by J.B. Ilke

Created on: February 26, 2007   Last Updated: September 29, 2009

Planters and containers add a new dimension to the typical garden or deck/patio. Many containers are available at home and discount stores, but you can make your garden unique by using items often found around the home or at garage sales. Nearly any container can be used for gardening and to display plants. The following suggestions will get you on your way to a unique creative garden space.

Take look around the garden shed. There you will find many possible planters. Metal buckets can be used as is, or painted for a whimsical look. Plastic buckets will also work well. Using contemporary or antique watering cans will emphasize the relationship of the watering can to the plants growing in it. For an organic look try dried gourds in moderate or large sizes. A fun project would be to dry these yourself (but that's another article).

Inside the house you have even more of a large variety of containers to grow plants in. Starting in the kitchen, use old cast iron soup/stock pots. These are great because they are heavy duty and sometimes come in bright colors. Large mixing bowls also come in a variety of colors as well. Over the years Pyrex has produced mixing bowls in varying colors and sizes. For small growing plants consider antique coffee or tea pots or decorative pitchers. The larger the pot/pitcher the better. It will allow the roots of your plants to develop. Old chafing dishes will work nicely for a multi-plant display.

The rest of the house can yield additional planter ideas. Large decorative bowls (like the mixing bowls) are an obvious choice, but smaller bowls and dishes would work very well for cactus or other plants that don't have large root systems.

Also, wooden boxes that you can make yourself out of scrap or that you find make great planters. When you take the time to put together your own simple box you can customize it to any size and color (or natural). In addition, try old time soda bottle boxes/crates. They are made out of wood and have handle holes on either end for easy carrying. The also have cool retro logos. Check out garage sales, auctions or ask relatives if you don't have any of your own

When using any of these containers make sure it is plant ready. The container must have adequate drainage. You don't want to drown your plants with standing water. When possible drill a few holes in the bottom of the container for drainage. This isn't necessarily possible for many of the suggestions above. In that case, add a layer of gravel or small rocks to the bottom of the container before planting. For delicate items you may want to keep the plants in a standard plastic pot that is then placed inside the decorative container on top of the gravel layer. This method also allows you to change the plants around.

Finally, when used outdoors all containers will be subject to the elements. If you aren't going for a really weather beaten antique rustic look, apply a coat or two of weatherproofing product to the container before planting.

Good luck and happy planting.

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