Transforming everyday items into garden features blends sustainability with design. Repurposing a common household trash can into a unique planter adds character to any patio or garden space. This DIY project utilizes the container’s inherent durability. The following steps guide you through preparing and decorating these containers for successful, long-lasting planting.
Essential Preparation Steps
The container must be meticulously cleaned to eliminate potential contaminants from its previous use. Use warm water and a mild dish soap or a diluted bleach mixture (about one part bleach to nine parts water) to scrub the interior and exterior surfaces thoroughly. Residual chemicals or organic matter could harm delicate root systems or leach into the soil. Rinse the container several times until no soapy residue or odor remains.
Proper drainage is paramount for plant health, preventing root rot caused by standing water. Drill multiple holes, typically four to six, into the base using a drill bit appropriate for the material. The optimal diameter is between one-half and three-quarters of an inch for consistent water exit. Placing the holes slightly off-center and raising the can on small feet or blocks prevents the soil from completely blocking the drainage points.
Material-Specific Concerns
Galvanized Steel
Galvanized steel cans present a safety concern because their protective coating contains zinc, which can leach into the soil. While zinc is a necessary plant micronutrient, excessive amounts inhibit growth, particularly for edible crops. If growing food, seal the interior with a non-toxic, food-grade sealant or line the container with a plastic barrier or a dedicated fabric grow bag.
Heat Absorption
Dark-colored plastics and painted metal cans efficiently absorb solar radiation, significantly raising the soil temperature. Sustained soil temperatures exceeding 100°F (38°C) can cause thermal stress and damage sensitive root tissues. For these materials, mitigate heat accumulation by strategic placement in morning sun and afternoon shade, or by painting the exterior a lighter color.
Rust Prevention
Painted metal containers are highly susceptible to rust, which compromises the planter’s structural integrity. To extend the lifespan, apply a rust-inhibiting primer to the interior surfaces, focusing especially on the newly drilled drainage holes. Since moisture retention is the primary catalyst for iron oxidation, ensuring the can never sits directly in standing water will delay corrosion.
Creative Finishing Techniques
A simple coat of paint is the most effective way to disguise the can’s original purpose and unify it with the garden’s overall aesthetic. Matte or chalk-style paints provide a sophisticated, low-sheen finish that minimizes the industrial appearance of the metal or plastic surface. Alternatively, achieving a distressed, aged patina involves applying two contrasting colors, allowing the bottom coat to peek through after lightly sanding the top layer once dry.
Stenciling offers an easy method for adding complex patterns or faux labels to the container’s surface, mimicking antique storage bins or feed barrels. Geometric patterns or large, single-letter monograms applied with weather-resistant exterior paint elevate the visual interest of the piece. Always clean the surface thoroughly with a degreaser before painting or stenciling to ensure strong paint adhesion and prevent premature flaking or peeling.
Introducing textural elements further obscures the can’s humble origins and adds a desirable tactile layer of design. Wrapping the lower third of a can with natural jute rope or securing a section of decorative chicken wire around the body can instantly transform its visual identity. Attaching decorative, heavy-duty rope handles to the sides provides a nautical or rustic accent and makes the container appear more like a custom-made tub.
Grouping multiple cans of varying sizes creates a dynamic display, rather than using them as isolated pieces. Raising the planters slightly on small wooden feet or decorative ceramic blocks adds visual height and helps with under-can air circulation and drainage. This elevation removes the container from ground level, making the trash can identity far less obvious.