Rain Boot Planter: Making A Flowerpot From Old Boots

Upcycling in the garden is a great way to reuse old materials and add some flair to your outdoor, or indoor, space. Using alternatives to flowerpots in container gardening is not new, but have you ever tried making a rain boot planter? A rubber boot flowerpot is a fun way to use old boots you don’t need or that no longer fit.

Tips for Rain Boot Container Gardening

Flowerpots are designed and constructed specifically for growing plants; boots are not. Making a recycled rain boot pot is easy but not as simple as just adding dirt and a flower. Follow these tips to make sure your plant will thrive in its unique container:

Make drainage holes. The water needs to run through to avoid rot, so make some holes in the soles of the boots. A drill or driving a nail through the sole should do the trick. Add drainage material. As with any other container, you’ll get better drainage with a layer of pebbles in the bottom. For taller boots, this layer can be pretty deep so that you don’t have to add as much soil.

Choose the right plant. Any plant you would normally put in a container will work, but keep in mind that the planter is smaller than most pots. Avoid any plant that will be difficult to keep trimmed and small. Annuals like marigolds, begonias, pansies, and geraniums work well. Also choose a spillover plant, like sweet alyssum.

Water regularly. All containers dry out quicker than beds. With the small amount of soil in a boot, this is particularly true for rain boot planters. Water daily if needed.

Ideas for Making a Flowerpot from Old Boots

Your rain boot planter can be as simple as creating a pot from your old boots and setting them outside, but you can also get creative. Here are some ideas for making the most of this DIY project:

• Use rain boots indoors in place of vases. Set a glass of water inside the boot and put the flowers or tree branches in the water.
• Get solid-colored rain boots and paint them for a fun art project.
• Hang several rain boot planters along a fence line or under a window.
• Mix and match the boot type, size, and color for visual interest.
• Tuck some boots into perennial beds.