25 Eco-Friendly DIY Planters Made from Upcycled Treasures

Are you ready to transform your space with lush greenery without spending a fortune? This article is your ultimate guide to eco-friendly gardening on a budget.

Read more

We've all got items lying around that are destined for the recycling bin or even the landfill, but what if those "treasures" could become the perfect homes for your plants?

Read more

Get ready to unleash your creativity and discover 25 ingenious ways to give everyday objects a new life as charming, unique planters.

Read more

#1. Beer Can Succulent Planters

Read more

Instead of tossing out those beer or soda cans, why not turn them into eye-catching succulent planters?

Read more

Materials Needed

  • 10–12 empty aluminum beer/soda cans
  • Can opener
  • Sandpaper (medium grit)
  • Small pebbles
  • Succulent/cactus soil mix
  • Assorted mini succulents
  • Optional: nail + hammer
Read more

Step-by-step Guide

Step 1: Rinse cans thoroughly and let dry. Carefully remove the top using a can opener or knife. Smooth sharp edges with sandpaper.

Read more

Step 2: Poke 2–3 small holes at the bottom for drainage.

Read more

Step 3: Add a thin layer of gravel, followed by soil mix. Plant your succulent and pat down the soil.

Read more

#2. Vertical Cucumber Planter in Grow Bags

Read more

Using simple white grow bags and a nearby wall for support, you can grow a lush cucumber crop even in a narrow alley.

Read more

Materials Needed

  • 5–10 white woven grow bags (40–50 cm tall, 30–35 cm wide)
  • 40–50 liters of rich potting soil
  • Cucumber seedlings (1–2 per bag)
  • Bamboo stakes (1.5–2 meters tall)
  • Zip ties or soft ties
  • Fertilizer (optional)
Read more

Step-by-step Guide

Step 1: Fill each grow bag with potting soil up to 5 cm from the top.

Read more

Step 2: Plant 1–2 cucumber seedlings or sow seeds about 2–3 cm deep in each bag.

Read more

Step 3: Insert a stake into the soil or fix a string trellis against the wall behind each bag.

Read more

#3. Upcycled Bottle Water Garden

Read more

These elegant bottle gardens were born from a few tall glass bottles headed for the recycling bin.

Read more

Materials Needed

  • 3–4 tall clear bottles (preferably with wide mouths, 500ml–1L)
  • Washed aquarium gravel (about 1/2 cup per bottle)
  • Small aquatic plants
  • Tap water
  • Long tweezers
Read more

Step-by-step Guide

Step 1: Clean your bottles thoroughly and remove any labels. Pour a layer of gravel into the bottom of each bottle.

Read more

Step 2: Gently insert the aquatic plants using tweezers, arranging them vertically.

Read more

Step 3: Slowly fill the bottles with water to avoid disturbing the gravel.

Read more

#4. Vintage Tin Herb Garden

Read more

Old cookie tins and tea boxes aren’t just for nostalgia, they make surprisingly charming homes for fresh herbs.

Read more

Materials Needed

  • Empty vintage tins (3.5"–5" wide)
  • Nail and hammer
  • Potting soil
  • Herb seedlings or cuttings (parsley, chives, oregano, etc.)
  • Optional: clear sealant spray
Read more

Step-by-step Guide

Step 1: Clean each tin thoroughly and remove any paper liners or residue.

Read more

Step 2: Carefully punch or drill 3–5 small holes at the bottom for drainage.

Read more

Step 3: Add a thin layer of gravel or small pebbles, then fill with potting soil.

Read more

Step 4: Plant your chosen herbs, gently patting down the soil around the roots.

Read more

#5. Tiered Milk Jug Planter Rack

Read more

This clever upcycled planting rack transforms old milk jugs into a compact, tiered garden, perfect for herbs, leafy greens, or even flowers.

Read more

Materials Needed

  • 20 empty 1-gallon plastic milk jugs
  • Wooden planks (4 pieces, approx. 3 ft long each)
  • Wooden A-frame (approx. 3–4 ft tall)
  • Screws
  • Potting soil (approx. 2 bags, 50–60 liters)
  • Seeds or seedlings (lettuce, mint, parsley, spinach, etc.)
  • Craft knife
  • Drill (optional)
Read more

Step-by-step Guide

Step 1: Rinse and dry the milk jugs, then cut a wide U-shaped opening into each jug, keeping the handle intact.

