Planters not only look great, but they’re perfect for smaller spaces. If you’re an apartment dweller and don’t have an available yard for a garden, then you’re in luck. You can start small by growing some delicious herbs in a window box, then look at other options when you decide to expand.
Planters made from recycled materials are a win-win; you’re not only reusing something that may otherwise be thrown away (therefore reducing waste and landfill growth), you’re also doing something creative and giving a plant a nice, new home.
Let’s take a look at some fun and creative planter ideas …
Colander Planters
Believe it or not, but colanders make perfect planters without any modifications, simply because of their porous properties. Plants love oxygen and have the need to drain water - colanders help with both of these requirements!
Paint Can Planters
If you’re like most people, you already have some old cans of paint tucked away in a closet, shed, or garage. Why not use them to brighten up your house, grow some plants, and impressive guests with your ingenuity?
The paint-dripping-down-the-side look isn’t mandatory, but I think it looks pretty neat!
Vintage Crate Planter
Of course not everyone has access to a vintage crate, but if you do, this is a great use for it! You can place it on your patio and create an interesting talking point during dinner parties. Perhaps your local flea market or thrift shop will have some laying around?
Cork Airplant Magnets
Airplants (Tillandsias) are becoming more popular lately, because they can be quite small, don’t have roots, and don’t need any watering (they absorb moisture out of the air, hence their name).
All you need to create these tiny, portable planters is a cork, an air plant, a magnet, and some glue. Glue the magnet to the cork, and the air plant to the top of the cork and boom … you’ve got a miniature, self-sufficient plant that’s beautiful and can be stuck to any magnetic surface. How cool is that?
Bread Pan Planter
This one is fun and simple. If you’ve got an old bread pan that’s starting to rust, it makes a perfect planter that can be placed nearly anywhere. Plus, the rusty look is totally in right now!
Wood Window Box
These can be placed either on a window sill or as in the example above, over a railing. All you need is a wooden box (preferably treated to be water resistant) and a couple high-strength straps. This will surely help your patio or window look more chic and inviting.
So there you have it! Hopefully at least one of these ideas gave you some inspiration to try something creative with your planters. And by reusing old items you have around your house, or you’ve found at a 2nd-hand store or neighborhood flea market, you’re helping the planet at the same time.
Got any of your own favorite planter ideas? Please share in the comments below :)