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Old rain boots, baskets, wheelbarrows, drawers and washtubs can all become garden planters—but each needs the right drainage, placement and plant choice. Before filling one, check its stability, material and history. For edible crops, use only a container whose previous contents are known to be nontoxic.
What to check before turning an object into a planter
- Plan for drainage. Container plants need excess water to escape. Add drainage holes if the material allows. If it cannot be altered, University of Maryland Extension suggests double-potting: grow the plant in a drainable pot and set that pot inside the decorative container, removing it to drain after watering. Gravel or broken pottery in the bottom will not improve drainage and can make it worse.
- Clean the container. University of Illinois Extension advises washing reused containers with soapy water, then disinfecting with one part chlorine bleach to nine parts water. Handle bleach carefully and never mix it with other cleaners.
- Match material and location. Wood and other porous materials dry faster than plastic or metal, according to University of Maryland Extension. Dark containers can heat up and injure tender roots, so consider shade or a less heat-sensitive planting in a sunny spot.
- Account for weight and stability. Soil and water make containers heavier. Choose a level, suitable location before filling a large planter. Raising a container on pot feet or a brick can keep it off the ground, as Maryland Extension recommends.
- Separate decorative and edible uses. Virginia Cooperative Extension says vegetable containers should be large enough for mature plants, hold soil and drain adequately, and must never have held products toxic to plants or people. NC State Extension likewise calls for nontoxic material and drainage. If a reclaimed object’s history or material is uncertain, reserve it for ornamental plants.
Five upcycled planter ideas
1. Rain boot: a compact ornamental planter
A worn-out rain boot can make a small, playful display for compact ornamentals. Oklahoma State University lists old rain boots among possible unusual containers. Its narrow shape limits root space, so choose plants with modest root needs rather than assuming it can support a full-size plant.
Check that the boot can drain and stand securely without tipping. If you cannot safely make drainage holes, use it as an outer container for a removable pot that drains separately. Set it somewhere stable, and keep an eye on moisture: a small volume of growing medium can dry quickly.
2. Basket: a lightweight display with a liner
University of Illinois Extension and Oklahoma State University both include baskets among recycled-container possibilities. A liner can help keep growing medium from falling through gaps, but it does not make an unlined or lined basket automatically watertight. Water still needs a route out.
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Use a basket for a modest ornamental planting suited to its depth and size. Preserve drainage through the liner or place a drainable pot inside it. Because baskets may be made from porous materials, check moisture more often than you would with a less porous container.
3. Wheelbarrow or wagon: a large focal-point planter
A wheelbarrow or wagon can hold a broader planting and make a striking garden feature. Illinois Extension lists wagons and carts; Oklahoma State University lists wheelbarrows. Their larger size can accommodate a larger planting than a boot or shallow drawer, but the object’s dimensions alone do not establish that it suits every plant.
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- SIZED FOR HERBS, GREENS, STRAWBERRIES & FLOWERS — 12.2" across and 10.2" deep is the right root room for basil, mint, cilantro, rosemary, lettuce, spinach, strawberries, marigolds and compact peppers. Growing full-size tomatoes, potatoes or squash? Size up to our 7, 10 or 15 gallon bags instead — those crops need more depth than a 5-gallon bag can give.
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Choose the final spot before adding soil: a filled container may be difficult to move. Check that the frame and base are sound and that the planter will remain stable. Make sure water can drain from the basin; if alteration is impractical, use drainable pots inside as removable inserts rather than letting water collect around roots.
4. Drawer: a shallow option for modest root needs
NC State Extension identifies a discarded wooden drawer as a possible container when it is made of nontoxic material and has drainage. Its shallow depth makes it a better fit for plants with modest root needs than for plants that require substantial rooting space.
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Inspect the drawer’s material and finish, and provide drainage holes if appropriate for its construction. Set it on a level support and protect the location beneath it from runoff. Do not treat a drawer as universally suitable for vegetables: edible planting requires known, nontoxic materials, adequate depth for the mature plant and reliable drainage.
5. Washtub: a roomy container with a history to verify
University of Illinois Extension lists washtubs as recycled containers. Their roomy shape can suit a larger ornamental display, provided the tub is structurally sound and has enough depth for the chosen plants.
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Confirm what the tub was used for and what it is made of before planting. Add drainage if it does not already have it and the material permits; otherwise, use drainable pots inside it. If its former contents are unknown, keep it for ornamentals rather than edible crops.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Choosing between the five
| Object | Best fit | Main planning check |
|---|---|---|
| Rain boot | Compact ornamental planting | Drainage and tip resistance |
| Basket | Modest display planting | Keep growing medium contained without trapping water |
| Wheelbarrow or wagon | Larger focal-point planting | Filled weight, stable placement and an exit for water |
| Drawer | Shallow-rooted or modest-root-need plants | Nontoxic material and suitable depth |
| Washtub | Roomier ornamental planting | Known prior use, material and drainage |
These are adaptable project ideas, not tested builds or plant trials. Other objects mentioned by Illinois Extension and Oklahoma State University include bird cages, bathtubs, tackleboxes, old furniture and toys; their suitability still depends on material, drainage, size and intended use.
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