How to Make Garden Pots
There are so many different pots and planters available in gardening and home improvement stores that choosing one can be overwhelming. Prices vary widely from a few dollars to several hundred dollars depending on the size and materials. However, there is really no need to purchase garden pots. They can be made easily and with very little cost.
Things Needed:
- Empty cans, bottles or containers
- Utility knife
- Drill and small drill bit
- Paint and paintbrushes
- Chisel
- Hammer
- Old logs
- Chainsaw
- Scrap wood
- Nails or screws
- Table saw
- Plastic planter box liner
- Potting soil
- Plants
- Just about any kind of container can be made into a garden pot. Empty coffee cans, plastic milk jugs and bottles can all be recycled into pots for the garden. Clean the container well to remove food residue and allow to dry completely. Cut the tops off of milk jugs and plastic containers with a utiility knife. Drill holes in the bottom for drainage. Paint the outside of the containers with acrylic paint and a small paintbrush. Fill with potting soil, and add plants.
- Sections of old logs can also make interesting and natural garden pots. Choose logs that are at least 6 inches in diameter. Cut to the desired height with a chainsaw. Use a chisel and hammer to hollow out the middle of the log. This will be much easier with old logs. Hollow out an area deep enough to hold the plant and cover the roots. Leave at least 1 inch around on all sides. Fill the hole with potting soil, and add the plant.
- Finally, you can make garden pots with pieces of scrap wood. Cut the sections of wood to the desired length with a table saw. Nail the pieces of wood together to create a box. Attach a solid piece of wood to the bottom of the box for a base. Insert an inexpensive plastic planter box liner available at gardening centers. Fill the plastic liner with potting soil, and add plants.