Best Cheap Alternatives to Store-Bought Plant Pots

Buying beautiful plant pots can quickly eat into your gardening budget—especially if you’re building a container garden or growing multiple plants.

Fortunately, there’s no need to rely on expensive store-bought options. With a little creativity and resourcefulness, you can find or make attractive, functional containers from common household items, recycled materials, and secondhand finds.

These low-cost alternatives don’t just save money—they also reduce waste, personalize your space, and give your garden a unique charm. In this guide, we’ll explore some of the best and most creative budget-friendly substitutes for traditional plant pots.

Why Skip Store-Bought Pots?

While commercial pots offer convenience, they’re not always the best choice. Many are made of cheap plastic, overpriced for their size, and lack drainage or durability. By choosing DIY or secondhand options, you:

• Save money
• Reduce plastic waste
• Customize your look
• Use materials you already have
• Promote sustainability

Plus, repurposing items into planters can be a fun and satisfying part of the gardening process.

What to Look For in Any Plant Container

Before using any object as a pot, make sure it meets these basic requirements:

• Drainage: Plants need water to escape through the bottom to avoid root rot
• Size: Choose a container deep and wide enough for your plant’s root system
• Material: Ensure it’s safe (non-toxic), sturdy, and weather-resistant if used outdoors
• Stability: Make sure it won’t tip over easily, especially with tall or top-heavy plants

If your container doesn’t already have drainage holes, you can often add them with a drill, hot nail, or hammer and nail.

Cheap or Free Alternatives to Plant Pots

Here are some of the best low-cost substitutes for store-bought containers—many of which you probably already have around the house.

1. Plastic Bottles and Jugs

Cut bottles horizontally or vertically and use them to grow herbs, small flowers, or seedlings.

Best for: Indoor plants, windowsills, vertical gardens
Tips:

• Add holes in the bottom for drainage
• Decorate with paint, fabric, or twine
• Use the top half as a mini greenhouse for seedlings

2. Tin Cans

Canned food containers make great rustic pots. They’re metal, durable, and can be painted or wrapped to fit your décor.

Best for: Herbs, succulents, flowers
Tips:

• Punch drainage holes in the base
• Line with gravel or pebbles to improve drainage
• Paint or label with chalkboard paint for fun customization

3. Buckets and Paint Cans

Old paint cans, plastic buckets, or mop pails make excellent larger containers for vegetables and perennials.

Best for: Tomatoes, peppers, leafy greens
Tips:

• Remove or seal off rust if using metal
• Drill several drainage holes in the base
• Add handles for easier mobility

4. Mason Jars and Glass Jars

Perfect for small indoor plants, mason jars are stylish and transparent. They don’t have drainage but can still work well with care.

Best for: Herbs, air plants, propagation
Tips:

• Add pebbles or activated charcoal at the bottom
• Water sparingly to avoid root rot
• Wrap in twine or wire for hanging displays

5. Baskets and Woven Totes

Old baskets from thrift stores can become charming plant holders—especially for indoor use.

Best for: Decorative plants, indoor arrangements
Tips:

• Line with plastic or landscape fabric
• Use a saucer inside to catch excess water
• Choose natural materials that breathe

6. Coffee Tins and Cookie Tins

Vintage tins add retro flair and come in fun designs. They’re easy to repurpose and often found secondhand.

Best for: Succulents, pansies, daisies
Tips:

• Drill or punch holes in the bottom
• Use as centerpiece pots for patios
• Add handles or decorative knobs

7. Fabric Grow Bags (DIY)

Sew your own grow bags using leftover fabric, old jeans, or canvas shopping bags. These breathable pots are perfect for root health.

Best for: Potatoes, carrots, tomatoes
Tips:

• Double-layer for strength
• Use in a tray to catch water
• Add grommets or handles for easy transport

8. Shoe Organizers

Hang a fabric shoe organizer on a wall or balcony railing and fill each pocket with soil and plants.

Best for: Herbs, lettuce, strawberries
Tips:

• Add small drainage holes
• Water gently and evenly
• Great for vertical gardens in tight spaces

9. Colanders and Strainers

With built-in holes, colanders are perfect planters that don’t need extra drilling.

Best for: Small flowers, trailing plants
Tips:

• Line with coconut coir or fabric
• Hang with chains or place on shelves
• Look for fun colors or vintage designs

10. Terracotta Drain Pipes

Often leftover from construction sites or renovations, these make excellent vertical planters or upright displays.

Best for: Tall herbs, decorative flowers
Tips:

• Stand upright and fill with soil
• Plant directly inside or place pots within
• Add stones at the bottom for drainage

Where to Find Free or Cheap Containers

• Thrift stores: Baskets, pots, tins, and glassware
• Curbside and recycling bins: Bottles, buckets, and boxes
• Construction sites: Discarded pipes, crates, or lumber (ask first)
• Online marketplaces: Craigslist, Freecycle, Facebook Marketplace
• Garage sales and flea markets: Unique finds at low cost

Always clean and sanitize containers before planting—especially if they previously held food, paint, or chemicals.

Decorating Ideas to Upgrade Cheap Pots

With a few simple touches, you can make DIY pots look high-end:

• Spray paint: Give old containers a uniform, modern finish
• Decoupage: Add decorative paper or fabric with glue
• Chalkboard labels: Reusable, customizable plant names
• Twine or rope wraps: For a rustic or boho look
• Stencil art: Paint patterns or messages on your containers
• Mosaics: Use broken tiles or dishes to cover worn-out pots

These projects make great weekend crafts and help personalize your garden space.

Safety and Durability Tips

• Avoid containers that held toxic substances (e.g., motor oil, pesticides)
• Line metal pots if used in hot climates to avoid overheating roots
• Check for sharp edges on tin cans or cut bottles
• Add feet or bricks under pots to improve drainage and airflow
• Use natural sealants on wooden containers to protect against rot

How to Add Drainage to Any Container

If your chosen pot doesn’t have holes, here’s how to fix it:

• Plastic: Drill or melt holes with a hot nail
• Metal: Use a hammer and nail or metal drill bit
• Ceramic or glass: Use a masonry drill bit (carefully, and at low speed)
• No tools? Place a layer of gravel, broken pottery, or charcoal at the bottom

You can also double-pot—placing your plant inside a smaller pot with holes, and then putting that inside a larger decorative container.

Ideal Plants for Small or Shallow Pots

If you’re working with limited space, choose compact, shallow-rooted varieties:

Herbs: basil, thyme, parsley, oregano, chives
Succulents: aloe, echeveria, jade plant, hens and chicks
Flowers: marigolds, pansies, petunias, nasturtiums
Greens: lettuce, arugula, spinach, microgreens

Water lightly and ensure good light exposure, especially in small or non-porous containers.

Final Thoughts: Beauty Doesn’t Have to Be Expensive

A gorgeous, vibrant garden doesn’t depend on how much you spend—but how creative and resourceful you are. With these affordable pot alternatives, you can grow plants just about anywhere using materials you already own or can find for free. From plastic bottles to vintage baskets, your options are nearly endless. So before you head to the garden store, take a second look around your home. You might be surprised at how much potential is hiding in your recycling bin.