Read more

Step 2: Drill a few small holes in the bottom of each jug for drainage.

Read more

Step 3: Assemble or repurpose a ladder-style A-frame stand. Secure wooden planks horizontally across each tier.

Read more

Step 4: Place 5 jugs per shelf with the openings facing outward. Fill them with soil, leaving a few inches from the top.

Read more

Step 5: Plant your seeds or seedlings and water them gently.

Read more

#6. Carton Garden Starters

Read more

These humble milk cartons turned out to be the perfect mini nurseries for my summer veggie seedlings.

Read more

Materials Needed

  • 3 used milk (1-liter size)
  • Scissors
  • Potting soil
  • Vegetable or herb seeds
  • Marker (optional)
  • Nail or skewer
Read more

Step-by-step Guide

Step 1: Rinse the cartons well and let them dry. Using scissors or a box cutter, slice off the top third of each carton.

Read more

Step 2: Poke 3–5 small holes in the bottom for drainage.

Read more

Step 3: Fill each with potting soil, leaving about 1 inch from the top, then sow seeds according to packet instructions and gently water.

Read more

#7. Coconut Shell Succulent Planter

Read more

If you love minimalist décor with a touch of nature, this planter is just the thing. It’s charmingly rustic, budget-friendly, and a great way to reuse coconut shells after your smoothies or curry.

Read more

Materials Needed

  • 1 whole coconut (split evenly in half)
  • Fine-grit sandpaper
  • Drill with small bit
  • Succulent/cactus potting mix (approx. 1 cup)
  • Small succulent
  • Optional: wooden ring
Read more

Step-by-step Guide

Step 1: Cut the coconut cleanly in half. Scoop out the inner meat and rinse thoroughly.

Read more

Step 2: Use sandpaper or steel wool to smooth rough edges and clean the exterior.

Read more

Step 3: Drill 2–3 small holes in the bottom for drainage.

Read more

Step 4: Set the shell on a wooden ring or shallow base to keep it steady. Fill with soil and gently plant your succulent. Lightly water and display proudly.

Read more

#8. Balcony Crate Planter Garden

Read more

This vibrant vertical garden setup shows just how lush a balcony can become with the help of simple wooden crates.

Read more

Materials Needed

  • 3–5 wooden crates (at least 16" long x 12" wide x 10" deep)
  • Landscape fabric
  • Potting soil (1–2 bags per crate, about 40–50 liters total)
  • Herb and vegetable seeds (lettuce, basil, cherry tomato, parsley, etc.)
  • Screws and a drill
Read more

Step-by-step Guide

Step 1: Line the inside of each crate with landscape fabric to hold the soil and prevent leaks.

Read more

Step 2: Fill each crate about ¾ full with potting mix.

Read more

Step 3: Plant your chosen herbs and vegetables, grouping ones with similar sunlight and watering needs.

Read more

Step 4: Place the crates along your balcony where they get at least 4–6 hours of sun daily.

Read more

#9. Retro Boombox Succulent Planter

Read more

This one hits the nostalgia nerve and the plant lover’s heart in one go. An old boombox that once blasted tunes now brings calm green energy into your space.

Read more

Materials Needed

  • 1 old boombox or stereo (non-functional is fine)
  • Gold or any spray paint color (optional)
  • Sharp utility knife
  • Small plastic containe
  • Potting soil suitable
  • 3–5 small succulents or cacti
  • Hot glue (optional)
Read more

Step-by-step Guide

Step 1: Carefully disassemble the boombox and remove inner electronics to create space.

Read more

Step 2: Spray paint the entire body if desired, and let dry completely.

Read more

Step 3: Fit a plastic liner into the open section to hold soil and prevent leakage.

Read more

Step 4: Fill the liner with succulent-friendly potting soil, then arrange your succulents inside, firming the soil around their roots.

Read more

#10. Hanging Tire Flower Planter

Read more

I remember doing something similar last spring, it felt like giving an old object a fresh start.

Read more

Materials Needed

  • 1 used car tire (cleaned thoroughly)
  • Outdoor spray paint (1 can, any color)
  • Heavy-duty chain (approx. 3–4 feet long)
  • 2 strong S-hooks
  • Potting soil (approx. 5–7 liters)
  • Flowering plants (petunias, pansies, or other trailing blooms)
  • Drill
  • Rubber gloves and drop cloth
Read more

Step-by-step Guide

Step 1: Wash the tire well with soap and water. Let it dry completely.

