10 Unique Containers for Gardening

Are you looking for a fresh take on container gardening this season? While terra cotta pots or plastic containers maybe what you see lining the shelves of your local home improvement stores, there are some unique containers you may want to consider. Containers can add significant style to your gardens, outdoor living spaces and entryways. But before you go out shopping, there’s a few things to pay attention to.  

Unique Container Considerations 

Style and Personality of Your Home 

When considering what to plant in, pay attention to your home’s exterior style and the general feel of your property. Is your home a sporting a farmhouse or cottage vibe? Perhaps galvanized steel buckets and wooden crates are a good option.  If your home is more streamlined and modern, then stone or black accents may work well. A simple ranch or colonial home may call for timeless and classic materials, such as wicker and wood.  

Size of Plants 

Before your source unique containers, it’s helpful to have some sense of what you want to grow, as that will determine to an extent the size of the container. If you know you want to grow tomatoes on your patio, they will require a larger container than a sixpack of annual marigolds.  

Location of Container 

Knowing the spaces you want containers to go is also helpful. Let’s say your front door is begging for some seasonal color. You may want a small container that is hanging or could be converted to hanging if needed. If you’re front steps are looking plain jane, you may want to seek out a few large containers that work well together. They don’t have to be identical, but a similar aesthetic lends a cohesive look.  

Importance of Drainage 

Before any plants go into your unique containers, there may be a few modifications you need to make. These are best done before any soil goes into the vessel. Every plant needs drainage; wet feet equal certain death. If the container doesn’t have any openings to let water drain out, you may be able to add some by drilling or hammering several holes into the bottom. Keep the holes about the diameter of a pencil; if they’re much bigger they’ll start to let soil escape along with the water.  

If you can’t easily add drainage holes, such as in a glass or pottery piece, you can also add a few inches of pebbles or gravel to the bottom of container. This will give the water a place to go that is separate from the soil, until the water evaporates.  

Preparation of Container Surfaces 

Some containers are ready to grow whatever you plant inside them. Others may need a bit of tweaking before you add soil. If you’re planting in wicker baskets or wooden crates, you’ll want to line them with a piece of burlap or landscape fabric. This will hold the soil in place while letting the water drain out.  

When growing vegetables, fruiting plants, or herbs, make sure the growing surface is safe. While vintage items can be beautiful, wood furniture can have remnants of lead paint and metal items can be quite rusty. If you can’t ensure the safety of the growing surface, save those containers for annual flowers and plants that you don’t plan on eating.  

Now that we’ve gone over some basic considerations and preparation, let’s explore some unique container ideas that can add interest and personality to your garden.  

1. Upcycled and Recycled Materials 

Before heading out to the thrift store or scouring Facebook Marketplace, consider what you may already have on hand. Look in your garage, shed or at that scrap pile of wood. Using items you already have at home can lead to some unique container options that are virtually free or low cost. 

Examples:  

• Wooden crates  
• Pallets 
• Recycled scrap wood 

2. Hanging Containers 

Hanging containers are a great option for maximizing space in tight areas, such as apartments, townhomes and small porches or balconies. So long as your vertical surface receives the appropriate amount of light, the options are endless.  

Examples:  

• PVC pipes on a fence 
• Wooden pallet shelves, 
• Hanging pockets (fabric or plastic pockets to hold plants) 
• Old Tires 

3. Repurposed Furniture and Yard Items 

Transforming furniture into functional planters can create a quirky, vintage look. If you’re looking for a truly unique container idea, this may fit the bill. Going this route for planters will likely require bit of prep as drainage holes or crushed stone may need to be added. This is a great option for larger plants or a grouping or herbs or annuals. 

Examples:  

• Old dressers or drawers (turned into a tiered garden or single plant holder) 
• Antique bathtubs or sinks 
• Old wheelbarrows or wagons 
• Vintage bicycles with baskets 

4. Stone or Cement Blocks 

Stone and similar materials can add a nice texture to a garden space while also lasting indefinitely. You’ll want to line a cinder block or interlocking paver assembly with landscape fabric to hold the soil in place.  

Examples: 

• Cinder blocks 
• Interlocking pavers 
• Stacked natural stones 

5. Natural Materials 

Creating planters using elements from nature lend an earthy feel to your landscape. You may be able to source these in your own backyard or nearby woods. For stumps or hollowed out pumpkins, consider using a small, plastic liner pot to hold the soil or lining the surface with landscape fabric. 

Examples:  

• Wooden logs  
• Stumps  
• Hollowed-out pumpkins or gourds  

Photo by Alejandro Linares Garcia  

6. Woven Baskets 

If you’re going for an organic, natural feel in your garden, woven baskets are a great option. Baskets of all shapes and sizes are readily available at thrift stores, vintage markets and tag sales. Choose ones that are study and well made so they can stand up to outdoor weather and regular watering. Line them with landscape fabric to hold the soil in place. If you want to use a basket as a hanging planter (a great idea for front doors or porches), simply loop some sturdy wire through the frame of the basket several times and tie off. This is best for smaller baskets as large ones become very heavy with the addition of soil and plants.  

Examples:  

• Thrift store baskets for small to medium plants 
• Hanging baskets (think a woven mail basket) 
• Larger woven baskets such as hampers, laundry baskets or waste baskets. 

7. Household Items 

If you’re looking to make a visual impact with a small footprint, consider going upright using furniture or household items. A wooden ladder with pots arranged on the steps provide ample vertical growing space while also filling out a corner nicely. Similarly, step stools with potted plants or a chair with the seat removed to hold a planter offer vintage charm and functionality. 

Examples: 

• Vintage step stools 
• Old ladders 
• Vintage chair with seat cut out to hold a planter 

8. Metal Containers 

The use of metal in the garden, particularly galvanized metal, has been a staple design element for decades. Metal can lean modern if it has clean lines and textures. Curvier features and rusty, worn surfaces lean more vintage and farmhouse. The options are endless with these types of containers and are easily found in thrift stores and antique malls. New versions are available at major box stores or online. Metal containers are extremely durable and come in all shapes and sizes. Many will likely need some drainage holes added which you can easily do with a hammer and nail. 

Examples:  

• Old galvanized watering cans 
• Steel vintage toolboxes 
• Metal mailboxes 
• Large tin cans 
• Hanging metal buckets 

9. Kitchen Items 

For a whimsical approach to containers, consider incorporating some kitchen items into the garden. A tea kettle with a geranium on your outdoor dining area adds some vintage charm. A trio of old metal pasta pots with herbs in them are a fun addition to porch steps. Metal will be your best bet, and you’ll likely need to add drainage or crushed gravel to the bottom of the vessel.  

Examples: 

• Large metal colanders 
• Large cooking pots 
• Enamelware pitchers 
• Metal tea kettles or coffee percolators 
• Enamelware breadboxes and tins 

10. Unusual Ideas 

For a truly unique (and potentially humorous!) approach to gardening, consider incorporating some of the ideas below. Rubber boots will stand up to weather and daily watering and look fun set on front steps or even within a garden bed. Cowboy boots will lend a country feel and will make your visitors smile. Think outside the box as to what could hold some soil and a plant. You may be surprised at what you come up with! 

Examples: 

• Rubber boots 
• Cowboy boots 
• Vintage bird baths 

The options for finding unique containers for your garden are endless.  Once you have a general sense of what you want to grow and where, you can start scouting out your options. Check your home inventory first as you may be surprised at what you find tucked away in your garage or attic. I like to keep a running list with me as to what I’m looking for; you never know when you may stumble upon a great deal. What’s your favorite idea off this list?