Unexpected Household Items You Can Turn Into Planters

Almost anything that holds soil can become a planter — and the more unexpected the container, the more charming the result. A leaky colander, a chipped teapot, an old boot, a wooden drawer: all of them upcycle into plant homes that cost nothing and look boutique.

Here's how to turn everyday household items into planters, plus the one thing you must get right: drainage.

The one rule: drainage

Roots rot in standing water, so every planter needs a way for water to escape. Either drill or punch holes in the base, or — for items you can't pierce — add a deep layer of pebbles (and a little charcoal) and water sparingly.

How to prep any container

1. Check it never held anything toxic, and make sure it's sturdy.
2. Add drainage — drill holes with the right bit for metal, plastic, or ceramic, or use the pebble-layer method.
3. Line if needed — porous baskets and wood with plastic (poke a drainage hole), rusty metal with a liner.
4. Fill and plant with potting mix, then site it to suit the plant.

Unexpected planters to try

• A colander — built-in drainage makes it the perfect instant hanging basket.
• Teapots and teacups, for a single succulent.
• Tin cans, prepped safely.
• Old boots or wellies, drawers, watering cans, buckets, kettles, and baskets (lined).
• Wooden crates — see crate shelves and boxes.

Match the container to the plant

Shallow containers (colanders, drawers) suit succulents, herbs, and salad; deep ones (boots, buckets) suit flowers and veg; and indoor pieces make lovely houseplant homes. It all pairs beautifully with a tiny herb garden.

Planted something unexpected? Share it in the comments at ecoxee.com — the odder the container, the better.