Read more

Step 2: Spray paint the tire evenly outdoors on a drop cloth. Let it dry fully.

Read more

Step 3: Drill several small drainage holes along the bottom inner edge of the tire.

Read more

Step 4: Attach a sturdy chain to the tire using bolts or hooks. Hang it securely on a fence or wall using wall anchors or strong hooks.

Read more

#11. Gumball Machine Terrarium

Read more

Perfect for a windowsill or entryway, this project offers a low-maintenance green touch and makes a charming conversation piece.

Read more

Materials Needed

  • 1 small glass fishbowl (6–8 inches wide)
  • 1 clay flower pot
  • 1 clay saucer
  • 1 round wooden knob (decorative lid handle)
  • Small latch and nut bolt (optional)
  • Spray paint
  • Hot glue gun
  • Potting soil
  • Small humidity-loving plants (fittonia, ferns, moss)
  • Pebbles
Read more

Step-by-step Guide

Step 1: Paint the clay pot, saucer, and knob in your chosen color. Let them dry thoroughly.

Read more

Step 2: Hot glue the bowl onto the bottom of the upside-down flower pot.

Read more

Step 3: Glue the knob to the center of the saucer to mimic the gumball lid.

Read more

Step 4: Layer pebbles at the bottom of the bowl, then add potting soil.

Read more

#12. Garden Pants Planter

Read more

Repurposing old jeans and boots, this project transforms a tree stump into a garden guest with blooming flowers for a head.

Read more

Materials Needed

  • 1 pair of old jeans
  • 1 pair of rubber boots
  • 1 plastic flower pot (diameter to match waistband, approx. 10–12 inches)
  • Belt (optional)
  • Potting soil (approx. 4–5 liters)
  • A mix of flowers (pansies, marigolds, or violas work great)
  • Tree stump
Read more

Step-by-step Guide

Step 1: Insert the flower pot into the waistband of the jeans and secure it with a belt if needed.

Read more

Step 2: Stuff the legs of the jeans with straw, newspaper, or fabric scraps to hold shape.

Read more

Step 3: Insert each leg into a boot, making sure the jeans sit naturally.

Read more

Step 4: Fill the flower pot with potting mix and plant your favorite colorful flowers.

Read more

#13. Fancy Heel Succulent Planter

Read more

Turning a pair of vintage pumps into a succulent planter is one of the most elegant upcycled gardening ideas around.

Read more

Materials Needed

  • 1 pair of high-heeled shoes
  • Small succulents (hens & chicks, sedum, echeveria, etc.)
  • Moss or coconut fiber
  • Potting mix
  • Hand drill
  • Optional: decorative stones or gems
Read more

Step-by-step Guide

Step 1: Drill 3–4 holes in the sole for water drainage. Then line the interior with moss or coconut fiber to help retain shape and soil.

Read more

Step 2: Fill each shoe halfway with cactus/succulent soil.

Read more

Step 3: Gently place succulents into the shoe, arranging by height and texture.

Read more

Step 4: Top off with soil, add decorative stones if desired, and water lightly.

Read more

#14. Animal-Themed Bottle Planters

Read more

These whimsical animal planters brought a splash of joy to my windowsill and the best part? They started out as empty soda bottles destined for the trash.

Read more

Materials Needed

  • Empty plastic bottles (500ml–2L, as many as needed)
  • Acrylic paints and paintbrushes
  • Permanent marker
  • Scissors
  • Potting soil
  • Herb or flower seedlings (e.g., mint, basil, parsley)
Read more

Step-by-step Guide

Step 1: Cut each plastic bottle in half or about 5–6 inches from the bottom.

Read more

Step 2: Wash and dry thoroughly. Sketch your animal face shape on the bottle (ears, eyes, nose area).

Read more

Step 3: Paint the base color, let dry, and then add facial details with a smaller brush or marker.

Read more

Step 4: Fill with soil and transplant your herbs or small plants.

Read more

#15. Painted Tin Can Cactus Planter

Read more

This cheerful cactus planter made from a tin can is pure joy in a tiny package.

Read more

Materials Needed

  • 1 empty tin can (standard 400g size)
  • Acrylic paint (pink, green, black)
  • Small paintbrushes
  • Nail + hammer
  • Potting soil (small handful)
  • 1 mini cactus or succulent
Read more

Step-by-step Guide

Step 1: Clean the can thoroughly and remove the label. Dry completely.

