5 Ways To Upcycle Household Objects for Your Garden

The concept of upcycling, transforming discarded or unused items into valuable resources has gained momentum in recent years. It’s sustainable, reduces waste, saves you money and looks good.

Scotts have provided us with 5 creative ways you can upcycle objects around your house to breathe new life into your garden.

1. Vintage containers as planters

Before tossing out that worn-out tea kettle or cracked porcelain bowl, consider giving them a new lease on life as unique planters that create eye-catching focal points amidst your greenery. Vintage containers add character and charm to your garden while holding flowers, succulents, or herbs. Ensure proper drainage by drilling holes in the bottom and adding the right potting mix for your succulents unique growing conditions, like Scotts Osmocote Cacti & Succulents Potting Mix.

2. Old ladder as a wooden plant shelf

An old wooden ladder can be transformed into a pretty and handy spot to show off your flowering plants. The tiered design of the plant shelf optimises vertical space, allowing you to display a variety of plants in a compact area.

3. Pallet garden beds

Old wooden pallets, often discarded after shipping, can be transformed into rustic garden beds that save both space and money. By standing the pallet on its side, securing the slats, and filling the gaps with Scotts Osmocote Premium Potting Mix, you create vertical planters ideal for herbs, small vegetables, or even flowering plants. Always make sure that the wood on the pallet you are using is untreated to avoid any chemicals leaching into your soil.

4. Tire planters

Discarded tires can find new purpose as quirky, durable planters. Paint the tires in vibrant colours to infuse your garden with a playful spirit, then stack them or arrange them in creative formations to accommodate a variety of plants. Tire planters are particularly suitable for larger plants and showcases your commitment to reducing waste.

5. Gumboot vertical garden

Outgrown or damaged gumboots can be repurposed into charming vertical gardens. Fill each boot with Scotts Osmocote Garden Soil Planting Mix and plant small herbs or flowers. Then, hang the boots from a fence, wall, or railing to create a vibrant and visually appealing display.

A few things to keep in mind when upcycling:

It’s important to select the right planter, choose one that has enough space for the vegetables and herbs you are growing.
Ensure that there is proper drainage in the planter to prevent root rot. The best way to do this is by drilling drainage holes and using a premium potting mix that drains well, and/or gravel to improve aeration.
For greater growth, use a natural fertiliser rich in organic matter and high in nitrogen.

By giving new life to items that might have otherwise ended up in landfills, you're contributing to a more environmentally conscious lifestyle while adding unique and personalised touches to your outdoor sanctuary. Each upcycled piece tells a story, transforming ordinary objects into garden treasures that reflect your commitment to both nature and innovation. So, the next time you're about to discard an old item, think about how it might find a new purpose and a new home amidst the greenery of your garden.