Upcycle Anything Into A Planter

I know it’s a bit early, but I’m gearing up for spring. It’s my favorite time of year and I just can’t wait any longer! I have my seedlings soaking and ready to sprout. The only thing I’m missing is outdoor space. Luckily, my apartment is a bright and light-filled space with windows on all sides, so my urban garden will be in planters. Of course, I want my planters to be a statement décor element in my window garden and I LOVE the ingenuity of a repurposed planter. With a little creativity, nearly anything can become a planter. Whether you are gearing up for spring in an indoor or outdoor space, these resourceful planter ideas could work for you!

Starting From Seedlings

I always start my garden from the seed. There is something so gratifying and exciting about seeing your seeds sprout and grow into a full beautiful plant (when this happens of course … it doesn’t always). In addition, there are sometimes almost 100 seeds in a packet and I love having extra plants to gift to friends. From the get go, you can start your plants life in a repurposed item. Planting your seeds in eggshells is my favorite method. When it’s time to transplant your seedlings, simply break up the eggshell and put it in your new planter. Eggshells are great for compost. [from Indiana Public Media]

I often cut out the top of my egg carton and put plastic wrap over the opening for faster germination.

If you want to grow succulents, simply start your plant using clippings.

Industrial Modern Repurposed Planters

After you’ve planted your seeds, it’s time to get creative while you wait for them to grow! All you need for a planter is a container and often a drain hole at the bottom. If the item you want to repurpose as your planter does not have a drain hole, simply get the appropriate drill bit and drill away! (Note: For fragile materials like ceramic and glass, put a piece of tape over where you want the hole and then drill. This keeps it from chipping.)

Have extra wine bottles around? If not, get to drinking, because these beautiful planters are made from wine bottles! They are from Homemade Modern, who has provided a great tutorial on how to make your own. [DIY from Homemade Modern]

The next couple of planters are great for modern landscaping. They are an interesting architectural feature made from cinderblocks, and look even better with plants. [from ZacK Benson]

Another industrial item that is easily converted to a planter is the wood palette. It can be an indoor or outdoor living wall. [DIY from Design Sponge]

For a more modern look, paint your palette. [from Justina Blakeney]

This next unique planter is made from repurposed copper gutters. [from Sustainable Garden Design Perth]

Vintage Repurposed Planters

Have anything old? Sometimes an old wooden box or rusted pail is no longer functional but too cool looking to throw out. If you have anything like this, put it to good use and make it a planter! It will give your interior or exterior vintage charm. [from Michelle Deviss Landscape Design, Better Landscape and Gardens]

This bathtub-turned-planter doubles as a coffee table. [from Garage Sale Gal]

The Everyday Planter

You do not need anything unusual to make a planter. Several everyday items can easily be repurposed for a whimsical and sometimes humorous look. Make a planter from a colander, a jar, a book . . . the possibilities are as great as your imagination!

These mini magnetic planters are made from corks and succulent cuttings. [DIY from Upcycle That]

Even an old tin can make a stylish and functional planter! [from House and Home]

You may have seen these clever toy planters on the blogosphere. They are made from old hollow dinosaur toys. Simply cut out a circle and plant a succulent (or any plant that doesn’t need much soil). You can also get one on Etsy. [from Boy Girl Tees]