You don’t need a large backyard or a bulky wallet to grow something beautiful. With a bit of creativity, you can turn everyday objects into planters at little to no cost. Not only do these containers save you money while giving you a practical gardening solution, but they also provide flexibility. Instead of being limited to a certain patch in your yard that doesn’t always get the right weather conditions, you can move your plants around. Your herbs can now live on your balcony or patio, where you have easy access while cooking. Your flowers can liven up your walkways instead of being hidden in a corner. Here are some cheap container gardening ideas that’ll help you grow more while spending less.
1. Paint Can Planters
Paint cans usually end up in the recycling bin because what else are you going to do with them? It turns out that empty cans make great garden containers. And they technically don’t cost anything because you already paid for them when you bought the paint. Paint cans are made from metal and they come in manageable sizes, and these are only two of the reasons why they can be planters. Clean the insides, drill a couple of drainage holes, and plant herbs like basil, parsley, and cilantro. You can paint the outsides with bright colors or give each can a quirky label with the name of the plant.
2. Tire Planters
A couple of tires stacked on top of each other filled with nothing but soil is one of the best hacks when it comes to growing your own potatoes. But this type of planter can be used for other veggies and even flowers and it doesn’t cost much. Think of it as a retirement option for tires that have spent their whole lives on the road. Simply clean the worn tires and place them where you want them to be because once filled, they can be a little heavy and difficult to move around. One tire should be enough for smaller plants, but you can stack two or more for deeper planting space. Leave the tires plain for an industrial touch or paint them to match your style.
3. Laundry Basket Planters
Laundry baskets as planters? Laundry baskets as planters! It’s unconventional and slightly odd, but it works. Laundry baskets already have holes, so you can add drainage and airflow to the list of reasons why you should consider this cheap container gardening idea. They’re also surprisingly spacious on the inside and lightweight, which means you can easily move them around as the seasons change.
4. Colander Herb Pots
Colanders already have built-in drainage holes, so you can simply go ahead and use them. No modification required here, folks. Add a thin layer of landscape fabric inside the colander to prevent soil from washing out while still allowing water to drain freely. Plant all of your favorite herbs like thyme, oregano, and parsley and place your new cheap garden containers in a central location where you can water them and harvest what you need while cooking.
5. Old Cooler Planter
Sometimes coolers simply give up, so they don’t keep your drinks cool anymore. That’s when it’s time to repurpose the old thing into a nifty planter. The thick insulated walls are exactly what your plants need to protect their roots from temperature swings. The interior is deep, so tomato, pepper, and cucumber roots can spread comfortably. Drill multiple drainage holes in the bottom to prevent water from sticking around for too long and place your cooler in a sheltered spot with sufficient sunlight. A colorful cooler with vibrant flowers will be a great conversation starter or decorative accent if you’re going to be hosting a beach or Hawaiian themed party soon.
6. Tin Can Herb Garden
Tin cans are just as great as paint cans, and they may even be better. It all depends on what you want to use them for and the size that’s going to work for you. If you’re looking for something to grow large vegetables in, go for paint cans. If you want something for individual small flowers or herbs, tin cans should do. Clean them thoroughly and drill a few holes in the bottom for drainage. You can place them on a windowsill, line them up along a patio railing, or even hang them against a wall with a sturdy wire.
7. Milk Crate Planters
Milk crates are already sturdy because of their original purpose. Their design is also perfect for good airflow and drainage, and it allows you to arrange them in neat rows. Use this to your advantage to create a container garden that doesn’t need much work. Actually, it may not need any work at all except for adding a layer of landscape fabric and planting your chosen veggies or flowers inside. They’re even strong enough to support heavier plants like tomatoes and peppers. You can place your milk crate planters anywhere you want, from against the boundary walls of your yard to your patio or balcony.
8. PVC Pipe Planters
Who said PVC pipes can’t be containers? They can contain plants if you cut openings along the sides, can’t they? The beauty of this cheap container gardening idea is that it creates a sleek vertical planter that draws the eye upward and saves a lot of floor space. And it doesn’t look cheap at all! Especially if you give it a fresh coat of paint in a neutral color or a bright shade that matches your outdoor aesthetics. Mount your pipe planters on a wall or fence, or hang it from a wire with soil and strawberries, herbs, and even lettuce.
9. Reused Drawer Planters
Before you throw out that old wooden dresser, take out the drawers and give them a brand new purpose. The wooden structure and shallow depth come together to create the perfect home for herbs or small flowers, especially if you line the insides with plastic or landscape fabric. The rustic handles can stay because they add character and the more imperfections, the better. Don’t forget to treat the wood to endure outdoor weather conditions and to drill those drainage holes!
10. Old Wheelbarrow Planter
Not only is an old wheelbarrow a cheap container idea, but it’s also a free container idea. And it’s a great way to free up some space and use something that doesn’t have a purpose anymore. The deep basin is perfect for soil and plant roots, and you can easily drill holes in the bottom for drainage. When the plants start spilling over the edges, your simply rusty wheelbarrow will be an artwork and you can move it around as much as you want or need to.
