Easy and Quick Upcycled Garden Planters to Make in Minutes

If you are looking for ideas on how to spruce up your garden here is some beautiful inspiration for making your own upcycled garden planters with items you probably already have on hand.

If there is one thing that always adds a personal touch to garden décor, it is a unique planter or multiple unique planters and that's what I'm sharing as part of this month's Thrifty Style Team.

When you're done checking out the details, be sure to head to the bottom of the post for the rest of the teams shares...you will be so inspired!

Now, back to theplanters! There are so many different types of planters and pots out there; where do we start?

This article will help you by giving you pointers on what to consider when looking at items around your home as well as showing you some examples of beautiful upcycled garden planters.

*This post may contain affiliate links and I’ll earn a commission if you shop through them. You can read my full disclosure here.

#1 - A Basket

I have had this basket for years and like it so much. It has been used in the kitchen to hold little Knick knacks, in my craft room filled with craft supplies, and most recently, in the hall closet.

While in the closet I used it to hold individual homemade heating pads that I like to keep on hand. It was all tucked away safe and secure but then.....someone in my house (who????) knocked over a box of my favorite essential oils which ended up upside down in the basket with the heating pad socks.

I didn't notice it at first but when I finally did, a few of the oils leaked all over the heating pads and the basket....and the carpet underneath. It was a mess to say the least and the basket was ruined but, I kept the basket because, well, it was too pretty to get rid of and I hoped I would figure out something to do with it...and...I did!

The process to turn it into a planter was so easy! I didn't need to worry about drainage holes because the basket is woven which allows for water to drain out. The only thing I needed to do was add some fillers (scrunched up Walmart bags) to the bottom. This was done so that I didn't use too much dirt and so that it wasn't too heavy.

Good organic dirt was added on top of the scrunched up bags and I then planted the flowers.

I watered it well after applying my very favorite plant fertilizer and it was all done...tah dah!

#2 - Upcycle a Topiary or other Faux Plant Urn (or planter)

This second upcycle is pretty straight forward.

I had a light up topiary in an urn from Balsam Hill that I used for several years both inside and outside. It worked great but then, the lights stopped working. I tried everything to get them working again but to no avail. I really did not like leaving the lights on the topiary itself since they were noticeable (to me anyway) and didn't light up anymore so I took my handy dandy garden shears and snipped the lights off.

Now, I had a naked topiary but there was a bit of space at the base and the idea hit me...dirt.

So, I added dirt to the bottom all the way around and then planted some flowers.

I also ripped (yes, ripped!) some vines out of the flower beds and put them around the base as well.

So far, so good! It is growing in nice and thick and looks beautiful. But, I have no idea what I'll do with it in the fall???? I may just put a bunch of mini pumpkins around the base and call it a day.

#3 - Hanging Gutter Planters

A few years ago, I made hanging planters from gutters. I loved them and only got rid of them when I went through a "declutter anything that isn't alive from the house" moment...so, they're gone but I may make them again.

#4 - A Colander

I found this colander at the thrift store, added a coco liner from the dollar tree, some dirt and succulents, and bam...another upcycled garden planter!

#5 - Mason Jar Planter

This Mason Jar Planter was so easy to make. All that was needed was a mason jar, small rocks...and a plant. It doesn't get much easier than that. If I make these again, I think I'll use them to hold herbs.

More ideas for upcycled garden planters:

• Painted tin cans
• Old metal toys such as Tonka trucks
• Old shoes and boots
• Suitcases and Train Cases (see the gutter picture above)
• Bike baskets...and the list goes on and on!

And now, for the rest of the amazing Thrifty Style Team shares!

Redhead Can Decorate - How to Create & Style a Sexy Rustic Suede Bracelet
The Painted Hinge - How to Use Real Flowers in Hanging Baskets
DIY Beautify - How to Get That Restoration Hardware Finish with Paint
2 Bees In A Pod - Vacation Memory Map Wreath
The How To Home - Easy and Quick Upcycled Garden Planters to Make in Minutes
Vinyet Etc. - DIY - Wooden Pendant From Thrifted Tennis Racket
Sweet Pea - Antique Mirror Makeover
What Meegan Makes - How To Make a Flower Basket from a Spice Rack
Cottage At The Crossroads - No Sew Ruffled Tea Towel
Postcards From The Ridge - Designer DIY Wall Art with Sunprints
Lora B. Create & Ponder - Repurposed Old Wood Create Tote Caddy DIY
Our Crafty Mom - Cottage Core Old Window Wall Decor
Chas’ Crazy Creations - Easy DIY Chalkboard TV Tray