Sofia Martinez
Big plastic planter pots can be reused in a variety of ways, both in and outside the garden. In the garden, they can be used as scoops for soil, compost, or mulch, as well as for mulching itself, by covering plants with the pot before dumping the mulch. They can also be used to protect young plants from pests, as filler in large planters, and as a base to lift planters. Outside the garden, they can be used decoratively, for storage, as a makeshift cooler, or even as a candle or a bird feeder.
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Use as filler for large planters
Filling large planters with soil can be expensive and heavy, so it's a good idea to use filler materials to reduce the amount of soil needed. This is a great opportunity to recycle old plastic plant pots. Before choosing a filler, consider where you will place the planter. If it will be hanging or positioned on a balcony or railing, lightweight fillers are the best choice to prevent excess weight. For permanent fixtures, heavier fillers provide the bulk needed to withstand harsh weather and potential theft.
To use plastic plant pots as filler, place an upside-down pot in first, then place the potted plant on top. This will cut down on the amount of soil needed and the weight of the planter. If there is room around the sides, you can fill them in with bunched-up newspaper to hold moisture and make room for expanding roots. If your planter will be used to grow vegetables, it's important to consider the risk of plastic contamination in your food. In this case, natural fillers like sticks, pinecones, or other organic materials are great options.
If you have more plastic plant pots than you can use and don't have a recycling centre nearby, you can also repurpose them in other ways. One idea is to use them as worm composters by drilling holes in the container, burying it in the soil, and filling it with kitchen scraps for worms and other soil organisms to break down. You can also use plastic plant pots as scoops for soil, mulch, or compost, or take advantage of their drainage holes to spread lawn seed, fertilizer, or pest repellents.
Finding Fingerprints: Plastic Surfaces and Latent Print Techniques
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Create bird feeders
Big plastic planter pots can be repurposed in many ways, one of which is creating bird feeders. Here are some ways to do this:
Bird Feeder with a Pedestal
If you want to place your bird feeder among a large hedge, you can opt for a pedestal-type feeder instead of a hanging one. You can use any weatherproof upright structure for the pedestal, such as stone, treated wood, or stack several terracotta pots on top of each other. For the feeder, you can use a heavy plate or dish that can withstand the elements. Use a generous amount of adhesive to attach the feeder to the pedestal. Fill the feeder with birdseed and place it on top of the pedestal. If you live in a place with cold winter freezes, choose glazed pots for your garden as they can withstand the cold better than unglazed pots.
Bird Feeder with a Handle
You can also create a bird feeder with a handle by using two 8-inch saucers and an orchid pot. Center the orchid pot on top of one of the 8-inch saucers and add adhesive to the drain hole, letting it dry for about an hour. Meanwhile, drill a hole in the center of the other 8-inch saucer and attach a drawer knob to create a handle. Once the adhesive is dry, place the orchid pot with the glued side down on top of the unmarked saucer. Fill the feeder with birdseed and place it on top of the pedestal or hang it using the handle.
Plastic Planter Pot Bird Feeder
To create a bird feeder from a plastic planter pot, start by disinfecting the pot to prevent the spread of fungal and other diseases. Then, drill some holes low on the container and glue a plant saucer or plate to the bottom to catch the seeds. You can also cut a hole in the bottom of the planter and slip it over young plants to protect them from hungry herbivores and cutworms.
It may take a few days for birds to discover your new feeder, so be patient and keep the feeder filled. Different types of feed and feeders will attract different bird species. For example, sunflower hearts and black sunflower seeds are popular with a wide variety of garden birds, while suet balls and blocks are high-energy foods that can attract a variety of birds and create less mess.
Disinfecting Plastics: Eradicating Coronavirus Completely
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Protect plants from frost
Big plastic planter pots can be used in several ways to protect plants from frost. Firstly, they can be used as instant row covers for plants when frost is pending. Covering plants helps trap heat radiating from the soil, providing extra frost protection. Remember to remove the coverings in the morning to prevent condensation buildup, which can freeze and damage the plants.
Another way to use plastic planter pots to protect plants from frost is by placing them over young plants and transplants, pressing them slightly into the soil, to act as mini greenhouses. This not only keeps plants warm during cold snaps but also protects them from big hungry herbivores like rabbits and cutworms.
