Ethan Clarke
Plastic plant pots are a common source of waste, with many gardeners wondering how to dispose of them responsibly. While recycling is an option, it can be a laborious process, and not all municipalities accept these plastics. As such, many people are seeking ways to upcycle their old plastic plant pots. From creating mini-greenhouses to compost bins, there are many ways to give these pots a second life and reduce your environmental impact.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Recycling | Plastic pots are recyclable if your local center takes type 2, 5, or 6 plastics. |
| Recycling is the responsible way to dispose of these common containers. | |
| Plastic pots can be recycled at Home Depot and East Jordan Plastics. | |
| Reusing | Smaller pots can be inverted as mini greenhouses for tender plants. |
| Plastic pots can be used as a base to lift planters above neighboring plants. | |
| Old nursery containers can be used to cover plants overnight to protect them from frost. | |
| Plastic pots can be used as scoops for potting soil. | |
| Plastic pots can be used as liners in larger pots to reduce the amount of soil needed. | |
| Plastic pots can be used as permanent planting holes for seasonal container plants. | |
| Plastic pots can be used to protect plants from mulch. | |
| Plastic pots can be used as worm composters. | |
| Plastic pots can be used as vertical gardens. | |
| Plastic pots can be used as bee hotels. | |
| Plastic pots can be used as coat racks. | |
| Plastic pots can be used as compost bins. | |
| Plastic pots can be used as decorative items. |
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What You'll Learn
Use as a base for a larger planter
Plastic plant pots can be used as filler in larger planters. This can help to reduce the weight of the planter, as well as the amount of soil needed. It is recommended to use high-quality potting soil, as soil from the ground can cause issues with planter drainage, weight, and potential freeze/thaw.
To use plastic plant pots as filler, simply place an upside-down pot in the bottom of the larger planter and place your potted plant on top. You can also fill the larger planter with other recycled materials, such as plastic bottles, before placing the potted plant on top. This will create a solid foundation for your plant or tree to sit on.
If you are using a cache pot method, where the smaller pot with drainage holes is set inside a decorative planter, you can use plastic plant pots as filler around the sides. This will help to prevent water buildup and improve drainage. Be sure to empty any collected water regularly to keep your plants healthy.
Another option is to use plastic plant pots as a base to lift your planter above neighboring plants. This is especially useful if you want to add colour around shrubs. You can also use plastic plant pots as insulation for your plants by covering them with the pots overnight.
It is important to note that old plant pots can harbour diseases that might infect new plants. Be sure to disinfect old plant pots before reusing them. Additionally, consider reducing your consumption of plastic pots by buying plants in biodegradable pots or as bare-root plants.
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Protect plants during mulching
Plastic plant pots can be reused, recycled, or upcycled in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas for upcycling plastic plant pots:
- Protect plants during mulching: Before dumping mulch into the bed, cover each plant with an old plastic container to protect them. This prevents accidentally burying the plants or getting the mulch too close to their crowns.
- Mini-greenhouses: Smaller pots can be inverted and used as mini-greenhouses for tender plants. This also helps keep critters from eating young plants.
- Fillers: Plastic pots can be upended inside larger plant pots to serve as filler. This reduces the amount of soil needed and the weight of the pot.
- Worm composting: Drill holes in a plastic pot, bury it in the soil, and fill it with kitchen scraps. Worms and other soil organisms will break down the scraps.
- Plant collars: Bury plastic pots in the soil with plants that tend to spread aggressively. The collar around the pot will keep the runners from growing haphazardly.
- Vertical garden: Stack plastic pots and drill holes in them. String rope through the holes to create a vertical garden.
- Bee hotel: Cut holes in the side of a plastic pot and fill it with straw, leaf litter, and other dry organic items to create a bee hotel.
- Storage: Keep plastic pots for your own use or donate them to local gardening organizations or friends who may need them.
Now, for more detailed information on how to protect plants during mulching:
Mulching offers multiple benefits to your garden, including weed reduction, moisture retention, erosion control, and decreased water runoff. However, it's important to take certain precautions to avoid harming your plants. Here are some tips to protect your plants during mulching:
- Remove weeds first: Before applying mulch, remove any large weeds or patches of weeds. If you don't, they will continue to spread under the mulch and pop through.
- Avoid mounding: When mulching around trees, avoid mounding the mulch up against the trunk. This can create problems with fungi and limit oxygen and water supply to the roots.
- Maintain appropriate depth: A layer of mulch that is too deep can limit oxygen and water supply to plant roots. Generally, 1 inch of mulch is sufficient. For younger trees, a thicker layer of mulch around the base can be beneficial.
- Avoid woody mulch: Woody mulches like bark chips are not ideal for vegetable gardens. They can bind up available nitrogen that could be used by the plants and make it harder to remove weeds.
- Avoid dyed mulch: Dyed mulch may expose your plants to chemicals from the treated wood.
- Avoid plastic sheeting: Using plastic sheeting as mulch in a home garden offers no benefits to your soil and can inhibit water infiltration while increasing soil temperatures.
- Beware of weed seeds: Ensure your mulch is not contaminated with weed seeds, as this can introduce weeds into your garden. Let fresh mulch sit for a few months to sprout and kill any weed seeds.
- Avoid mulching newly-sown areas: Seeds need to be able to germinate and reach light, so avoid applying a thick layer of mulch over newly-sown areas. A light sprinkling of hay, straw, or dried grass clippings is preferable.
