Creating a beautiful indoor or balcony garden doesn’t require fancy ceramic pots or store-bought planters. In fact, some of the most charming and functional plant containers are already sitting in your recycling bin or kitchen cabinet.
Reusing containers and household items for planting is a fantastic way to save money, reduce waste, and infuse your space with personality.
Whether you’re a beginner plant parent or an experienced gardener looking to cut costs, this guide will walk you through how to turn everyday items into creative, eco-friendly planters—no green thumb required.
Let’s dig in.
Why Reuse Containers for Planting?
Reusing household items is not just about saving money—it’s a powerful step toward sustainable gardening.
Here’s why it matters:
- Reduces plastic waste and keeps usable materials out of landfills
- Saves money on gardening supplies
- Encourages creativity by making each container unique
- Minimizes carbon footprint, as no new items need to be manufactured or shipped
- Adds personality to your indoor or outdoor garden with character-rich pieces
Plus, many reused containers already have the ideal size and shape for starting seeds, growing herbs, or housing decorative plants.
What Types of Containers Can You Reuse?
Pretty much anything that can hold soil and allow for drainage can be transformed into a planter. Here are some of the most popular and effective reused items:
1. Plastic Bottles and Jugs
Cut plastic bottles in half to make small seedling pots. Use the bottom for planting and the top half (inverted) as a self-watering reservoir.
Great for: Herbs, succulents, or seedlings
2. Tin Cans
Soup and coffee cans make durable, rust-resistant pots with a cool industrial look. Just remember to poke holes in the bottom for drainage.
Tip: Wrap with twine or paint for a decorative touch.
3. Mason Jars and Glass Jars
Best for plants that don’t mind wet roots or that grow in water, like lucky bamboo or pothos.
Note: Glass containers usually lack drainage. To solve this, add a layer of pebbles or charcoal at the bottom.
4. Yogurt Cups and Food Containers
Perfect for starting seeds. You can label them with a marker or tape, and most are lightweight and stackable.
Best for: Seedlings, microgreens, or herb starts
5. Old Bowls, Mugs, and Teacups
These make cute, quirky homes for small houseplants or succulents. They often lack drainage, so they’re best used for plants that prefer dry soil or with a drainage layer added.
6. Egg Cartons
These biodegradable trays are perfect for starting seeds. Once the seedling is big enough, cut the section and plant the whole thing in soil.
7. Wooden Crates and Drawers
Old wooden boxes and desk drawers can hold several small plants. Line with plastic or use pots inside for easy drainage.
8. Food Cans and Metal Tins
Spice tins, cookie tins, and old lunchboxes all make eye-catching containers. Just be sure to add drainage and watch for rust if outdoors.
9. Broken Ceramic or Terra Cotta Pots
Don’t throw them away! Use shards as decorative mulch, drainage layers, or to create fairy gardens and succulent landscapes.
How to Prepare Containers for Planting
Before planting, take a few important steps to ensure your reused container is safe and effective:
Step 1: Clean Thoroughly
Remove all labels, glue, and residue. Wash with warm soapy water and rinse well to avoid bacteria or chemical contamination.
Step 2: Add Drainage Holes
Use a nail, drill, or heated skewer to poke holes in plastic, tin, or even soft wood. For glass or ceramics without drainage, add a bottom layer of rocks, pebbles, or activated charcoal.
Step 3: Consider Lining
If using materials like wood or cardboard, consider lining with landscape fabric or plastic to prevent rot and extend lifespan.
Step 4: Choose the Right Soil
Use potting mix appropriate for the type of plant—succulents need fast-draining soil, while ferns and herbs prefer richer mixes.
DIY Project Ideas: Creative Planter Inspirations
Ready to get crafty? Here are some fun, affordable DIY planter projects using reused materials:
Hanging Herb Garden from Tin Cans
- Punch drainage holes in the bottom
- Paint or decorate the cans
- Attach to a wood plank or hang individually with twine
- Grow basil, thyme, mint, or chives
Vertical Planter with Plastic Bottles
- Cut bottles in half lengthwise
- Mount them horizontally on a wall or fence
- Add soil and trailing plants like strawberries or pothos
Mason Jar Succulent Display
- Fill jars with pebbles, charcoal, and succulent soil
- Add tiny succulents or cactus
- Group on a windowsill or shelf for a minimal look
Tea Tin Windowsill Garden
- Line old tea tins with pebbles
- Fill with soil and herbs
- Place on a sunny sill for year-round cooking ingredients
Tips for Success
- Group small containers together for a more dramatic and cohesive look
- Label reused containers to remember what you planted
- Rotate your plants so all sides get light
- Refresh soil every few months, especially in non-draining containers
- Fertilize lightly, as small containers lose nutrients quickly
Best Plants for Reused Containers
Some plants are more adaptable to recycled containers than others. Here are easy, low-maintenance options:
- Succulents – Need little water and grow well in shallow containers
- Herbs – Basil, oregano, parsley, chives, mint
- Spider plants – Tolerate low light and adjust well to any pot
- Pothos – Great for jars or bottles, even in water
- Aloe vera – Needs well-draining soil and indirect sun
- Miniature ferns – Work well in bowls or cups with moist soil
What to Avoid When Reusing Containers
Not all household items are safe for planting. Avoid:
- Containers that held chemicals, bleach, or toxic substances
- Anything that rusts heavily unless sealed properly
- Painted containers with flaking or lead-based paint
- Containers without any drainage solution
FAQs: Reusing Containers for Gardening
Can I use plastic containers without drainage holes?
Yes, but add a drainage layer (pebbles, charcoal) and water carefully. You can also use a drill or knife to create drainage holes.
Will the container material affect the plant?
Yes. Metal heats up quickly, plastic retains moisture longer, and terracotta dries out faster. Adjust watering as needed.
Is it safe to grow food in reused containers?
As long as the container didn’t hold chemicals and is thoroughly cleaned, it’s safe. Stick to food-safe materials when growing edibles.
How can I decorate reused planters?
Use paint, twine, washi tape, or fabric scraps. Let kids decorate their own for added fun.
Do reused containers last long?
Some do (metal, ceramic, thick plastic), others break down over time (cardboard, untreated wood). Replace or reinforce as needed.
Final Thoughts: Waste Less, Grow More
Gardening doesn’t have to be expensive, wasteful, or boring. With just a little creativity and intention, you can build a thriving indoor or outdoor plant collection using containers you already have.
Each reused item tells a story—and adds charm, character, and eco-friendly value to your plant space.
So before you toss that jar, can, or box—ask yourself: could this be a planter?