Using and keeping recyclable planters in your garden not only enhances the look of the garden but also helps you to save space and money. Every day we generate some or the other household stuff as waste and discard it thinking that it can never be utilized again. But with a little extra effort, creativity and interest we can easily reuse these items as garden planters. This option also works for those who stay in apartments and donât have garden space.
Constructing or placing these planters not only enhances look of the house or balcony but also helps you to get fresh air and greenery. By reusing these discarded items in the garden, you would be starting a new life for a plant besides giving a second life to the waste product.
Given below are seven creative recycled garden planters that can be used to make your own planters and you only have to spend some time but no money for it.
1. Coconut shells as planters:
After scraping the coconut, do not discard the shells. Instead use them to create planters for plants having small and shallow roots like lettuce, etc. Take some coconut shells and wash in water. Allow them to dry and using a drill machine make two to three holes at the bottom. Put some potting mix and drop the seeds by making deep holes into the potting mix. Using a sprayer, spray some water and cover the seeds with soil. Spray again and place them in sunlight. Your coconut shell planters are ready.
2. Reusable grocery bags:
We generally gather a lot of plastic grocery bags after purchasing our household items. Do not discard these bags. Instead use them for planting plants like lettuce or any flowering other plants that require moisture for their growth. A plastic reusable grocery bag can act as a great container for garden vegetables or flowers as it can hold more amount of soil and provides better water retention. Put potting mix and plant your lettuce plants or seedlings or any other flowering plant. Water properly and place in a sunny spot.
3. Soda bottles as upside down hanging garden planters:
Rather than throwing away the soda bottles use them upside down for growing plants. They act as great low cost planters and you can hang them near the window or any location of your choice, which gets proper amount of sunlight. Using a razor, cut the bottom third of the bottle and wrap a duct tape around it. Keep half of the duct tape on the bottle and half above it. Make slits of about 2 to 3 inches in the duct tape and fold them over. Make two holes about ½ ways down the duct tape. Make two or more on the opposite sides. Take some strings and thread two of the holes (from outside in). Repeat the same on the other side as well. Using a drill, make hole in the bottle cap (for drainage) and screw it back.
4. Old crockery as planters:
Worn-out crockery is one of the household items that can be used to create garden planters. Keep them in your living room or dining space or near your window. They give a great look to your house. You can also think of decorating them by painting any motifs or designs on them. China cups, bowls, containers or tea pots are good for planting ivy. First clean and dry the tea cups and fill the bottom third with potting soil. Take the ivy plant. Remove any pot-bound roots and place the plant in the tea cup. Fill the rest with potting soil and press down the soil with your hands. Water lightly and fertilize every few weeks. Place the plant in indirect sunlight. There are no drainage holes in the cups so remember to water sparingly.
5. Tyre planters:
Use old tires as planters for your garden. You just have to cut them and they can be the perfect containers for your plants. Using a sharp tool make some holes at the bottom. They provide good space for the growth of your plants. Fill them with potting soil and mix in some fertilizer. Plant your seeds or plants by digging small holes in the soil. Using your hands, fill in the remaining portion with soil and firm those to avoid any air packets. Water and keep in an area with good amount of sunlight. You can grow marigolds, money plants, and any other choice of plants that donât grow much in height. You can also paint those tires to make them look more attractive.
6. Kitchen containers:
Old pickle jars and jam bottles can act as good planters. Rather than discarding, use them for planting money plants, house plants, etc. Wash and dry the containers. Make small holes in the containers using a drill machine. Fill in the potting soil. Place the plant and firm them with your hands or use a spoon. Water properly and place in an area where they can get proper sunlight. You can also paint the containers to make them look more attractive.
7. Wine crates:
Instead of throwing away the wine crates, utilize them as your garden planters. Make some holes in the bottom using a drilling machine. Take equal proportions of potting soil, peat moss and perlite. Mix them well and fill in the crates. Fill in only three fourth of the crates with this soil and place your plants/seeds. Using your hands, firm the soil thoroughly. Water thoroughly till the water comes out from the bottom holes. Carry the crates and place them in partial or full shade, depending upon the sunlight requirement of the seeds/plants.
