Unique Garden Containers

Way to Grow : Episode WTG-211 -- More Projects »

These unique pots are perfect for a small herb garden. A wheelbarrow with a flat tire can work again as a planter. Used as a planter, an old tire can create some down-home charm.

When gardening with containers, the whole idea is to break away from the traditional planting and gardening locations... so why not break away from traditional containers as well? Here, hosts John Greenlee and Jackie Cicchino share some great ideas for unconventional containers that will add interest and charm to planted beauties.

Old chimney pots or sections of ceramic or metal pipes make great planters... and take up less space than traditional pots, too. Their elongated shape also provides a great way to introduce height into a group of containers.
When a metal mop bucket springs a leak, just bring it out of the kitchen and give it a second life as a plant's new home. Simply drill holes in the base to provide adequate drainage (leak holes are rarely sufficient for this purpose).
A kitchen crock with a broken lid is another ideal candidate for a unique planter. Before placing a plant in the crock, drill two 3/8" holes in the base. (Tall crocks make ideal planters for roses - without elevation, roses' low-growing stems make it difficult for passers-by to enjoy the wonderful fragrance of the blooms.)
Discarded porcelain sinks make perfect planters for large plant varieties. To give a porcelain sink the look of stone, simply clean it, coat it with a bonding adhesive and apply a roughened layer of cement, sand and peat mixed with water.
Cut wine and beer barrels in half to create charming planters for large, colorful mixes of blooms.
Giant seashells can be transformed into planters for low-growing plants that don't require a deep root run. (Some shells even have holes close to their lowest point, eliminating the need for creating a new drainage opening.) The only drawback to large seashell planters is their great weight - two people can barely lift one of these.

I told you how anything can be a container garden, here’s more proof. Here are a couple unique garden containers at my local garden center today.

Here’s a bicycle container garden.