making planters from old containers

Repurposing Old Containers Into Stunning Planters

Creating beautiful planters from old containers is an engaging way to recycle, beautify your space, and nurture your plant collection. This guide will explore various types of containers you can repurpose, steps for converting them into planters, care tips for your plants, and creative decoration ideas. By using old containers, you contribute to environmental sustainability while adding an artistic touch to your home or garden.

Selecting the Right Containers

You can transform a wide range of old containers into planters. Consider the following options:

Plastic Bottles: Lightweight and easy to cut, plastic bottles can be used for herbs, flowers, and small plants. They can be hung on walls or balconies, maximizing space.
Tin Cans: Once you remove the labels and clean them, tin cans can serve as charming rustic planters. Add drainage holes for effective water management.
Wooden Crates: Ideal for larger plants, wooden crates provide ample space for soil and roots. They can be painted or stained for aesthetic appeal.
Teacups and Mugs: Perfect for small succulents or cacti, these add a whimsical touch to your indoor decor.
Old Shoes: While unconventional, old boots or shoes can make eye-catching planters and bring personality to your garden.
Bathtubs or Sinks: Large and unique, repurposed bathtubs can become focal points in garden landscapes.
Baskets: Woven baskets can be lined with plastic to hold soil and plants, blending in with natural surroundings.

Preparing the Containers

Before you start planting, you need to prepare your containers:

Cleaning: Remove any existing substances, labels, or rust. This is especially important for food containers to avoid chemicals leaching into the soil.
Draining Holes: For containers that do not already have drainage holes (like tin cans), use a drill or a hammer and nail to create multiple small holes at the bottom for excess water to escape. Proper drainage prevents root rot.
Lining: For porous materials like wood or wicker, consider lining your planter with a plastic sheet to maintain soil moisture and prevent rot or escape of soil.

Choosing the Right Soil

The type of soil you use is crucial for the growth of your plants. Here are factors to consider:

Drainage: A well-draining soil mix is essential. Consider using a mix of potting soil with perlite, sand, or vermiculite to enhance drainage capabilities.
Nutrients: Incorporate organic compost or fertilizers to provide nutrients. This is particularly important for containers that may not provide natural soil amendments.
pH Balance: Most plants prefer a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Test your soil mix to ensure it supports plant growth.

Selecting Plants for Your Containers

The choice of plants depends on the size, style, and placement of your container. Here are some popular options:

Succulents and Cacti: Perfect for smaller containers and require minimal watering, making them ideal for beginners.
Herbs: Consider planting basil, mint, or chives in recycled jars or cups. These can be placed indoors for convenience.
Flowers: Petunias, marigolds, and pansies thrive in larger containers like crates or old bathtubs, adding color to your garden.
Foliage Plants: Ferns, spider plants, and pothos are great options for creating lush displays, even in low-light conditions.

Planting Process

Follow this simple guide for planting in your newly created containers:

Layering: Start with a layer of small stones or gravel at the bottom for drainage, followed by a layer of activated charcoal to prevent odors and filter impurities.
Filling: Add your prepped soil mix, leaving space at the top for your plants.
Positioning: Carefully remove your plants from their nursery pots and place them in the container. Ensure roots are spread out and not coiled.
Packing: Fill in around your plants with more soil, gently packing it to remove air pockets without compressing it too tightly.
Watering: After planting, give your containers a thorough watering, ensuring moisture penetrates all layers of the soil.

Caring for Your Planters

Proper care will ensure the longevity and health of your plants:

Watering: Understand the needs of your specific plants. Over-watering is a common mistake; always allow the topsoil to dry out before re-watering.
Sunlight: Place your containers according to their sunlight needs. Some thrive in full sun, while others prefer shade.
Fertilization: Regularly apply a balanced liquid fertilizer during the growing months of spring and summer.
Pruning: Remove dead leaves and spent flowers to encourage new growth and maintain aesthetics.

Creative Decoration Ideas

Personalize your planters to reflect your style:

Painting: Use outdoor paint or spray paint to add color to tin cans or wooden crates. Consider stenciling for an artistic flair.
Adding Accessories: Incorporate decorative stones, tiles, or ribbons around your planter for added charm.
Hanging Planters: Use twine or wire to hang plastic bottles or tins, creating vertical gardens that save space and add depth.
Grouping: Create a cohesive look by grouping various sized and styled containers together. Combine taller and shorter plants for visual interest.
Theme Gardens: Consider a theme (e.g., herb garden, succulent garden) and select planters that complement each other in style.

Seasonal Adjustments

Adapt your planting strategy with the seasons:

Winter: If temperatures drop, consider bringing sensitive plants indoors or wrapping containers with insulation materials to protect roots.
Spring: Refresh the soil and fertilize as needed to promote growth as sunlight and warmth return.
Summer: Monitor watering closely, as hot temperatures can quickly dry out soil.
Fall: Prepare for harvest if growing veggies or herbs, and consider planting cool-weather flowers for an enduring display.

Sustainability Benefits

Repurposing old containers not only reduces waste but also promotes sustainable gardening practices. Recycling materials decreases demand for new products and minimizes your environmental footprint. Additionally, growing your own plants or herbs can reduce your reliance on store-bought produce, increasing sustainability overall.

By tapping into the creativity and practicality involved in upcycling everyday items, you can create unique planters that bring life, color, and sustainability to your surroundings. Through careful preparation and thoughtful planting, your garden will thrive, all while being eco-friendly and stylish.