Introduction

If you're an avid gardener, chances are you have a pile of old plant pots taking up space in your garage or backyard. While it can be tempting to throw them away, there are actually many clever and eco-friendly ways to repurpose these pots. In this article, we'll explore some creative ideas for what to do with old plant pots.

Donate or Recycle

Before exploring creative ways to repurpose your old plant pots, it's important to consider donating or recycling them first. Some plant nurseries and garden centers accept used pots for reuse or recycling. You can also check with local gardening groups or community gardens to see if they could use any extra pots. If your pots are made of plastic, some recycling programs will accept them if they are clean and free of soil or plants.

Create a Herb Garden

If you have several small to medium-sized pots, consider creating a herb garden. Herbs such as basil, rosemary, and thyme are easy to grow and can be used in cooking or for medicinal purposes. Arrange the pots in a sunny area of your home or garden and fill them with potting soil and your favorite herbs. Label each pot with the name of the herb for easy reference.

Make a Fairy Garden

If you have old, broken pots or several smaller ones, consider creating a whimsical fairy garden. Line the bottom of the pot with rocks or small pebbles for drainage and add potting soil. Then, arrange miniature figures, such as fairies, gnomes, and animals, amongst small plants such as succulents or moss. Fairy gardens are a fun way to bring a touch of magic and whimsy to your home or garden.

Repot Houseplants

If you have larger, unbroken pots, consider using them to repot houseplants. Choose a plant that has outgrown its current pot or is in need of fresh soil. Carefully remove the plant from its current pot and transfer it to the larger one with fresh potting soil. This will give your plant more space to grow and access to fresh nutrients.

Make a Birdbath

To make a simple birdbath, take a large, shallow pot and fill it with water. Arrange pebbles or rocks along the bottom for birds to perch on. Place the pot in a sunny area of your garden and watch as birds come to bathe and drink.

Create a Rain Chain

A rain chain is a chain that is hung near the gutter of your home to guide rainwater away from the foundation. To create a DIY rain chain, take several small plant pots and string them together with wire or string. Hang the chain near your gutter and watch as rainwater flows down the chain and into a container below.

Conclusion

As you can see, there are many creative ways to repurpose old plant pots. Whether you choose to donate or recycle them, create a herb garden, make a fairy garden, repot houseplants, make a birdbath, or create a rain chain, you can feel good about giving your pots a new life rather than throwing them away.