Read more

Step 2: Use a nail or drill to poke 2–3 drainage holes in the base, then paint the entire can in your chosen base color and let it dry.

Read more

Step 3: Add cute cactus designs using green and black paint. Fill with soil and gently plant your cactus. Water lightly and enjoy!

Read more

#16. Blooming Boots Planter

Read more

Who knew that worn-out rain boots could bring so much charm to a garden? This delightful upcycling idea turns old rubber boots into vibrant, personality-packed planters.

Read more

Materials Needed

  • 4–6 pairs of old rain boots
  • Potting soil (approx. 2–3 liters per boot)
  • Mixed flowering plants or herbs (petunias, marigolds, pansies, basil, etc.)
  • Drill with small bit
  • Wire, zip ties, or hooks
  • Waterproof paint (optional,)
Read more

Step-by-step Guide

Step 1: Clean boots thoroughly and drill 3–5 small holes in the sole for drainage.

Read more

Step 2: Add a layer of gravel or small stones at the bottom of each boot.

Read more

Step 3: Fill with potting soil, stopping 2 cm from the top, then plant your flowers or herbs.

Read more

#17. Vintage Wheelbarrow Flower Bed

Read more

That rusty, retired wheelbarrow you’ve been meaning to toss? It’s ready for a second act as a rustic garden centerpiece.

Read more

Materials Needed

  • 1 old metal wheelbarrow
  • Potting mix
  • Selection of low-maintenance plants (succulents, creeping jenny, calibrachoa, etc.)
  • Small rocks
  • Optional: bricks
Read more

Step-by-step Guide

Step 1: Choose your wheelbarrow’s final resting angle. Prop it with bricks if needed for balance.

Read more

Step 2: Add a layer of gravel or stones at the bottom to improve drainage.

Read more

Step 3: Fill with well-draining potting mix, leaving room for planting.

Read more

Step 4: Arrange plants with taller ones at the back and trailing types near the edge.

Read more

#18. Tea Pot Hanging Planters

Read more

There’s something utterly magical about turning vintage teacups and teapots into dangling garden planters. It’s elegant, imaginative, and the perfect way to reuse chipped or mismatched china you can’t part with.

Read more

Materials Needed

  • 3–6 vintage teacups, teapots, creamers, or sugar bowls
  • Twine (3–5 ft. per hanger)
  • Hand drill with a ceramic bit
  • Succulents, pansies, violas, or trailing vines
  • Potting mix (cactus mix or general-purpose)
  • Hooks
Read more

Step-by-step Guide

Step 1: If desired, drill a small hole at the base of each for drainage. (Skip this if you're using succulents and will water lightly.)

Read more

Step 2: Fill each teacup or pot with a bit of gravel, then add soil and your plant.

Read more

Step 3: Cut your rope or twine to size, then securely knot it around each handle and hang each piece at staggered heights from a hook or beam.

Read more

#19. Egg Carton Seedling Starter

Read more

Starting seeds in an old egg carton might be one of the simplest joys of gardening. I tried this on a whim one weekend, and now I use it every spring.

Read more

Materials Needed

  • 1 cardboard egg carton (12- or 18-compartment)
  • Potting mix
  • Seeds of your choice
  • Water spray bottle
  • Tray
  • Toothpick
Read more

Step-by-step Guide

Step 1: Cut the lid off the carton and set it aside; place the base on a tray.

Read more

Step 2: Poke a small hole at the bottom of each egg compartment for drainage.

Read more

Step 3: Fill each compartment about ¾ full with potting mix then plant 1–2 seeds per cell according to seed packet instructions.

Read more

#20. Rustic Trash Can Planter

Read more

Who says trash can’t be beautiful? This upcycled metal trash can is transformed into a rustic welcome planter, complete with cheerful blooms, vintage charm, and a warm “Willkommen” greeting.

Read more

Materials Needed

  • 1 vintage metal trash can with lid (approx. 24–30 inches tall)
  • Chalkboard plaque sign
  • Outdoor acrylic paint
  • Potting soil (1–2 bags)
  • A mix of flowering plants and trailing greens
  • Small decorative items: teacups, birdhouses, twine hearts, etc.
  • Rocks
Read more

Step-by-step Guide

Step 1: Clean the trash can and drill several drainage holes in the bottom. Optionally paint or distress the can to enhance its vintage appeal.

