These 5 Genius DIY Planters Started as Everyday Household Items

Growing plants in clay pots and concrete planters is the tried-and-true, traditional way to fill your garden. But some gardeners like to get crafty and reuse found objects for their plants.

One Redditor recently shared with the r/Anticonsumption community a list of items that their mom has turned into planters for their garden. The eclectic assortment included coconut shells (with holes drilled at the bottom), a mug, a bathroom sink, a toilet tank, and a painted polystyrene box.

Many within the community praised the mom for her ingenuity, saying they were inspired. Others chimed in with their own unconventional and unusual planter ideas.

Here are some of the things people have repurposed in their gardens.

Worn-Out Work Boots

A commenter shared that their in-laws used worn-out work boots to plant succulents. The original poster responded, writing, "Hahaha I’m gonna suggest this to my mom now."

Toilets

Much like the toilet tank idea from the original post, a fellow Redditor shared that "my grama had two old toilets on her back porch with plants in them— the tanks and the bowls! my mom hated it but I always loved it."

While another commenter said, "my mother did something similar many years ago and put flowers in the old toilet they pulled from a rehab. It was pretty cool since it had flowers for both the bowl and the tank."

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Small Appliances

Used appliances and fixtures seemed to be a common theme, as one poster revealed about their neighbor: "They even have an old dry-vac out there serving as a plant pot." Another said that they "used an old stainless steel cat water fountain as a bowl for succulents! It was excellent."

Coffee Mugs

For herbs, old coffee mugs make perfect planters once you drill a small hole in the bottom for drainage. They add simple charm to a windowsill or ledge. One Redditor admired the idea, writing, "I have the cutest mug that the handle just broke off of. Thank you for the inspiration!"

Coconut Shells

If you live in a tropical climate, repurposing coconut shells offers an easy way to create hanging planters. According to the thread's author, all you need to do is drill holes in the bottom of the shell for drainage. Other commenters shared how inspired they felt by the idea. One person wrote, "oh man, you may have changed the game with the coconut shells…thank you!"