By Kayla, Founder, Third Orbit Flora
We love DIY! We don’t love the idea of creating MORE waste when suggesting DIY projects. Please always try to source your materials responsibly.
Finding creative ways to reduce waste and repurpose materials is more important than ever. One area where this mindset can truly flourish is in gardening! Instead of buying new planters, why not upcycle items you already have lying around? Get inspired with the suggestions below!
Wooden Pallets: Wooden pallets are versatile and can be upcycled into a variety of garden projects, including planters. Disassemble a pallet and use the individual slats to build a rustic planter box. Alternatively, keep the pallet intact and fill the gaps with landscape fabric or burlap to create pockets for planting herbs or small flowers. Lean the pallet against a wall or fence for a vertical garden that saves space and adds visual interest.
Tin Cans: Empty tin cans can be transformed into charming planters with just a little bit of creativity. Clean them thoroughly, remove any sharp edges, and consider decorating with decoupage. Drill drainage holes in the bottom, fill them with soil, and voila! You have a simple yet stylish planter ready to showcase your favorite herbs or flowers.
Old Plastic Planters: Instead of discarding old plastic planters that plants come in, give them a new lease on life by upcycling them. Clean the planters thoroughly and consider painting them with outdoor spray paint to refresh their appearance.
Broken Ceramic or Glass Containers: Instead of throwing away chipped or cracked ceramic pots or glass jars, repurpose them into quirky planters. Use mosaic techniques to cover the imperfections, or embrace the flaws and incorporate them into the design. Plant succulents or cacti in these containers, as they require minimal watering and thrive in shallow soil.
With a little imagination, you can reuse materials to support plant life! Not only does upcycling reduce waste and breathe new life into discarded items, but it also adds character and personality to your garden. So, the next time you're tempted to toss something in the trash, consider how you might give it a second chance as a beautiful home for your plants. Happy upcycling!
- Third Orbit Flora
Photo Credit: Adobe Stock image of a wooden pallet repurposed as a wall-hanging planter.