The compartments inside neatly organize different succulent varieties like echeverias and sedums. The built-in handle allows easy movement between porch and garden as seasons change or sunlight patterns shift. Tool enthusiasts particularly enjoy this meaningful repurposing of beloved old containers.

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Egg Cartons

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Paper egg cartons serve as biodegradable seed-starting trays. Each cup holds individual seeds until they sprout and grow strong enough for transplanting. Cardboard cartons break down naturally, unlike plastic alternatives. Marking each section helps track different varieties of tomatoes or peppers. Light misting keeps the soil damp without flooding these delicate containers. The lids create a mini-greenhouse effect when closed. Starting seeds this way costs virtually nothing and reduces waste. They decompose directly in garden soil after use.

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Chandelier

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That outdated chandelier becomes a hanging garden with minor modifications. Remove wiring, spray paint the frame gold or black, and fill arms with moss and air plants. Old chandeliers look magical hanging in gazebos or porches with tillandsias tucked into every nook. Some gardeners add fairy lights for enchanting evening ambiance among the greenery. Crystal pendants catch sunlight, creating dancing reflections around the plants. Heavy chandeliers need secure mounting from ceiling joists or sturdy outdoor structures.

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Birdcage

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Unused birdcages transform into Victorian-inspired hanging gardens. Line the interior with coir, fill with soil, and plant trailing vines or ferns. Wrought-iron cages offer durability and period charm when suspended from sturdy branches. Boston ferns look especially elegant draping through the bars. Regular misting keeps the coir moist and creates ideal conditions for humidity-loving plants. Vintage wooden cages require waterproof sealant before planting.

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Paint Cans

Empty paint cans clean up nicely as bright flower containers. After thorough cleaning, hammer drainage holes in the bottom with a nail. Chalkboard paint on the exterior allows for changeable plant labels or fun messages. Grouping odd numbers of these containers creates visually pleasing arrangements. The metal construction withstands outdoor conditions better than many plastic alternatives. Paint stores often donate used display cans for garden projects.

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Old Wheelbarrow

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Rusted wheelbarrows become mobile garden features with minimal effort. Their deep basin holds plenty of soil for larger plants like zucchini or sunflowers. The weathered look adds vintage charm to garden corners near sheds or fences. Metal tape patches any holes to prevent soil leakage. The wheel still functions for occasional repositioning as sun patterns change. Wooden wheelbarrow handles eventually weather to a beautiful silver-gray patina.

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Ceramic Pitcher

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Chipped ceramic pitchers find new purpose as herb homes. Wide-mouthed varieties allow easy planting of rosemary or lavender. The handles offer hanging options or easy carrying capability. Glossy finishes reflect sunlight, creating subtle sparkle among garden greenery. The sturdy construction withstands outdoor conditions while maintaining decorative appeal on kitchen counters or outdoor tables. Antique shop finds with hairline cracks work perfectly since water-tightness no longer matters.

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Toy Truck Bed

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Childhood toy trucks retire into whimsical succulent planters. Metal Tonka truck beds hold gravel topped with soil and hens-and-chicks arrangements. These nostalgic containers delight on garden shelves or children’s play tables. Faded colors regain vibrancy with touch-up paint if desired. The tiny dimensions suit miniature succulent varieties perfectly, creating living dioramas of childhood memories. Little red firetrucks look particularly charming with red-tipped succulents. Multiple trucks arranged in a “construction site” theme create playful garden vignettes that adults and children both appreciate.

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Coffee Sacks

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Burlap coffee sacks fold into textured planters for herbs or potatoes. Local roasters often give away used sacks that stitch into containers with heavy thread. Chives and oregano thrive in these breathable planters with rustic kitchen garden appeal. Keeping the burlap slightly damp prevents fraying and extends the life of these eco-friendly containers. The printed logos and origin information add international flair to garden spaces. Coffee enthusiasts appreciate the aromatic memory that lingers in the fabric.

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Gutted TV Console

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Vintage television consoles become statement planters after electronics removal. Mid-century wooden cabinets house rows of peace lilies or other shade-loving plants. Adding caster wheels creates mobility for these substantial indoor gardens. Living room corners gain retro appeal with these repurposed showpieces. Good ventilation prevents mold issues in these enclosed planting spaces. The screen opening frames the plants perfectly, creating a “living channel” effect. These conversation pieces save beautiful wooden cabinetry from landfills.

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PVC Pipe Sections

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Cut PVC pipes create modern vertical herb gardens with minimal materials. Four-inch diameter sections, capped at one end and painted white or green, mount easily on fences. Dill and cilantro thrive in these cylindrical containers. Slight downward angles ensure proper drainage without overflow. Multiple pipes arranged in patterns create striking vertical interest on blank walls. The smooth plastic cleans easily between plantings. Urban gardeners with limited space maximize growing area with these space-efficient vertical solutions.

