Recycled Backyard: Tire Gardens

Got some old tires on hand? Building a tire garden is easy!

Got some old tires on hand? Building a tire garden is easy!

Tire gardenPhoto by Jill Staake
At the butterfly garden where I work, we use tire planters to grow host and nectar plants for our local butterflies.

You can even paint the tires using appropriate outdoor paints (ask at your local home improvement store). This is a great project for kids, too. A friend of mine helped her children’s school decorate and install inexpensive tire planters as a way to spruce up the grounds and get the kids interested in gardening.

tall tire garden stacks
For taller tire garden stacks, fill the bottom with stones or recycled materials to take up space. via Serendipitous Scavenger
color tire garden planters
Coordinate flower colors with tire colors for a vibrant, eye-catching display. via Junk Drawer Decor

No room on the ground? Smaller tires from trailers or wheelbarrows are great for hanging from trees or sturdily-mounted hooks. Paint them or leave them plant – whatever suits your own style.

Tire Garden
Choose trailing plants for hanging tire gardens for a dramatic look.

Have you created a tire garden? Do you have tips for our readers? Tell us in the comments below.

Jill Staake
Jill lives in Tampa, Florida, and writes about gardening, butterflies, outdoor projects and birding. When she's not gardening, you'll find her reading, traveling and happily digging her toes into the sand on the beach.