DIY Indoor Planters Using Recycled Materials

Decorating your home with indoor plants can bring life, color, and serenity into your space. But buying designer pots and trendy planters can quickly get expensive.

Fortunately, there’s a creative and cost-effective solution: DIY indoor planters made from recycled materials. Not only does this approach save money, but it also promotes sustainability by reducing waste and reusing everyday items you likely already have at home.

In this guide, we’ll explore how to make beautiful, practical indoor planters using items like cans, jars, old shoes, and more—without spending a dime.

Why Use Recycled Materials for Planters?

Using recycled containers as planters offers several advantages:

• Eco-friendly: Reduces plastic and waste.
• Budget-friendly: Eliminates the need to buy pots.
• Customizable: Allows creative, one-of-a-kind designs.
• Accessible: Uses materials already in your home.

You don’t need special tools or advanced crafting skills—just a little imagination and a few basics.

What Makes a Good DIY Planter?

Before you get started, consider a few practical needs of a planter:

1. Drainage: Most plants need excess water to drain. If your container doesn’t have holes, you can:
   • Drill or poke small holes in the bottom
   • Add a layer of stones at the bottom to prevent root rot
2. Size: The planter should suit the plant’s root system. Small herbs or succulents do well in compact containers, while larger plants need more space.
3. Material: Almost anything that holds soil can be used—just ensure it’s clean and non-toxic.

1. Tin Cans: The Classic Upcycled Planter

Materials:

• Empty soup or vegetable cans
• Hammer and nail (for drainage holes)
• Paint, rope, or fabric scraps for decoration (optional)

Instructions:

1. Clean the can thoroughly and remove any labels.
2. Use a hammer and nail to create small holes in the bottom.
3. Decorate as you wish—paint, wrap with twine, or glue on fabric.
4. Fill with soil and plant!

Best For:

• Herbs like basil and parsley
• Small succulents
• Cactus plants

2. Glass Jars: Transparent Charm

Materials:

• Mason jars, jam jars, or sauce jars
• Rocks or pebbles for drainage
• Potting mix

Instructions:

1. Wash the jar and remove the label.
2. Add a layer of pebbles at the bottom.
3. Fill with soil and insert your plant.

Tip: Since glass jars don’t have drainage holes, avoid overwatering and use plants that tolerate moisture well.

Best For:

• Pothos or philodendron cuttings
• Lucky bamboo
• Water-rooted plant propagations

3. Old Mugs or Teacups

Instead of throwing out chipped or mismatched mugs, turn them into adorable planters.

Instructions:

1. Add a layer of gravel or small stones to the bottom.
2. Fill with soil and your chosen plant.
3. Use a teaspoon to help with soil placement in small openings.

Optional: Drill a small drainage hole if you have the tools.

Best For:

• Cacti
• Succulents
• Miniature foliage plants

4. Plastic Bottles: Vertical Planter Magic

Plastic bottles can be repurposed in many ways, especially for small spaces.

Hanging Planter:

1. Cut the bottle horizontally in half.
2. Poke holes at the bottom of the top half.
3. Use string to create a hanging loop.
4. Fill with soil and plant herbs or flowers.

Vertical Garden:

1. Cut side openings in several bottles.
2. Mount them on a wooden board or wire fence.
3. Stack vertically for a wall garden.

Best For:

• Lettuce
• Mint
• Trailing vines

5. Worn-Out Shoes or Boots

Quirky and eye-catching, old shoes make great rustic planters.

Instructions:

1. Drill a few holes in the soles for drainage.
2. Fill with soil and plant.
3. Place outdoors or near windows for a creative accent.

Best For:

• Small flowering plants
• Ground cover plants
• Ferns

6. Egg Cartons: Ideal for Seed Starting

Cardboard egg cartons are biodegradable and perfect for growing seedlings indoors.

Instructions:

1. Fill each cup with a small amount of soil.
2. Add one seed per cup.
3. Water lightly and keep in a sunny spot.

When seedlings are ready, transplant them directly into the soil—carton included!

Best For:

• Tomatoes
• Peppers
• Basil

7. Food Containers: Instant Pots

Takeout containers, yogurt cups, or butter tubs can be turned into planters.

Instructions:

1. Poke holes in the bottom with a knife or scissors.
2. Rinse thoroughly to remove food residue.
3. Paint or decorate for style.
4. Fill with soil and add your plant.

Best For:

• Green onions
• Spider plants
• Aloe vera pups

8. Fabric Grow Bags (DIY)

If you have old jeans, canvas bags, or pillowcases, you can sew or tie together small fabric planters.

Instructions:

1. Cut the fabric into your desired shape.
2. Stitch or tie the sides.
3. Line with plastic (optional) and fill with soil.

Benefits:

• Breathable material helps root development
• Flexible sizing for awkward spaces

Decorating Your DIY Planters

Personalize your upcycled planters to match your style using:

• Acrylic paint
• Washi tape
• Stickers
• Fabric scraps
• Old jewelry
• Natural materials like twigs or bark

Let your imagination run wild and make your plant corner feel uniquely yours.

Safety Tips When Upcycling

• Avoid toxic containers: Don’t use containers that held chemicals, especially if you’re growing edible plants.
• Clean thoroughly: Always wash and sanitize containers before use.
• Check for rust or sharp edges: Sand or file down any rough or hazardous parts.

Benefits of Using Recycled Planters

• Eco-conscious: Supports a sustainable lifestyle.
• Budget-smart: Cuts down on unnecessary purchases.
• Creative outlet: Encourages hands-on crafting and design.
• Conversation starters: Unique planters always draw attention and admiration.

Inspiring Ideas from Around the World

People are transforming all sorts of items into planters:

• Colanders: As hanging baskets
• Toilets or sinks: For quirky outdoor decor
• Books: Hollowed out for small succulents
• Toy trucks: Especially fun for kids’ rooms
• Tires: Painted and stacked for large planters

The possibilities are endless when you view “trash” as treasure.

Final Thoughts: Let Creativity Bloom

You don’t need to spend a fortune to have a lush, vibrant home full of greenery. By reimagining the items you already have, you can create a garden that’s personal, eco-friendly, and absolutely unique. Every recycled planter tells a story—and the best part is, you wrote it.

So grab that old mug, clear out that drawer of “junk,” and start planting. Your next beautiful indoor garden is already in your recycling bin.