Gardening in a small space doesn’t have to mean spending a lot on fancy pots. With a little creativity, you can turn everyday items into perfectly good planters for herbs, flowers, and even small vegetables. This guide shows you how to make cheap containers that fit your space and your budget, using things you likely already have at home.
What You’ll Need
- Containers: plastic buckets, milk jugs, tin cans, wooden crates, old wheelbarrows, or even sturdy cardboard boxes (for short-term use)
- Drill or hammer and nail (for making drainage holes)
- Potting soil (not garden soil, which compacts in containers)
- Small stones or broken pottery (optional, for drainage)
- Plants or seeds of your choice
- Watering can or hose
- Scissors or utility knife (for cutting plastic)
- Sandpaper (to smooth rough edges)
Step-by-Step
- Choose your container. Look around your home for items that can hold soil. Plastic buckets, large yogurt tubs, milk jugs, tin cans, and even old boots or teapots can work. Make sure the container is deep enough for the roots of what you want to grow—herbs need at least a few inches, while tomatoes need much more.
- Clean the container thoroughly. Wash it with warm, soapy water and rinse well. If it previously held food, make sure no residue remains. For metal cans, remove any sharp edges and wash carefully.
- Add drainage holes. Most plants need good drainage to prevent root rot. Use a drill to make several small holes in the bottom of plastic or metal containers. If you don’t have a drill, you can use a hammer and nail to punch holes. For plastic, you can also heat a nail or screwdriver (carefully, using pliers) and melt holes—but this is only for adults and should be done with caution. Make at least four to six holes, depending on the size of the container.
- Optional: add a drainage layer. Some gardeners like to put a layer of small stones or broken pottery at the bottom to help water flow out. This isn’t strictly necessary, but it can prevent soil from washing out of the holes. If you do use it, keep the layer thin—about an inch or so.
- Fill with potting soil. Use a good-quality potting mix, which is lighter and better for containers than garden soil. Fill the container almost to the top, leaving about an inch of space below the rim so water doesn’t spill over.
- Plant your seeds or seedlings. Follow the instructions on the seed packet or plant tag for spacing and depth. For seedlings, dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball, place the plant in, and gently firm the soil around it. Water thoroughly after planting.
- Place your container. Put the finished planter in a spot that gets the right amount of sunlight for the plants you chose. Most vegetables and herbs need at least six hours of direct sun, but leafy greens can tolerate more shade.
- Water and care. Containers dry out faster than garden beds, so check the soil regularly. Water when the top inch feels dry. Feed with a diluted liquid fertilizer every couple of weeks if desired, since nutrients wash out with watering.
Common Mistakes
- Skipping drainage holes. Without holes, water collects at the bottom and causes roots to rot. Always make sure water can escape.
- Using garden soil. Garden soil is too dense for containers and can hold too much water or compact, suffocating roots. Use potting mix instead.
- Choosing containers that are too small. Small pots dry out quickly and restrict root growth. Match the container size to the plant’s needs—a single tomato needs a five-gallon bucket, while a few herbs can share a smaller pot.
- Forgetting to clean containers. Dirty containers can harbor diseases or pests. Always wash them before use.
- Overwatering. It’s easy to overwater in containers, especially if there’s no drainage. Check the soil moisture before watering—if it’s still damp, wait.
Tips
- Get creative with materials. Old tires, wooden pallets, and even repurposed furniture can become planters. Just ensure they’re safe for food plants—avoid anything that may have been treated with toxic chemicals.
- Use a saucer or tray. Place a saucer under your container to catch excess water and protect your floor or balcony. Empty the saucer after watering to prevent mosquitoes.
- Consider self-watering containers. You can make a simple self-watering planter by placing a bottle with small holes upside down in the soil, or by using a wick system. This helps if you forget to water.
- Group containers together. Grouping pots helps create a microclimate with higher humidity, and it looks nicer. It also makes watering easier.
- Label your plants. Use popsicle sticks or plastic spoons to label what you’ve planted. This is especially helpful if you’re growing multiple herbs that look similar.
Troubleshooting
- Water drains too fast. If water runs straight through, your soil may be too dry or the container may have too many holes. Try adding a layer of coconut coir or peat moss to help retain moisture, or place a piece of mesh over the holes.
- Plants look yellow or wilted. This could be overwatering or underwatering. Check the soil: if it’s soggy, let it dry out; if it’s bone dry, water thoroughly. Also check for drainage holes.
- Mold on the soil surface. This is usually a sign of too much moisture and poor air circulation. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings, and move the container to a spot with better airflow.
- Container tips over in wind. If your planter is light, place a heavy stone in the bottom (over the drainage layer) or use a larger, heavier container. You can also secure it to a railing or wall.
- No growth or poor growth. Check if the plant is getting enough sunlight. Also, consider feeding with a balanced fertilizer, as container plants deplete nutrients quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use food containers like milk jugs or yogurt tubs? Yes, just clean them thoroughly and make drainage holes. Avoid containers that held chemicals or non-food items.
How often should I water my container garden? It depends on the plant, container size, and weather. Check the top inch of soil daily; water when it feels dry. In hot weather, you may need to water once or twice a day.
Do I need to use special potting soil? Yes, potting mix is best because it’s formulated for containers—it’s lighter, well-draining, and often contains perlite or vermiculite for aeration.
Can I grow vegetables in small containers? Yes, many vegetables like lettuce, radishes, peppers, and bush beans can grow in containers. Choose compact varieties and make sure the container is large enough for the mature plant.
How do I keep my containers from staining my balcony or deck? Place a saucer or tray under each container to catch excess water. You can also use a waterproof liner or a decorative outer pot.
What do I do with my containers in winter? If you have tender perennials, you can move them indoors or to a sheltered spot. For annuals, empty the containers, clean them, and store them dry for next season.