Containers overflowing with colorful flowers are a staple in my garden.
Unfortunately, the cost of containers can be quite high.
But, you may be surprised to find that you can create containers from items you already have in your garage or shed.
One easy way to create a colorful plant container is to take a 5-gallon pail and a can of spray paint in your favorite color.
5-gallon pail
Make some holes on the bottom for drainage.
Spray your pail with your favorite color. I like to use purples and blues. Make sure to select a spray paint that will adhere to plastic.
After the paint has dried, fill with soil and your favorite flowers. This project costs under $4 for the paint and $3 for the 5-gallon pail.
Another item in your garage that makes an attractive plant container is an old galvanized bucket.
Galvanized pail planter
This planter cost me $0.
Maybe you have containers that are somewhat boring…
It is very easy to turn them into gorgeous containers by simply painting them a different color.
I had three of these containers and I decided to paint them three different colors.
I chose blue, yellow and purple. My son helped me with the painting and later with planting them.
Just a couple of months later, they were full of flowering plants…
The total cost for this project was $11 for three cans of spray paint for my existing containers.
So how about you? Are you ready to transform boring containers into something special?
Here is a another great idea for transforming containers from Birds & Blooms:
So cute in the bright colors! Do you just buy a ton of the cheap annuals at a store, or did you grow these from seed?
HI Jenny,
I bought the white and pink vinca from my local big box store. However, I did plant the nasturtiums from seed 🙂
Noelle
Love, love, love the bright colored pots! Definitely going to have to get some spray paint a.s.a.p. Hmmm.. I wonder if you can spray paint terra cotta?
Yes. As it said on the plastic pots, you have to look for the right paint. I believe when they mention masonery on the labels, this will be the correct paint.
I started doing the painting of pots I already have because some of my geraniums were in heavy glass/pottery type of container. I save my geraniums year to year by storing them in our crawl space. You can save a lot by overwintering for the next year.
I loved all of the ideas about the flower pots, being sprayed bright colors. I will definetly be doing mine. I love your book.
I read every word of it and just can’t wait to get the next one!
Really great colors. And, to answer Ashley about painting terra cotta pots, the moisture that escapes through the surface of the pot will eventually bubble most paint, although, I have to say I haven’t used the paints that will stick to plastic, so they might work.
I made one out of an glue barrel I got from where I worked. Was a nice one for tomato plant, and flowers. and i didn’t need to paint it it was a bright blue. I did drill some holes around the bottom, to let out water and to let the soil breath. Gets kinda a hot in that plastic.
Be sure and re-purpose the plastic buckets that kitty litter comes in…..they are one of the most useful items I have.
I spray paint my pots, both plastic and clay, every other year depending on their color survival through the winter, and my whims in the Spring. Love the bright colors all through Summer into fall…happy plants….happy people =)
How do you store your geraniums during the winter months? I always leave my right in the pots, but that takes up alot of room Isn’t there some way to take them out the pots and them up or hang them up. I am not sure how? Thank you
Before frost, pull them out of ground, clean off old blooms/buds, put in paper sack or box, store in cool/dark place. Clean up and replant in February, place in sunny window or grow light.
Please help with the brand of paint to use on plastic containers. I have tried outdoor spray paint that lists plastic, but it does not stick well, comes off easily within a few months. Any helpful hints and the best brand to use will be appreciated.
Thank you…