How Do I Repurpose Old Containers?

“I’ve recently inherited several old containers and planters, some quite large and others more on the small side. I’m looking for creative ways to repurpose them, as I’d hate to just throw them out when they could potentially have a second life in my garden. My backyard farm is small, but I’m open to experimenting and trying new things. Do you have any advice on how I can make the best use of these containers?” Much appreciated, Jason, Auckland, New Zealand.

How To Repurpose Old Containers: Creative and Practical Ideas for Your Backyard Farm

Repurposing old containers is not only an environmentally friendly thing to do, but it also adds a unique flair to your backyard farm. Whether you’ve got large planters, small pots, or anything in between, there’s likely a way to give them a new life. This isn’t just for aesthetics either—good repurposing can increase productivity and even help you solve common gardening problems. Jason, you’re already on the right track by seeking advice before you dispose of those old containers. Let’s talk about some practical and creative ways you can put them to good use in your backyard farm.

1. The Benefits of Repurposing Old Containers

Before jumping into specific ideas, it’s worth noting why repurposing old containers is a practice worth embracing. Here are a few reasons to think about:

• Cost Savings: New gardening supplies can be expensive. Repurposing what you already have lets you save money while expanding your gardening repertoire.
• Environmental Impact: Every container you repurpose is one less item headed to a landfill. Plus, you’re reducing the need for new manufactured products, which cuts down on pollution and resource use.
• Customization: Sometimes, commercial products don’t perfectly suit your needs. By repurposing containers, you can create solutions tailored specifically to your gardening challenges.
• Aesthetic Appeal: Mixing different container styles can make your backyard farm visually interesting. You end up with a unique garden that reflects your personality.

2. Types of Containers You Can Repurpose

Not all containers are created equal, and the way you repurpose them will depend on their shape, size, and material. Let’s break down some common types you might have on hand, Jason, and the best ways to use them.

2.1 Wooden Planters and Crates

Wooden containers are ideal for repurposing, especially since they often have a rustic charm that adds character to your garden. Here are a few ways you can transform them:

• Raised Beds: Larger wooden containers or crates can be easily converted into raised beds. Just make sure they’re lined to avoid wood rot.
• Vertical Gardens: Wooden planters are prime candidates for being hung vertically against a wall, giving you additional planting space with a visually appealing vertical garden.
• Herb Gardens: Smaller wooden containers are perfect for creating a portable herb garden—you could move them around as needed to catch sunlight.

2.2 Plastic Containers

Plastic is durable, lightweight, and widely available. Although it doesn’t have the same charm as wood, it’s incredibly versatile:

• Self-Watering Planters: With a bit of tweaking, you can turn a plastic container into a self-watering planter by adding a water reservoir at the bottom.
• Seed Starting: Small plastic containers can be great for starting seeds. Simply fill them with potting soil and plant your seeds before transplanting them later.
• Storage Solutions: Plastic containers can double as storage for gardening tools or even as a protective shield for young plants when inverted.

2.3 Clay and Ceramic Pots

These tend to be more fragile but they can still serve a purpose:

• Decoration: Broken pots can be used as decorative edging for garden beds. Simply place them in the soil as a border.
• Fairy Gardens: If you’re into whimsical elements, clay and ceramic pots are great for creating small, themed fairy gardens.
• Mosaic Projects: Pieces of broken ceramic can be repurposed into mosaic designs, either on the side of a raised bed or even on garden furniture.

2.4 Metal Containers

Metal is great for a unique, industrial look in your garden. However, it can get very hot in the sun, so consider these tips:

• Trough Planters: Repurpose old metal troughs by filling them with soil and using them as large planters.
• Decorative Focal Points: An old metal container can be turned into a striking focal point for your garden—create a water feature or plant it with something colorful.
• Tool Storage: Metal containers, especially those with lids, can double as tool storage, keeping your gardening tools protected from the elements.

3. Practical Considerations Before Repurposing

Before you start repurposing, Jason, here are some key questions to consider:

• Drainage: Does the container have adequate drainage, or do you need to add drainage holes? Poor drainage can easily lead to waterlogged soil and root rot.
• Size: Is the container large enough to support the type of plant you want to grow? Consider the root space required for your specific plants.
• Material Safety: Ensure that the material is non-toxic, especially if you’re growing herbs or vegetables. Some plastics, for instance, can leach harmful chemicals.
• Sun Exposure: How will the material react to sun exposure? Some materials may deteriorate quicker under direct sunlight, while others may cause the soil to heat too much.
• Mobility: If you plan to move the container around, is it too heavy? You may need to add wheels or plan for it to stay in one location.

Addressing these points will help ensure your containers are both functional and long-lasting in their new roles.

4. Advanced Ideas for Repurposing

If you’re ready to take your repurposing up a notch, here are some more advanced ideas that could be interesting to try:

4.1 Aquaponics Systems

Have you considered setting up a small-scale aquaponics system in your garden? Larger, watertight containers can serve as excellent fish tanks, while smaller containers could be used to grow your plants in a circulating water system. The fish waste provides the nutrients, while the water is cycled between the plants and the tank. It’s a closed-loop system that can be both sustainable and rewarding.

4.2 Tiered Gardening Systems

If you’ve got containers of varying heights, consider setting up a tiered system. This not only maximizes space but also can create a very pleasing visual effect. You can plant shallow-rooted plants on the top tier and deeper-rooted plants on the bottom. Hang small pots off the sides for cascading plants like strawberries or herbs.

5. Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with the best intentions, repurposing containers doesn’t always go as planned. Here are some common problems you might encounter, Jason, along with how to handle them:

• Mold and Mildew: If you notice mold forming inside the containers, particularly in wooden ones, you may have a moisture problem. Ensure your container has adequate drainage and consider applying a non-toxic wood preservative.
• Rust in Metal Containers: Metal can rust over time, especially when exposed to moist soil. You can slow this process by lining the container with a plastic liner or repainting it yearly with rust-proof paint.
• Cracking of Clay and Ceramic Containers: Extreme temperature changes can cause clay and ceramic to crack. Ensure they are placed in more sheltered areas, away from direct snow or ice exposure.

6. Repurposing for Specific Plant Needs

You might have some specific plants in your backyard farm that could benefit from unique container solutions. Here are a few ideas:

• Shallow Containers for Succulents: Old trays or very shallow pots are ideal for succulents since these plants don’t require deep soil. Create a succulent garden with multiple containers of varying shapes and sizes.
• Deep Containers for Root Vegetables: Carrots, potatoes, and other root vegetables thrive in deep containers. Tall, old trash bins could be repurposed for this purpose.
• Hanging Gardens for Herbs: If space is an issue, consider hanging your old pots and filling them with herbs. Hanging systems can be particularly useful for smaller herbs like thyme, oregano, and chives.

Final Thoughts…

Jason, it’s great to see your enthusiasm for repurposing those old containers. Repurposing not only helps breathe new life into items that might otherwise be discarded, but it can also bring a unique charm to your backyard farm. Whether you’re turning a wooden crate into a raised bed, creating a self-watering planter from an old plastic bucket, or even brainstorming more advanced systems like aquaponics, your creativity is the limit.

Remember to think about the practical aspects—drainage, material safety, size—and tailor your containers to your specific plants’ needs. I’m sure that with a bit of ingenuity, you’ll not only make the most of your available space but also enjoy the process as you go along. Thanks again for reaching out, and best of luck with your backyard farm!