If you have many potted plants outdoors, grouping them together can help protect them from frost. The most cold-hardy plants should be placed around the outside of the grouping to act as a buffer and protect the less cold-hardy plants from harsh winds and freezing temperatures.
To further protect plants from frost, you can also bury the potted plant in the ground. This helps keep the roots of the plant at a warmer ground temperature. Additionally, you can use plastic planter pots to elevate your plants, keeping them away from cold air pooling at ground level.
Finally, you can use plastic planter pots to create a protective barrier around the base of your plants by filling them with mulch. Mulch helps insulate the soil and retain warmth, reducing the risk of frost damage. It can also be used to reduce the amount of soil needed in large planters, which can provide better insulation for the roots. Watering the pots when temperatures are above freezing can also help protect the roots from frost damage. Additionally, treating the interior of the pots with pool paint can help prevent cracks caused by freezing and thawing.
Assembling Plastic Doll Joints: A Step-by-Step Guide
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Make a plant stand
Plastic plant pots can be reused in several ways to make a plant stand. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Tomato Cages
You can transform wire tomato cages into plant stands by cutting them down to size and finding a pot that fits inside perfectly. Spray painting the wire frame will give it a more professional and polished look. If you want your plant stand to be able to spin, you can replace the base with a lazy Susan.
Cinder Blocks
Cinder blocks, also known as breeze blocks, are a popular building material known for their water resistance and strength. You can use a few of these chunky bricks and a bit of wood to make a cinder block plant bench. This option is perfect for those who love a brutalist style.
Tree Stumps
Tree stumps make for great indoor or outdoor plant stands. Their organic appearance feels like a seamless extension of potted plants, and they are strong and sturdy enough to hold heavy pots. You can use one tree stump to elevate a potted plant, or assemble three tree stumps of differing heights to create depth and dimension.
Wooden Pallets
Wooden pallets can be recycled as large outdoor plant stands that can accommodate several different plants. The wood construction is sturdy enough to keep heavy plants safe, and the natural material brings a rustic feel to your space.
Old Tires
You can turn old tires into plant stands by painting or spray-painting them in vibrant colours. Stack the tires and fill them with colourful plants to create a unique and eye-catching display.
When making a plant stand, it is important to consider the weight and stability of the stand and pot. Choose materials that are suitable for your climate conditions and remember to add drainage holes if your stand will be holding potted plants.
Washable Shower Curtain Liners: Plastic Care and Maintenance
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Use as a dirt scoop
Big plastic planter pots can be used as dirt scoops when filling pots with soil. The thin, rigid edges of these pots make them ideal for scooping. They can also be used to scoop and distribute dirt, compost, or mulch.
To use a plastic planter pot as a dirt scoop, start by removing any loose dirt from the pot and then washing it thoroughly with warm, soapy water. This will help to prevent the spread of pests or diseases in your garden. Next, create a mixture of bleach and water in a 1:9 ratio and soak the pot in this solution for about 10 minutes. Finally, rinse the pot with fresh water and allow it to dry completely before using it as a scoop.
When using the plastic planter pot as a dirt scoop, simply fill the pot with soil and use it to transfer the soil to the desired location. You can also use the pot to scoop and distribute compost or mulch, ensuring that your garden beds are evenly covered.
Additionally, the drainage holes in the plastic planter pot can be utilized to spread lawn seed, fertilizer, or pest repellents over your garden beds. The holes allow for even distribution, ensuring that your plants receive the necessary nutrients or protection.
By repurposing large plastic planter pots as dirt scoops, you not only reduce waste but also gain a functional tool for your gardening needs.
Attaching Screws to Plastic: The Ultimate Guide
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
There are many ways to repurpose big plastic planter pots in your garden. You can use them as scoops for soil, compost, or mulch, or as a sifter to remove stones and debris from used soil. You can also use them to protect young plants from pests and herbivores, or as filler to reduce the amount of soil needed in larger pots.
Big plastic planter pots can be used decoratively in your home. For example, you can use smaller pots to store cotton balls, cotton swabs, makeup brushes, or hairbrushes. Larger pots can be used to hold utensils and napkins for dining alfresco, or as a makeshift cooler for bottles or cans.
Before reusing big plastic planter pots, it is important to clean them to prevent the spread of pests or diseases. To do this, brush off any loose dirt, wash the pot in warm soapy water, and then soak it in a 1:9 ratio of bleach to water for about 10 minutes. Finally, rinse the pot with fresh water.
