If you’re searching for garden upcycle ideas, DIY planters, or creative ways to repurpose household items for plants, you’re in the right place. Garden upcycling is one of the easiest ways to decorate your home and outdoor spaces while saving money, reducing waste, and adding personality to your garden.
I’ve always been the type to hang onto things just in case I might find a use for them. Sometimes that habit creates clutter, but other times, it sparks creativity. Spring and early summer are when I feel most inspired to clean out closets, garages, and cabinets and turn forgotten items into functional, beautiful pieces for my garden.
If you’re a plant lover, you’ve probably already experimented with creative plant displays or DIY planters. Gardening has a way of bringing out the best repurposing ideas, and today I’m sharing 15 garden upcycles for plant lovers that prove almost anything can become a planter or garden accent.
Why Garden Upcycling Is So Popular
Upcycled garden projects are trending because they:
- Save money on planters and decor
- Reduce waste and support sustainable living
- Add one-of-a-kind style to gardens and homes
- Make use of items you already own
The best upcycle ideas are always the ones that make you stop and think, “Why didn’t I think of that?” Many of the projects below were inspired by items already in my home that just needed a fresh purpose.
15 Creative Garden Upcycle Ideas for Plant Lovers
It always amazes me when someone uses something in a new creative way, the best repurposing ideas are the ones that make you think to yourself, why didn’t I think of that? I have come across quite a few of these ideas over the years and my home is full of quirky things that I was inspired to make or repurpose from things I already had but was using in a different way.
When decorating your home it is always nice to sprinkle some homemade items around that show off your own style and unique creativity. This is especially true when it comes to gardening, whether you are bringing plants inside or keeping them out, they are fun way to decorate any space in your home.
1. Tin Can Upcycle for Flowers
You can’t go wrong decorating with fresh flowers, and a tin can upcycle is one of the simplest ways to display them indoors. With a little paint or twine, empty cans become charming rustic vases or herb planters.
2. Empty Paint Can Planter
For plants with lush green foliage, try repurposing an empty paint can into a sturdy planter. These work especially well for larger plants and can be customized with paint or stencils to match your decor.
3. Plastic Bottle Flower Display
If you have flowers year-round, this easy upcycle project transforms plastic bottles into decorative plant displays. It’s a creative way to reuse items that usually end up in the recycling bin.
4. Yogurt Container Flower Pots
Don’t toss those containers just yet. Turning yogurt cups into planters is quick, easy, and perfect for seedlings.
5. Garden Upcycle Ideas – Basket Planters
An old basket can become a beautiful planter with a liner, a coat of paint, and a little imagination. Basket planters are great for porches, patios, and indoor plant displays.
6. DIY Macrame Plant Holders
Making DIY Macrame Plant Holders is a timeless way to display plants indoors or outdoors. Once I made a few, I loved them so much I created extras for my outdoor spaces as well.
7. Wine Cork Succulent Magnets
Even small items can be upcycled. Wine corks make adorable succulent magnets perfect for adding greenery to unexpected places.
8. Decorated Vase Using Hot Glue
Add texture and personality by using hot glue to decorate a vase before painting it. This technique lets you completely customize your plant containers.
9. Himmeli Hanging Planter
This himmeli hanging planter is a modern, eye-catching way to display plants both indoors and outdoors. It’s a great statement piece for plant lovers.
10. Upcycled Shirt Planter
Clean out your closet and turn fabric into decor by using an old shirt to upcycle a planter. This project is perfect for lightweight plants and adds a soft, unexpected texture.
11. Broken Lamp into Garden Light Post
Before throwing away broken items, consider repurposing them. You can transform a broken lamp to make your own garden light post and add charm to your outdoor space.
12. DIY Garden Fertilizer
Upcycling isn’t just about decor. If you have excess baking soda, you can make miracle grow for your garden at home and use up products that might otherwise go to waste.
13. Burlap Sack Herb Garden
Almost anything can become a planter. Create a herb garden using a burlap sack for a rustic, space-saving way to grow herbs outdoors.
14. Fence Board Planters
Think big with upcycles like a vertical garden wall from fence boards.
These projects are ideal for small spaces and statement gardens.
15. Furniture Upcycle
Learn how to make a planter out of an old dresser drawer. Perfect for displaying plants that can drape over the edge.
Garden upcycling is all about thinking outside the box. The joy comes from exploring new ways to reuse items and creating unique garden decor without spending a fortune. For plant lovers, almost anything can become a planter, it just takes a little creativity.
If you’re looking for budget-friendly garden ideas, DIY planters, or sustainable gardening inspiration, these garden upcycle ideas are a great place to start.
As an avid gardener, dedicated homemaker, and culinary enthusiast, I bring a wealth of knowledge and passion to every aspect of homemaking, recipes, travel, and gardening. My journey is deeply rooted in a love for nature, food, and exploration, which I share through my engaging content.
With years of experience cultivating a vibrant garden and crafting delicious recipes, I specialize in creating farm-to-table homestyle dishes that highlight the freshest ingredients. My culinary creations are inspired by my extensive travels, allowing me to infuse a variety of flavors from my travels into my kitchen.
Through my blog, I aim to inspire others with practical gardening tips, mouth-watering recipes, and unique travel experiences. Whether you're looking for garden-to-plate cooking ideas, copycat recipes, or advice on homemaking, I provide a trusted source of information and inspiration.
Join me as I blend the joys of gardening, cooking, and travel into a harmonious lifestyle, offering readers a well-rounded perspective on how to bring these passions into their own homes.