Nurturing a balcony or a home garden can sometimes become monotonous with the usual clay pots dominating the scene. Fret not! Look around your home for inspiration and try to repurpose everyday items into charming planters. For those who live in apartments, container gardens can be the best solution. So, why wait? Go ahead and add a dash of Christmas magic to your home garden with these DIY planters that are currently making waves on social media.
Old tin cans
Shutterstock
Give your home a touch of Christmas vibe by upcycling tin cans into unique planters. These versatile cans offer a unique opportunity to bring nature indoors while reducing waste. Decorate your window sills, shelves, or even create a stunning vertical garden by repurposing these containers. You can follow Instagrammer Priyanka Mendhe, aka @eclectic.artista, as you paint. You can even decorate the cans with jute threads and beads to suit your style. These recycled tin can planters provide a cost-effective and visually appealing way to infuse festive spirit into every corner of your home.
Discarded denim planter
Repurpose your old denims into stylish planters just like Instagrammer Kris Johnstone aka kris__j and make jaws drop. Transforming worn-out jeans into planters is not only a sustainable choice but also a delightful way to add greenery into your home. Simply cut and sew the denim legs to create pockets for your plants. Whether displayed on walls or arranged vertically on your balcony, these recycled denim planters will add a touch of Christmas vibe to your surroundings.
Nostalgic radio planter
Impart your space with a nostalgic charm by upcycling these vintage treasures into eye-catching planters for your favourite holiday plants. The combination of old-world allure and greenery will create a striking juxtaposition that’ll not only grab attention, but will also spark conversations. Let the good old radio totally change the look of your interiors. By doing this, you’ll make a one-of-a-kind planter, seamlessly blending the past and the present.
Earthen ‘handi’ planter
Next time you order a biryani or rasogolla handi, don’t throw it away. Just upcycle them with a vibrant Warli-style paint makeover, transforming them into truly distinctive planters. Instagrammer @handmades_by_priyanka shows you how. These earthen pots, adorned with intricate Warli motifs, are sure to grab eyeballs.
‘Forgotten handbag’ planter
Planter made from a discarded handbag Shutterstock
Rather than discarding your old handbags, consider giving them a new lease of life — as planters. You can grow succulents or money plants — adding a mix of potting soil and vermicompost — in these long-forgotten fashion accessories. Be it a rugged tote or a stylish clutch, old handbags can add a touch of individuality to your garden. It’s a stylish way to show that even the most unexpected items can find a second life in your home or garden.
‘Broken coffee mug’ planter
Why throw those old or broken coffee mugs when you can upcycle them into charming plant holders to adorn your table? With a dash of imagination, you can turn these mugs into delightful centrepieces, like a fairy garden created by Pratiksha, a landscape designer, who goes by the name Garden Vibes on YouTube.
You can add some potting soil, succulents, moss or a fragrant herb to create a mini garden in each mug. Decorate them with colourful pebbles to match your table setting. It’s a creative way to up your Christmas table’s aesthetics. So, what are you waiting for?
Cooking pot planter
Cooking pot planter Shutterstock
Rather than discarding old utensils like cooking pots, kettles, small buckets, or serving casseroles, consider upcycling them. Start by choosing your old utensils based on their sizes and shapes. Cooking pots can be good for larger plants, while kettles, buckets and casseroles are perfect for smaller arrangements. Drill holes in the bottom of each item to ensure proper water drainage for your plants. Fill these containers with potting soil and select your favourite plants or herbs to cultivate. You can place them either in your garden, on your balcony or even in your drawing room — turning ordinary kitchen items into extraordinary showcases.
Light bulb planter
Shutterstock
The art of upcycling can actually help turn those discarded light bulbs flourish into miniature gardens — adding to your Christmas decor. You can follow Instagrammer Linto Antony aka @plants.diy.upcycle to find out how or try this easy method…
Materials Needed:
1. Old fused light bulbs
2. Acrylic paint and brushes
3. Small rocks or pebbles
4. Potting soil
5. Small plants or succulents
6. Thread or wire (optional)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Light Bulbs: Ensure the old light bulbs are clean and free of any electrical components. You may need to remove the metal base and filament if they are still intact.
2. Painting: You can paint the light bulbs with vibrant colours, patterns, or even mini designs like flowers or abstract art. Let the paint dry completely before moving on to the next step.
3. Planting: Carefully remove the metal cap at the base of the light bulb. You may need pliers or wire cutters for this. Once it’s removed, clean the inside of the bulb.
4. Add drainage: Place a layer of sand, moss, small rocks or pebbles at the bottom of the bulb to aid in drainage. This helps prevent root rot.
5. Plant your greenery: Fill the bulb with potting soil and plant your chosen succulent or moss. Use a chopstick or a small stick to position the plant inside.
6. Hanging (optional): You can attach a wire around the neck of the light bulb if you want to hang your upcycled planters.
7. Arrangement: Once your light bulb planters are complete, arrange them on a shelf, on a window sill or hang them. Neighbour’s envy, owner’s pride we say!
