How do I transform this into a decorative planter?

Karey Prince
by Karey Prince

Does anyone have a suggestion on the best way to update these to use as a planter for my patio vegetable garden? I’m limited to the space of a small condo deck. I do have several of these containers to work with. Thank you in advance 😁

  7 answers
  • Colleen Kennelly Colleen Kennelly on May 31, 2019

    Rustoleum plastic safe spray paint or contact paper (maybe?)

  • Tuula - Color Me Thrifty Tuula - Color Me Thrifty on May 31, 2019

    You could glue some decorative wooden medallions, or something like that, on first to add some interest and then spray paint. You could do some stencilliing after you spray paint, or decoupage them with some pretty paper. Decoart has an outdoor decoupage medium. Also, make sure to drill some holes in the bottom for drainage.

  • Jeanette Jeanette on May 31, 2019

    Burlap! I am thinking that a strong adhesive or glue gun would work to attach, or you could use 2 or 3 rows of sturdy ribbon to hold in place. Burlap is forgiving and looks good, even if done imperfectly.

  • Willo Willo on Jun 01, 2019

    Mosaic of broken tiles or any other durable materials that will stand the weather conditions. I haven't yet covered a planter, but these random mosaics have been on my back wall for years and through some harsh winters and hot summers. No skill involved as the pieces are just randomly applied. You possibly wouldn't have access to the other bits and bobs, (though friends might donate) but tiles and any broken crocs work really well and will only cost you the price of cement.

  • Jan Clark Jan Clark on Jun 01, 2019

    For a patio planter, here's what I would do. First pop off the handle and drill a few drainage holes in the bottom. Next, if you would like your planter with a texture, mix some sand, salt or sawdust with ModPodge and paint it on the sides really cover it well and remember to paint it in the horizontal ridges on the top. If not, just use a spray primer. Select a Rustoleum exterior spray paint color that you like and spray the entire container with that (once the texturing dries well). Follow the instructions for several coats and good coverage. Finally, if you like, paint the handle and the horizontal ridge where it pops on, in a complimentary color. Or, if you don't want the handle at all, just paint the ridge. Put some pot shards or rocks in the bottom 2 inches and lay in the soil. You're ready to create a beautiful planter! Now that you've done one, you can experiment with designs and maybe stencils on your other tubs. Most importantly, have fun!

  • 17335038 17335038 on Jun 08, 2019

    For the cost of the various requisite materials and products suggested, IMO it would be cheaper to purchase a larger rectangular off-the-ground planter, then use these cat litter bins as a 'fooler' inside liners. Raise them up on cement blocks or bricks, and when your individual vegetables grow and fills out the top, it will look as it the whole larger planter contains solid garden.

  • Holly Lengner - Lost Mom Holly Lengner - Lost Mom on Jun 08, 2019

    You can cover the labels on the containers with vinyl or contact paper. You can spray paint the containers... Rustoleum has a textured spray paint that looks like concrete and I think that would be really cute!