Container gardens are so much fun, because the possibilities are endless, and the entire family can participate. You don't have to commit a lot of time to plant: Create one new potted plant each day until your garden is complete! Just about anything that will hold soil can be used. GROWN-UPS: It's your job to drill a few drainage holes into containers that don't already have them. Here are a few neat ideas to get you started:
1. Terra cotta pots: An old standard that can be made fresh by painting or decorating the outside.
2. Old metal watering cans: A perfect match for your new garden!
3. Wooden crates: Line the inside with a plastic garbage bag, then poke a few drain holes into the plastic.
4. Old shoes: Brightly colored rubber boots add a splash of color and whimsy to your garden. An old cowboy boot adds a rustic look.
5. Metal wagon: A child's metal wagon makes a nice container either on its own (grown-ups don't forget the drain holes!) or used as a holder for several containers.
6. Old toys: Big plastic dump trucks will let the neighbors know that the children had a hand in planting the new garden.
About The Author: Deborah Shelton is the author of The Five Minute Parent: Fun & Fast Activities for You and Your Little Ones. Visit The Five Minute Parent for fun rainy-day activities, family links, and a free email newsletter filled with craft ideas, guest articles, contests and so much more! http://www.fiveminuteparent.com
I have actually used old childrens bookcases, turned them on their side, painted them, put holes in the bottom, put plastic trash bags inside (with holes), and grown tomatoes in them.
My girlfriend placed a straw bale inside her kid's old metal wagon. She watered it, punched a few holes in the sides and top, added soil to the holes and a flower annual and had a unique planter for her yard. The wet straw bale held the water/moisture for a long time and soon the wagon was full of blooms. She had a lot of positive comments on the wagon that summer she said.
I agree with Deborah that anything can be used to hold plants as long as it will hold potting mix and has good drainage. If you live in a small town/country area the rubbish tip is a good place to go for inspiration! Don't just look for the traditional pot or planter shape - think tall and thin, (a chimney pot with the bottom filled with gravel), wide and shallow, a metal roasting/baking dish or build a container with a couple of dozen old recycled bricks or a sink - good for succulents. Varying shapes and heights add visual interest. Look at every container with the thought - maybe I can do something with that - add paint or mosaic with old broken crockery, etc. The rubbish tip is a goldmine of ideas.
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