Read more

Step 2: Fill the bottom with a layer of stones, then top up with potting mix.

Read more

Step 3: Plant flowers densely, adding cascading types near the edge.

Read more

Step 4: Attach your sign to the lid and prop it open using a support bar or fixed hinge, then dẻoate with personal touches.

Read more

#21. Garden Throne Planters

Read more

I found an old set at a yard sale, gave them a few coats of pastel spray paint, and suddenly they became the focal point of my garden path.

Read more

Materials Needed

  • 1–3 wooden chairs
  • Outdoor paint and paintbrush
  • Coco liners
  • Potting mix
  • Mixed flowers or herbs
Read more

Step-by-step Guide

Step 1: Paint the chairs in bright, fun colors. Let them dry completely.

Read more

Step 2: Line the seat opening with coco liner or landscape fabric. Staple or tuck securely.

Read more

Step 3: Fill the liner with soil and plant your chosen flowers.

Read more

#22. Stacked Colander Hanging Planters

Read more

If you’ve got old kitchen colanders lying around, this playful vertical planter is a total win.

Read more

Materials Needed

  • 2 metal colanders (8–10 inch diameter)
  • Spray paint (optional)
  • 3 metal chains (12–18 inches each)
  • 1 S-hook
  • Wire or pliers
  • Potting soil
  • Small trailing flowers or herbs
Read more

Step-by-step Guide

Step 1: Clean the colanders and paint them if desired. Let dry thoroughly.

Read more

Step 2: Attach 3 chains to the top colander, equally spaced using the handles or drilled holes.

Read more

Step 3: Connect the bottom of the top colander to the next one using more chain.

Read more

Step 4: Fill both colanders with soil and add flowers or herbs.

Read more

#23. Blooming Chandelier Planter

Read more

Who says chandeliers are just for dining rooms? This transformed lighting fixture now hangs proudly in the garden, turning heads with cascading flowers instead of crystals.

Read more

Materials Needed

  • 1 old chandelier
  • Hanging chain
  • Outdoor spray paint (color of choice)
  • Potting soil
  • Small flowering plants (e.g., calibrachoa, pansies, petunias)
  • Drill with bit (optional)
Read more

Step-by-step Guide

Step 1: Remove all wiring and bulbs from the chandelier. Clean thoroughly.

Read more

Step 2: Spray paint the frame in your chosen color and let dry.

Read more

Step 3: Drill small drainage holes in the glass cups if needed, then fill cups with soil and gently plant your flowers.

Read more

#24. Romantic Birdcage Flower Hanger

Read more

There’s something irresistibly charming about repurposing a vintage birdcage into a cascading floral display. It instantly adds a whimsical, cottagecore feel to any entryway or garden wall.

Read more

Materials Needed

  • 1 vintage birdcage (metal, open bars preferred)
  • Chain
  • Coco liner
  • Potting mix
  • Trailing flowers (like calibrachoa, petunias, or lobelia)
  • Optional: white spray paint
Read more

Step-by-step Guide

Step 1: Clean the birdcage and repaint if needed. Let dry completely.

Read more

Step 2: Line the bottom with coco liner or fit a small pot inside to hold the soil.

Read more

Step 3: Fill with potting mix, then plant your chosen trailing flowers.

Read more

#25. The Bra-lliant Hanging Planter

Read more

This idea is perfect for anyone with a sense of humor and a few too many bras lying around. It’s a hilarious conversation starter and an unexpected delight for any whimsical garden setup.

Read more

Materials Needed

  • 1 padded bra
  • String, ribbon, or zip ties
  • Coco liner or coffee filters (optional)
  • Potting soil
  • Small succulents
Read more

Step-by-step Guide

Step 1: Choose a sturdy bra with thick straps. Clean it and line the cups with coco fiber or filters if needed.

Read more

Step 2: Fill each cup with soil, packing it gently to keep it balanced.

Read more

Step 3: Plant your succulents or herbs, arranging them snugly.

Read more

Step 4: Hang it from a strong tree branch or hook using the straps or added ribbon.

Read more

Read more

Did you like this story?

Please share by clicking this button!

This page was generated by the plugin

Visit our site and see all other available articles!

Garden & Crafty - Garden, DIY, Home