Unusual Plant Containers
TIPical Mary Ellen : Episode TIP-913 -- More Projects »
Gardening expert Laura DeJong points out creative ways to make both indoor and outdoor plant containers.
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 Get creative when putting together plant containers. Look around at the junk pile before tossing anything out--there could be a gem there!
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Fruit-Crate ContainerMaterials:
fruit crate
sheet moss
plastic lining (Garbage bags work great for this.)
planting soil
flowers or green plants (We used ivy, ferns and African violets.)
garden rocks
Steps:
- Line the crate with slightly dampened moss.
- Line the moss with plastic bag.
- Add enough planting soil to fill crate about 3/4 of the way.
- Start planting throughout the crate, putting the flowers or plants close together. This arrangement will look nice if it is overflowing a bit.
- Tuck in the plastic edges and fill with more sheet moss.
- Add any decorative touches you would like. Seasonal ornaments such as gourds and a small bird's nest make for a nice look that can be changed throughout the year.
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 An old cowboy boot (just off left center in the photo) would look great with a plant inside in a Southwestern-themed room.
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Indoor Cowboy Boot PlanterMaterials:
old cowboy boot
handful of gravel
plastic lining (A garbage bag can be used for this.)
planting soil
flowers or green plants (We used sedums, herbs and lavender.)
Steps:
- Place a handful of gravel into the toe of the boot to weigh it down.
- Line the inside with plastic to protect it from water damage.
- Fill the bottom with a couple more handfuls of gravel. This is where the plant will drain. It will prevent the roots from becoming over-saturated.
- Fill the remainder of the boot 2/3 of the way up with quality planting soil.
- Use your hands to dig into the soil to plant, then gently cover the roots.
- These plants do not need to be watered as often, as the roots will pull water from the rock bed at the bottom of the boot.
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 An old grill could be cute, too. You could even paint it to match the flowers in the arrangement if you are feeling especially creative.
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Outdoor Grill PlanterMaterials:
old grill
planting soil
flowers or greenery of choice (We used mums, pansies, straw flowers and money wort.)
Steps:
- Make sure the grill is completely clean before planting anything in it.
- Make drain holes in the bottom, or simply open up the vent.
- Fill it with a quality planting soil.
- Plant the flowers. Keep in mind where you will be placing your new planter, and if it gets enough sun/shade for the type of flowers or plants you want to use.
- Use the final product as a decoration for the patio or deck, or even to add a splash of color to the garden.
Guests Laura DeJong
Gardening Expert, Tonkadale Greenhouse
3739 Tonkawood Rd.
Minnetonka, MN 55345
Phone: 952-938-6480
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