You probably walk past perfect planters every day without realizing it. That old colander sitting in your kitchen drawer? It’s begging to hold your herbs. The worn-out rain boots taking up space in your closet? They’d make charming homes for your petunias.
Traditional planters can be expensive and boring. But here’s the thing: plants don’t care what they grow in. They just need proper drainage, enough space for their roots, and a stable container. Once you understand these basics, you’ll start seeing potential planters everywhere.
Why Use Unconventional Planters?
Before we dive into the list, let’s talk about why you might want to skip the garden center and raid your garage instead.
- Save money: Quality planters cost anywhere from $20 to $200. Meanwhile, you’ve got perfectly good containers headed for the trash.
- Add personality to your space: A succulent in a teacup tells a different story than one in a plastic pot. Your planters can reflect your style and spark conversations.
- Reduce waste: Every item you repurpose is one less thing in a landfill. Your plants get a home, and you get to feel good about giving old items new life.
- Create custom sizes: Can’t find a planter that fits that awkward corner? Make your own from something you already have.
The Essential Rules for DIY Planters
Not every container works as a planter. Here’s what you need to know:
Drainage is Non-Negotiable
Plants hate sitting in water. Their roots need air, and standing water blocks oxygen from reaching them. Without drainage, even drought-loving succulents will rot.
If your chosen container doesn’t have holes, you’ll need to drill some. Use a drill bit appropriate for your material:
- Plastic and wood: Regular drill bits work fine. Start with a 1/4-inch bit
- Metal: Use high-speed steel bits. Go slow to avoid overheating
- Ceramic and glass: Use diamond-tipped bits with water to keep them cool
Can’t drill holes? Create a drainage layer with 2 inches of pebbles or activated charcoal at the bottom. But drilling is better. Trust me on this one.
Size Matters
Your container needs to fit your plant’s current size and give it room to grow. As a general rule:
- The pot should be 1-2 inches wider than the plant’s root ball
- Depth should match or exceed the current root system
- Fast-growing plants need more room than slow growers
Too much space isn’t great either. Plants in oversized containers can develop root rot because the extra soil stays wet too long.
Material Considerations
Different materials affect how often you’ll water:
- Porous materials (unglazed ceramic, wood, fabric) dry out faster
- Non-porous materials (plastic, metal, glazed ceramic) hold moisture longer
- Dark colors absorb heat, which can stress roots in summer
- Metal conducts temperature changes, potentially shocking plants
Choose materials based on your watering habits. Forgetful waterers should pick non-porous containers. Over-waterers need porous ones.
The 13 Shocking Items That Make Perfect Planters
1. Old Boots and Shoes
Rain boots, work boots, and even high heels can house plants. They’re charming for trailing plants that spill over the sides.
Best for: Small succulents, herbs, or annual flowers.
Drainage tip: Drill 3-4 holes in the sole using a 1/4-inch bit
Pro tip: Leather boots last longer than rubber ones outdoors
Placement: Hang boots from fence posts or set them on porch steps
Kids’ rain boots work great for this. The bright colors add instant cheer to any garden space.
2. Old Dresser Drawers
Deep drawers give you space for a mini garden. You can plant directly in them or use them to hold several smaller pots.
Best for: Vegetable gardens, annual flowers, or herb collections
Prep work: Drill 1/2-inch drainage holes every 6 inches
Protection: Line with plastic sheeting, then poke holes for drainage
Style tip: Stack different-sized drawers for a tiered effect
Shallow drawers work great for lettuce and herbs. Deep ones can handle tomatoes or peppers.
3. Tin Cans
From soup cans to coffee tins, these metal containers are planter gold. You’re probably throwing several away each week.
Best for: Herbs, small vegetables, or desktop plants
Safety first: File down sharp edges or cover with duct tape
Design idea: Leave labels on for a vintage look, or spray paint them
Drainage: Drill 3-4 holes in the bottom with a metal bit
Group different-sized cans together for visual interest. Large coffee cans work great for tomatoes.
4. Plastic Bottles
Two-liter soda bottles, laundry detergent jugs, and milk jugs all work. Cut them in half, and you’ve got instant planters.
Best for: Starting seeds, growing lettuce, or temporary planters
Hanging option: Leave the cap on, add drainage holes in the sides, and hang upside down for tomatoes
Clear benefit: You can see root growth and moisture levels
Cutting tip: Use sharp scissors and cut slowly to avoid cracks
These work great for kids’ gardening projects. They can decorate them with permanent markers.
5. Old Tires
Tires provide excellent insulation for roots. Stack them for more growing depth.
Best for: Potatoes, large vegetables, or flower beds
Painting: Use outdoor latex paint designed for rubber
Stacking method: Fill each tire with soil before adding the next
Health note: Some worry about chemicals. Skip these for edibles if concerned
Motorcycle tires make nice-sized planters for patios. Car tires work better for gardens.
6. Bathtubs and Sinks
These bathroom fixtures offer serious growing space with built-in drainage.
