Container Garden Ideas

If you are short on space, have bad soil or just prefer a more unique garden space, container gardening may be just the ticket. Choosing unique containers for such a garden can be one of the most fun parts of such a project. Checking around your home can yield a number of great and creative containers to make your container garden pop.

Why a Container Garden?
Container gardens are great if you don't have room for a full-size garden or flower bed. Container gardens are also great choices if your soil is not the best for your gardening needs. Another great reason for container gardening is maintenance--little or no weeding required, no tilling the ground. Containers can be arranged on a patio to make a pleasant display and they can be easily moved for better placement and to get the best sun exposure.

Old Pots and Pans
An old canning pot or stock pot can make a great container for plants. Check your local thrift store for colorful or unique pots of varying sizes. Use a drill to make drain holes in the bottom of the pots. Set smaller pots on planter stands to create visual interest and height.

Buckets
Old buckets--especially galvanized metal buckets--make great containers. I pulled one out of a dumpster that was just perfect. The bottom was rusted so it already had a few holes in it. The look is great and best of all--it was free.

Chairs
An old wooden chair can become a great container for your garden. Cut a hole in the seat and paint the entire chair with exterior paint to protect it. Staple chicken wire to the hole then add a coconut husk hanging basket liner in the appropriate size to the hole. Add dirt and flowers (petunias maybe?) and voila! You've got a great container AND a cool garden ornament that guests will definitely notice and comment on.

Pedestal Sink
How about an old pedestal sink for a garden container? The drain is already in place in a pedestal sink and you just need to add dirt and plants. This is a great decorative feature that will add interest.

Wheelbarrow
An old wheelbarrow can be practical and decorative for a container garden. If you choose to plant vegetables in the wheelbarrow, it is perfect for moving to get the best sun exposure throughout the day. If you decide to go with flowers, it can be a unique display. Paint your wheelbarrow and make sure to drill drain holes before adding dirt and plants.

Other Containers
Take a look around your home, garage, shed and other out buildings for potential containers for your garden. Anything that can hold dirt and plants and can have drain holes added can become a container for a container garden. If you don't care about aesthetics, plastic storage boxes can make great containers for a garden.