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I love the idea of turning old, forgotten items into something useful and beautiful for my garden space.
If you’re looking to add more greenery to your space while adding your own personality, using recycled materials is one of the best ways to do it. Whether you’re working with a small apartment balcony or need ideas for renter-friendly containers in your backyard homestead, there are plenty of ways to create a unique, thriving garden using items you already have.
Upcycled garden projects not only save money but also add character and sustainability to your space.
Instead of buying expensive planters and garden decor, here are nine easy weekend-friendly garden projects using repurposed materials that will inspire you to get creative with what you have.
Upcycled tin can herb planters
Tin cans are one of the easiest and most accessible items to turn into stylish herb planters. They fit perfectly on windowsills, balconies, or small patio gardens, making them ideal for compact spaces.
To make these, simply clean out old tin cans, punch a few drainage holes in the bottom, and decorate them however you like. Paint them in earthy tones, wrap them in twine, or even label them with chalk paint. Fill them with soil and plant easy-to-grow herbs like basil, mint, or chives.
Colander plant hanger for pollinator flowers
An old metal colander makes a perfect hanging planter, especially for growing vibrant flowers that attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. The built-in drainage holes make it ideal for healthy root growth, and its unique shape adds a charming farmhouse touch to any outdoor space.
To create a colander planter, start by lining the inside with coconut coir or burlap to hold the soil while allowing excess water to drain. Fill it with a lightweight potting mix and plant pollinator-friendly flowers like lavender, petunias, or alyssum. Attach sturdy chains or rope to the handles and hang it from a porch, balcony, or garden hook.
This upcycled hanging planter is an easy and stylish way to start a low-maintenance pollinator garden while adding a rustic, vintage feel to your garden.
Old boot or shoe planters
If you have worn-out boots or shoes, don’t throw them away—turn them into quirky planters instead. Their compact shape makes them great for small flowers, succulents, or herbs, and they add a fun touch to any space.
Punch small drainage holes in the soles, fill them with potting soil, and arrange them on steps, porches, or in a dedicated “shoe garden” corner.
DIY vertical garden from an old pallet
If you’re short on space, a vertical garden is a fantastic way to grow more without taking up valuable ground area. An old pallet can be transformed into a rustic vertical planter that works well on balconies, fences, or small patios.
Find a discarded pallet, sand it down, and secure landscaping fabric to the back and bottom to hold soil in place. Then, fill the pallet with soil and plant strawberries, succulents, or cascading flowers between the slats. Lean it against a wall or attach it to a fence for a functional and beautiful garden feature.
Explore more ideas for outdoor vertical garden walls here.
Repurposed dresser drawer planter
Before tossing an old, broken dresser, consider turning the drawers into a creative garden planter. The deep shape makes them perfect for growing flowers, herbs, or shallow-rooted vegetables.
To ensure the drawers last outdoors, seal the wood with a protective finish and drill small drainage holes in the bottom. Pull the drawers out from the dresser or remove them and stack in an eye-catching arrangement, filling each one with soil and a mix of vibrant plants. This works beautifully for layered herb gardens or a cascading floral display.
Old tire container planters
Instead of sending old tires to a landfill, turn them into sturdy and unique planters. Their deep shape makes them perfect for growing vegetables, flowers, or even small fruit trees.
For a modern look, paint the tires in neutral tones or keep them natural for a rustic feel. Stack them for a tiered garden effect, lay them flat to create a circular raised bed, or cut them into artistic shapes for added texture.
Find more ideas for diy affordable raised garden beds here.
Rustic garden signs from junk
Old wood, metal scraps, and even discarded tools can be transformed into charming rustic garden signs with a little creativity. Using reclaimed materials like weathered fence boards, pallet wood, or rusty metal, you can create unique garden decor that adds farmhouse charm while keeping junk out of landfills. Adding a distressed finish with chalk paint, crackle medium, or natural aging techniques gives the sign an authentic vintage feel.
To personalize your sign, use stencils, hand-painted lettering, or wood-burning tools to create phrases like “Welcome to My Garden” or “Fresh Herbs”. Hang it from a tree, mount it on a post, or attach it to an old rake handle for a farmhouse-inspired look. Sealing with an outdoor finish ensures it lasts through the seasons, making it a fun and practical upcycling project for any garden space.
Wooden crate garden for small spaces
Wooden crates are lightweight, easy to arrange, and perfect for small-space gardening. They can be used as modular raised beds, creating an organized and rustic feel for a patio or balcony garden.
To make a simple crate garden, line the inside with burlap or landscaping fabric to prevent soil from escaping. Arrange multiple crates together for a structured layout, then plant herbs, leafy greens, or strawberries. This setup is easy to move around and customize depending on your space.
CD garden reflectors to deter pests
Old CDs can be repurposed into natural pest deterrents while adding a shimmering, artistic element to the garden. The reflective surface scares away birds, squirrels, and other critters that might damage your plants.
Simply string CDs on fishing line and hang them from garden stakes, fruit trees, or fences. The movement and light reflections create a harmless yet effective deterrent while adding a decorative touch to your space.
Recycled ceramic teapot or teacup planters
Broken or mismatched teapots and teacups make adorable and whimsical garden planters, perfect for small succulents, herbs, or delicate flowers. Their ceramic finish helps retain moisture, making them a stylish and practical choice for both indoor and outdoor gardens.
To turn a teapot or teacup into a planter, add a layer of gravel to the bottom to prevent overwatering. Fill it with soil and plant mini succulents, trailing vines, or compact flowers like violets or pansies.
Upcycled bathtub garden
An old bathtub makes a fantastic raised garden bed that provides deep planting space and built-in drainage. It’s great for growing root vegetables, pollinator-friendly flowers, or a mix of herbs and greens.
If you have access to an old clawfoot tub or modern bathtub, clean it out, place it in a sunny corner of your garden, and fill it with soil. Over time, it will become a beautiful focal point filled with greenery and life.
Creative vintage garden upcycles
For a touch of charm and vintage flair, here are three creative ways to repurpose old materials into garden decor:
- Wagon wheel garden bed – If you have an old wagon wheel, lay it flat on the ground and fill the spaces between the spokes with soil to create a sectioned herb garden.
- Rusty tool planters – Convert old watering cans, metal buckets, or wheelbarrows into charming planters for wildflowers or succulents.
- Broken chair planter – Remove the seat of a wooden chair and fit a planter or cascading flowers inside for a whimsical garden feature.
Gardening doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. With a little creativity, you can turn everyday objects into thriving, sustainable garden features. Whether you’re working with a small urban space or a larger backyard, these DIY projects are a fun and rewarding way to add personality to your garden.