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Old Lampshade Frame

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Stripped lampshade frames wrapped with moss become hanging planters with vintage flair. Conical shades wrapped in sphagnum and secured with wire support small potted plants. Spider plants hung with twine from the frame create living chandeliers. These lightweight structures suspend beautifully over patio tables, bringing greenery to eye level for maximum enjoyment. Varied lengths of hanging cords create dimensional interest. The open structure allows air circulation while creating clear visual boundaries.

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Coconut Shells

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Halved coconut shells make tropical mini planters with minimal processing. After removing the meat and drilling drainage holes, these natural containers hold mini orchids perfectly. Hanging them with rope enhances their island vibe. Regular rinsing keeps them fresh and odor-free. The organic texture complements modern or bohemian décor with equal success. Three shells hung at staggered heights create dynamic visual interest. Their natural water resistance makes them long-lasting even in humid environments.

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Bread Box

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Vintage metal bread boxes house herb collections with retro style. Roll-top varieties in pastel mint green or powder blue charm on kitchen counters. Sage, thyme, and oregano arranged in small pots fit neatly inside. Keeping the lid partially open ensures proper airflow for healthy growth. The enclosed space creates a mini greenhouse effect near sunny windows. Thrift stores regularly stock these forgotten kitchen staples at bargain prices. The compact footprint works well in apartments with limited counter space.

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CD Spindle Case

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Clear plastic CD cases become futuristic microgreen planters after their digital contents move to the cloud. The cylindrical shape suits pea shoots or radish sprouts perfectly. Half-filled with soil, these transparent containers allow fascinating views of developing root systems. Tech-savvy gardeners appreciate these upcycled planters on desks or window ledges. The clear covers create greenhouse conditions during germination. Multiple cases can stack for vertical gardening in tiny spaces.

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Typewriter Case

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Hard-shell typewriter cases convert into literary-themed flower beds with minimal modification. Vintage Underwood cases lined with plastic hold soil for shallow-rooted flowers like pansies. Johnny-jump-ups or violas complement the nostalgic container perfectly. Propping the case slightly open improves air circulation. Writers and book lovers display these unique planters on porches or in reading nooks. The protective case withstands outdoor elements surprisingly well. Antique store hunters discover these gems regularly.

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Rusty Wheel Rim

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Car wheel rims create industrial-chic succulent gardens for garage walls or patios. The natural rust adds texture, though some prefer matte black paint for modern contrast. Sempervivums arranged in circular patterns echo the rim’s shape. Mounting options include wall attachment or flat placement as garden accents. The sturdy metal construction withstands harsh weather conditions indefinitely. Automotive enthusiasts particularly enjoy this creative recycling.

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Broken Guitar

Cracked guitars transform into musical garden sculptures after body hollowing. Acoustic guitars with damaged necks become vessels for trailing lobelia or other cascading flowers. Sanded edges and waterproofed interiors prepare these instruments for their second life. Leaning against trees or mounted on fences, these planters speak to music lovers and gardeners alike. Some people keep the strings intact for a decorative effect. The sound hole provides an excellent drainage opportunity.

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Old Books

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Thick hardcover books hollowed out into secret gardens for bibliophiles. Carefully cut rectangles, with pages glued together, create wells for jade plants or burro’s tail succulents. Pebbles covering the soil complete the miniature landscape. Stacking several books of different sizes creates library-inspired displays. The unexpected greenery surprises guests when they spot these literary gardens. Dictionary and encyclopedia volumes work especially well due to their substantial thickness. Waterproof glue seals page edges against moisture.

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Vintage Kettle

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Copper or enamel kettles shine as geranium planters after simple drainage modifications. Bright red or pink blooms spill dramatically over the edges, contrasting with metallic or colorful kettle surfaces. Garden stools or hanging hooks display these repurposed containers beautifully. Thorough cleaning removes any residue before planting. The handle adds convenient mobility for seasonal repositioning. Victorian tea kettles with elaborate designs particularly impress visitors.

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Conclusion

The beauty of repurposed planters goes beyond their visual appeal. Each transformed item reduces waste, saves money, and creates something entirely unique to your space. Whether you’re drawn to the vintage charm of teapots and typewriter cases or the industrial edge of wheel rims and toolboxes, there’s an upcycled planter idea that matches your style. Start small with a single broken mug or go big with a gutted TV console. Either way, you’ll join a growing community of creative gardeners who know that the best planters often aren’t planters at all. What will you transform first?

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