Even More Unexpected Garden Containers: Upcycled Ideas You’ll Love

Our first “Containers You Never Thought Of” post was a runaway hit, so we scoured Pinterest, blogs, and reader submissions for another round of wildly creative, repurposed planters. Many sources were lost to the digital ether—if you recognize your work, email us so we can credit you properly!

Vintage & Industrial Finds

• Clawfoot tub / galvanized stock tank – Hunt Habitat for Humanity ReStores or farm auctions. Drill drainage holes; the patina is instant character.
• Metal mop bucket & vintage toolbox – Eclectically Vintage’s patio duo proves industrial pieces soften beautifully with cascading flowers.
• Goodwill gem – Carolyn Keiper’s charming container: a thrifted enamelware piece planted with succulents.

Playful Repurposing

• Old tire swing – Paint it, line with landscape fabric, fill with soil, and hang for a whimsical vertical planter.
• String instrument (beyond repair) – A cello or guitar body becomes a resonant, artistic planter. Line with moss or coconut coir.
• Natural stone basins – Drill or chisel shallow depressions in flat rocks for alpine succulents or moss gardens.

Farm & Workshop Relics

• Vintage chicken feeder – Perfect for hens-and-chicks or a kitchen herb mix.
• Toolboxes & metal tool chests – From Making Art of Life and Confessions of a Curb Shopaholic. Critical: drill drainage holes or add a gravel base.
• Rusty tool heads – Vickie’s Intrigues lines the openings with moss/coir before planting. Striking industrial-meets-organic look.
• Rusted tin cans – Grouped on a shelf, they showcase texture; ‘Burro’s Tail’ sedum spills beautifully.

Vertical & Wall-Mounted

• Rain gutters on a fence – Instant living wall for strawberries, lettuce, or annuals. End caps + drainage holes required.
• Pallet-mounted cans – From the late Easy Homestead blog. Again: drill drainage holes!

Golden rule for every upcycled container: ensure drainage, use quality potting mix, and match plants to the container’s sun exposure. Then stand back and enjoy the conversation starter.