Unusual Garden Planter Ideas

Creating unique planters for your garden or home allows you to add a personal touch to your green space. Whether you’re upcycling items or decorating classic pots, these creative ideas will elevate your plant displays. From painted terra cotta pots to shell-decorated containers, this will show you how to create unusual garden planters and provide 10 unusual garden planter ideas with items you can use as plant pots.

Painted Terra Cotta Pots

Terra cotta pots are a popular choice for gardeners because they’re affordable and versatile. With a little paint, you can transform these simple clay pots into vibrant works of art that enhance your plants. To create your own painted terra cotta pots, start by choosing a color scheme that complements your garden or home décor.

1. Materials Needed: You’ll need terra cotta pots, acrylic paint, brushes, and a clear sealer to protect your design. You can also use stencils if you want to add patterns or shapes.
2. Instructions: Begin by cleaning your pots and letting them dry. Apply a base coat of paint to cover the entire pot. Once the base coat is dry, add any decorative details or patterns. After the design is complete, seal the pot with a clear, waterproof sealant to protect it from the elements.
3. Tips: For a rustic look, consider distressing the paint by lightly sanding the edges after it dries. You can also use metallic paint for a more modern finish.

Painted Tin Cans

Upcycling tin cans into plant pots is an eco-friendly way to add character to your garden. These versatile containers can be customized with paint, and their size makes them perfect for small plants like succulents or herbs.

1. Materials Needed: You’ll need tin cans (cleaned and labels removed), acrylic paint, a hammer, a nail (to create drainage holes), and a clear sealant.
2. Instructions: Start by punching a few drainage holes in the bottom of each can using a hammer and nail. Next, paint the cans with a base color and let them dry. Add decorative touches like stripes, polka dots, or floral designs. Once the paint is dry, apply a sealant to protect the cans from moisture.
3. Tips: If you prefer a more natural look, wrap the cans with jute or twine instead of painting them. This will give your pots a rustic, farmhouse-style appearance.

Verdigris Bucket Planters

Verdigris, the green patina that forms on copper, adds an antique look to metal containers. Creating a verdigris effect on a metal bucket or pot can give your garden a touch of vintage charm. Here’s how to achieve this weathered look.

1. Materials Needed: You’ll need a galvanized bucket, a brush, metal primer, gold, white and aqua green acrylic paint, sponge, amber shellac and a sealant.
2. Instructions: Clean and sand bucket, apply a coat of metal primer-allow to dry for 2-3 hours then pain with gold pain and allow to dry again for 2-3 hours. Next paint with amber shellac and allow to dry for 30 minutes. Mix white and aqua green acrylic pain with enough water to make a liquid consistency and sponge on to your desired effect. Once you have the desired effect apply sealant.
3. Tips: You can experiment with layering different shades of acrylic paint to create a more textured and authentic look. Pair your verdigris bucket with lush green plants to enhance the aged aesthetic.

Shell-Decorated Planters

For a coastal vibe, decorate your planters with seashells. This easy DIY project adds texture and interest to your pots, making them stand out in your garden or on your patio.

1. Materials Needed: You’ll need a planter, seashells, strong adhesive, and a clear sealant.
2. Instructions: Start by arranging the seashells on the planter to decide on a pattern or design. Once you’re satisfied with the arrangement, glue the shells to the pot. After the adhesive dries, seal the entire planter with a clear coat to protect it from the elements.
3. Tips: Combine small and large shells for a more dynamic look. You can also add decorative sand or pebbles to the design for added texture.

10 Unique Items to Use as Pots for Plants

If you want to think outside the box, many everyday items can be repurposed into unique planters. Here are 10 ideas to inspire your creativity:

1. Colanders: The built-in drainage holes make colanders perfect for plants. Line them with coconut coir or moss, fill with soil, and add your favorite flowers or herbs.
2. Teacups: Vintage teacups create charming planters for small succulents or cacti. They work well as indoor decor or gifts.
3. Old Boots: Repurpose worn-out boots into quirky planters. Simply drill a few holes in the soles for drainage, fill them with soil, and plant your choice of greenery.
4. Birdcages: Old birdcages can be transformed into hanging planters. Line the bottom with moss or a coconut liner, add soil, and plant trailing vines or colorful blooms.
5. Suitcases: Vintage suitcases make unique statement planters. Drill drainage holes in the bottom, fill with soil, and plant a variety of flowers for a whimsical garden display.
6. Wicker Baskets: Wicker baskets, lined with plastic or a coconut liner, can serve as rustic planters. They’re ideal for creating a natural, earthy look in your garden.
7. Toolboxes: Old metal toolboxes can be upcycled into industrial-style planters. Paint them in bright colors or leave them with a weathered look for a rustic feel.
8. Wine Crates: Wooden wine crates add a farmhouse charm to your garden. Line them with landscape fabric, fill with soil, and plant a mix of herbs or flowers.
9. Kitchen Pots: Old kitchen pots and pans make excellent plant containers. Drill a few holes in the bottom for drainage, and you’ve got a functional and decorative planter.
10. Tires: Recycled tires can be turned into large, durable planters. Paint them in bright colors and stack them for a layered garden bed effect.

Happy Gardening

Adding creativity to your garden with unique pots and planters not only elevates the aesthetics but also adds personality to your space. From painting classic terra cotta pots to upcycling everyday items, the possibilities are endless. By following these ideas and experimenting with different materials, you can create eye-catching planters that showcase your plants beautifully. Let your imagination guide you, and enjoy the process of turning ordinary objects into extraordinary garden art.

Please be sure to check out my Gardening Blog Post Page for more tips on all types of gardening. Including Seed Starting, Orchids, Water Gardening, Coldframe Gardening, Indoor Bulb Gardening, Hydroponics, Container Gardening, Mums, Herbs, African Violets, planting Bulbs, Flower Gardening, Vegetable and Fruit Gardening, Indoor Houseplants of all kinds, Cactus, Succulents, Hanging plants, Deer resistant plants and even Bird, Bee, Butterfly and Hummingbird Gardens!