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Create a permanent planting hole
Plastic plant pots can be reused and upcycled in many ways. One way to upcycle plastic plant pots is to create permanent planting holes. Here is a step-by-step guide:
First, decide on a spot in your garden where you want to create a permanent planting hole. Choose a spot that receives the right amount of sunlight for the plants you wish to grow. Dig a hole in the ground that is slightly larger than the plastic plant pot you will be using. It is important to use a rigid, sturdy pot for this project, so look for a pot with thick walls and a strong base. The pot should also be larger than the containers you plan to swap out. Make sure the pot has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
Place the plastic plant pot inside the hole, ensuring it fits snugly. You can fill any gaps around the sides with soil or newspaper. The newspaper will help hold moisture and eventually decompose as the plant's roots expand. Burying the pot liner will also ensure that the roots of the shrubs are never disturbed. This method is especially useful if you like to add seasonal colour around your shrubs or swap out container plants.
You can now place a new pot inside the buried plastic pot and plant your desired plant. When it's time to swap out the plant, simply lift the pot and replace it with a new one. This method saves you from having to dig new holes each time you want to change your plants.
Creating permanent planting holes with plastic plant pots is a clever way to upcycle and reduce waste. It also makes gardening more accessible and convenient, especially if you enjoy frequently changing your garden display.
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Make a bee hotel
Making a bee hotel is a great way to upcycle plastic plant pots and help the environment. It is an easy and cheap way to provide a safe space for bees to nest. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make a bee hotel using an old plant pot:
Step 1: Gather Materials
You will need an old plant pot, some bamboo cane, and some string. You can also use other materials such as cardboard tubes or a plastic bottle. If using a plastic bottle, you will need scissors or a knife to cut it.
Step 2: Prepare the Plant Pot
Use scissors or a knife to cut off the pouring end of the plant pot, creating a cylinder with a hole on one side. If there are any rough edges, use sandpaper to smooth them out. This step should be done by an adult if children are helping with the project.
Step 3: Prepare the Bamboo Cane
Cut the bamboo cane to size using a saw or secateurs. The length of the cane should be slightly shorter than the height of the plant pot to keep it dry. Make sure the cane is dry and clear of any blockages. You can use a screw or another long, thin object to unblock the cane if needed.
Step 4: Assemble the Bee Hotel
Place the cut end of the plant pot on a flat surface. Insert the prepared bamboo cane into the pot, ensuring it fits snugly. You can add multiple canes if they are securely bundled together.
Step 5: Hang the Bee Hotel
Tie string around the outside of the plant pot so that you can hang it up. Find a sunny and sheltered spot in your garden, preferably off the ground, to hang your bee hotel. You can hang it from a tree, fence, or gate post. If hanging it higher, run the twine through the bottle first and tie both ends to create a loop.
Tips for Success:
- Face your bee hotel south so it gets morning warmth, which bees enjoy.
- Ensure the bee hotel is secure and does not swing too much in the wind, as bees prefer stable structures.
- Paint or cover the hotel to make it dark inside, as bees prefer enclosed spaces.
- Provide a source of water, preferably rainwater, and plant flowers or a wildflower meadow nearby to attract bees.
Now you have created a bee hotel, you can help solitary bees find a home and support their important role in pollinating plants.
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Use as a scoop
Plastic plant pots can be reused in a variety of ways, one of the most popular being as a scoop. The thin, rigid edges of plastic plant pots make them ideal for scooping various materials. They can be used to scoop soil, compost, or manure, making them a handy tool for gardeners.
To use a plastic plant pot as a scoop, start by cleaning and sanitising the pot to remove any dirt or residue. This can be done by brushing off loose dirt, washing the pot with warm soapy water, and then soaking it in a bleach and water solution for about 10 minutes. Rinse the pot with fresh water afterward.
Once the pot is clean and dry, it can be used for scooping. The drainage holes in the bottom of the pot can be utilised to sift and spread lawn seed, fertiliser, or pest repellents evenly over garden beds. This is especially useful for granular materials that need to be slowly distributed, as the hole at the bottom will allow for controlled dispensing.
In addition to scooping soil and garden supplies, plastic plant pots can also be used as shakers for sifting fertiliser, animal repellent, or other granular materials. Simply scoop up the desired material and wave the pot to distribute it where needed. This method works best when scooping right next to the bed that will be fertilised, as the material will start flowing out immediately.
Another creative way to use plastic plant pots as scoops is in the kitchen. They can be useful for scooping and measuring ingredients when cooking or baking. The size and shape of the pot can be advantageous for scooping dry goods like flour, sugar, or rice from larger containers. The pots can also be used as a substitute for measuring cups, ensuring precise quantities when preparing a recipe.
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Frequently asked questions
You can use plastic plant pots as worm composters by drilling holes in the container, burying it in the soil, and filling it with kitchen scraps. Alternatively, you can use them as mini greenhouses for tender plants, or as filler by upending them inside larger plant pots.
You can create a bee hotel by cutting holes in the side of the pot and filling it with straw, leaf litter, and other dry organic items. You can also paint old pots and display them as art pieces or coat racks.
You can turn plastic plant pots into compost bins by drilling holes around the container for airflow. With heat-resistant plant pots, you can also construct a mini grill or smoker for outdoor cooking.
Before reusing plastic plant pots, it is important to disinfect them to prevent the spread of fungal and other diseases. You can also use old plastic containers to scoop potting soil.
You can recycle plastic plant pots at Home Depot or your local disposal company. Before recycling, ensure that the pots are clean and free of soil and other contaminants.
