As gardeners, we often focus on plants, soil, and seasonal changes—but what about the containers that hold our green treasures? Whether you’re preparing for a new planting season or simply tidying up your outdoor space, gathering and cleaning your garden pots is an essential task. And if you love a little creativity, exploring thrift stores and upcycling unique containers can add charm and character to your garden in unexpected ways.
Gathering & Cleaning Garden Pots
Over time, garden pots accumulate dirt, mineral deposits, and lingering bacteria that can affect plant health. Cleaning them properly before reuse ensures that your new plants start in a fresh, healthy environment.
How to Clean Garden Pots:
Gather Your Pots – Collect all unused or stored pots from your garden, shed, or garage. Stack them by material type (terra cotta, plastic, ceramic, metal) for easier cleaning.
Remove Dirt and Debris – Scrub off soil and plant residue using a stiff brush or an old toothbrush for smaller crevices.
Soak in a Cleaning Solution – Use a mixture of water and white vinegar (1:10 ratio) or a mild dish soap solution. For stubborn mineral deposits, soak terra cotta pots in a 50/50 water and vinegar solution for an hour.
Sanitize – To kill bacteria or fungus, soak pots in a diluted bleach solution (1 part bleach to 9 parts water) for 10–15 minutes. Rinse thoroughly and allow to air dry in the sun.
Store Properly – Stack pots neatly or place them upside-down on a shelf to keep them clean and dry until the next planting season.
Thrift Store Treasures:
Thrift stores, flea markets, and yard sales can be goldmines for creative planters. Instead of buying new pots, why not repurpose unique finds? Here are some fantastic items to look for:
Teacups & Coffee Mugs – Perfect for small succulents or herbs on a windowsill.
Colanders – Their built-in drainage holes make them excellent for cascading flowers or trailing vines.
Old Boots & Shoes – Quirky and fun, especially for small flowers or mossy arrangements.
Baskets – Lined with burlap or coconut coir, they can be great for ferns or flowers.
Toolboxes & Wooden Crates – With a few drainage holes drilled in, these can create rustic herb gardens or succulent displays.
Metal Tins & Enamelware – Vintage kitchenware like bread tins or old pots make charming, weathered planters.
Wagon Wheels or Bicycle Baskets – Repurposed as vertical garden features or hanging baskets.
Upcycling Garden Decor
Beyond just planting containers, consider how you can repurpose old items into garden décor. Some ideas include:
Broken Pot Fairy Gardens – Use shattered clay pots to create miniature landscapes.
Pallet Vertical Gardens – Mount a wooden pallet against a wall and plant herbs or flowers in the slats.
Repurposed Furniture – Old dressers or chairs can become tiered planters with a coat of weatherproof paint.
Mason Jar Hanging Planters – Attach them to a wooden board for a beautiful herb garden.
Bicycle Planter – A vintage bike with a basket full of flowers makes a whimsical garden statement.
The Beauty of Upcycling
Upcycling not only saves money but also reduces waste and adds personality to your garden. Instead of discarding old objects, give them a new life with plants! The next time you visit a thrift store, look beyond traditional planters and let your imagination run wild.
Do you have a favorite upcycled planter or thrift store garden find? Share your creative ideas in the comments!