How to Make Plant Containers

Making your own plant containers is a great way to reuse old items you already have on hand.  It is also a great way to save money, as you do not have to buy new ones.  Try to be creative, and use anything that is able to hold a plant.

• Be creative when trying to find plant containers.  Many things make excellent plant containers, including old milk cartons and margarine tubs, boots, drawers, buckets, watering cans, bowls, wheelbarrows and old sinks. Use old China cups, teapots and gravy boats for small plants, making sure to place a layer of gravel or clay pellets at the bottom for drainage.


• Choose containers that are large enough to house the plant and potting soil.  Some plants will need more room than others.  Root vegetables, such as carrots, potatoes, onions and radishes, will need deeper containers.  Plants that grow outward, such as miniature roses, will need a wider container.


• Cut the tops off of containers, including milk and soda bottles, with a knife.  Thicker plastic may require a saw to cut off the tops.


• Use a power drill to drill holes through the bottoms of the containers, which will allow for proper drainage.  You can also place layers of rocks at the bottoms of containers to help with drainage.


• Use a variety of supplies, such as ribbons, buttons, sequins and paint to decorate the containers.


• Try cutting pictures out of gardening magazines or using vintage seed packets to decorate the plant containers.  You can use decoupage glue to attach the pictures or seed packets to the plant containers.  You may also wish to paint pretty pictures or inspirational phrases on them.