How do I make a garden out of a child's small swimming pool?

Vicky Scott
by Vicky Scott

What will grow? How much dirt is needed?

  5 answers
  • Kathy Gunter Law Kathy Gunter Law on Mar 12, 2019

    I found an article that might help you with this:

    https://www.thriftyfun.com/Using-a-Childs-Swimming-Pool-as-a-Garden.html


    No personal experience but I think it's a great idea.

  • Gk Gk on Mar 12, 2019

    Hello VIcky! If you are referring to a hard plastic round pool you will have to punch a lot of holes in the bottom of the pool for drainage. An awl and a hammer would work great. I would also add some pea rock to the bottom of the pool for more drainage. You can then fill the pool with dirt-all the way to the top--the best would be real dirt not potting soil. You could mix top soil and potting soil to start with to keep the dirt loose and workable but you would eventually have to add some manure or compost to keep the soil fertile. Of course you could add the manure or compost right away. It will take quite a few bags of dirt-you may consider buying bulk dirt from a local nursery if you have a truck or trailer to haul it. If you put this pool in a sunny place there are numerous annual flowers you can plant in it.

  • Shore grandmom Shore grandmom on Mar 13, 2019

    A small solar water fountain would look nice in there too.

  • Johnavallance82 Johnavallance82 on Apr 03, 2021

    Hi Vicky,

    Make holes in the base for drainage. Add gravel and then soil and let it settle for about a week. ~Add plants you like . Largest in the middle and then work out in circles or squares depending on shape . You can also place a stature in the middle or any tall ornament. Enjoy!

  • Annie Annie on Oct 21, 2021

    You can definitely make a garden from a pool. Be sure to add drain holes, you should be able to just use a drill for that.


    Fill with dirt, then plant. Succulents would look fantastic in a bed like this.