Best for: Large gardens, water features, or statement pieces
Finding them: Check renovation sites, Craigslist, or Habitat ReStores
Weight warning: Place them empty, then fill with soil
Depth advantage: Perfect for root vegetables like carrots
Clawfoot tubs make stunning garden centerpieces. Old kitchen sinks work great for herbs.
7. Mason Jars
Yes, they lack drainage, but mason jars work for certain plants. Plus, they’re perfect for watching roots grow.
Best for: Water-rooting cuttings, air plants, or creating terrariums
Drainage workaround: Layer 1-inch pebbles, 1/2 inch activated charcoal, then soil
Placement: Keep out of direct sunlight to prevent algae
Plant choices: Pothos, philodendrons, or lucky bamboo thrive here
Change the water weekly for cuttings. For soil plantings, water sparingly.
8. Wooden Crates and Pallets
These give you instant raised beds or large container gardens. Many stores give them away.
Best for: Vegetables, large plantings, or vertical gardens
Prep needed: Line with landscape fabric, staple in place
Safety check: Look for HT (heat-treated) stamps, not MB (chemical)
Vertical option: Lean pallets against walls for living walls
Wine crates make attractive herb gardens. Larger crates can hold entire salad gardens.
9. Old Purses and Bags
Canvas bags, old purses, and even backpacks can hold plants. The handles make hanging easy.
Best for: Annual flowers, trailing plants, or herbs
Drainage: Poke holes with scissors or awl
Material note: Natural fibers last 2-3 seasons; synthetic ones last longer
Hanging tip: Use sturdy hooks rated for the weight
Reusable grocery bags work great for this. They’re already designed to hold weight.
10. Teapots and Kettles
That chipped teapot gets new life as a planter. The spout provides extra drainage when tipped.
Best for: Small plants, succulents, or kitchen herbs
Display idea: Group mismatched teapots on shelves
Drainage: Enlarge spout opening with pliers or drill bottom hole
Plant pairing: Mint or thyme looks perfect spilling from spouts
Ceramic teapots work better than metal ones, which can overheat roots.
11. Gutters
Rain gutter sections create perfect shallow planters for walls or fences.
Best for: Lettuces, herbs, or strawberries
Installation: Mount with brackets, cap the ends with gutter caps
Drainage: Drill 1/4-inch holes every 6 inches
Length tip: 4-foot sections are easier to manage than longer ones
This system works great for small-space gardening. You can stack multiple levels.
12. Old Furniture
Chairs with missing seats, broken dressers, or wobbly tables all work. Get creative.
Best for: Creating garden focal points or themed displays
Chair idea: Remove seat, place pot in frame, let plants trail down
Weatherproofing: Seal wood with 2 coats of outdoor polyurethane
Drawer option: Pull drawers out at different lengths for a cascading effect
Old bed frames make excellent garden borders. File cabinets work great for vertical gardens.
13. Plastic Storage Containers
Those cracked storage tubs make excellent planters.
Best for: Large plantings, mini gardens, or growing vegetables
Clear advantage: Monitor root growth and moisture levels
Drilling tip: Turn upside down, drill from the inside out
Size benefit: 18-gallon tubs can grow full-sized tomato plants
Dark containers hide roots better but heat up more. Choose based on your climate.
Making Your DIY Planters Last
Your creative planters need some prep work to succeed long-term.
Weatherproofing
If your planter will live outside:
- Seal wooden items with 2 coats of outdoor polyurethane
- Spray metal with rust-preventing primer, then paint
- Line fabric items with plastic to slow decomposition
- Apply clear sealant to painted surfaces
Reapply sealants yearly for best results. Skip this step for indoor planters.
Preventing Root Damage
Some materials can get too hot or cold:
- Wrap metal planters with burlap in winter
- Paint dark plastics white or light colors
- Move sensitive plants during extreme weather
- Add mulch on top to insulate roots
Metal planters in full sun can reach 140°F. That’s hot enough to cook roots.
Cleaning and Prep
Always clean containers before planting:
- Wash with dish soap and water
- Scrub off any rust or flaking paint
- Disinfect with 1 part bleach to 9 parts water
- Rinse well and let dry completely
- Add drainage material if needed
This prevents disease transfer and gives plants a healthy start.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping drainage: This kills more plants than anything else. When in doubt, add more holes. Even cacti need drainage.
- Using treated wood: Older treated lumber contains arsenic. Look for ACQ-treated lumber or use untreated wood for edibles.
- Forgetting about weight: Wet soil weighs about 75 pounds per cubic foot. Make sure your deck can handle it.
- Ignoring size limits: That cute teacup won’t work for your tomato plant. Match container size to plant needs.
- Placing directly on surfaces: Use pot feet or saucers. This prevents staining and improves drainage.
- Overcrowding plants: Give each plant enough space. Crowded plants compete for nutrients and get diseases easier.
Getting Started
Pick one item from your recycling bin or garage. Drill some drainage holes. Add potting soil and a plant. That’s it.
Start small. Try herbs in tin cans or succulents in teacups. See what works. Learn what your plants like.
Remember: there’s no perfect planter. If your plant thrives, you’ve succeeded. If it doesn’t, you’ve learned something. Either way, you’re gardening, and that’s what matters.
