Back to the Drawer-ing Board (Clever Containers for Change)

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Jennifer D. Rizzo

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Photo Credit: Jennifer D. Rizzo

Turn an old dresser drawer into a cute and thrifty recycled planter!

It never ceases to amaze me how the most intriguing gardens have one or two surprising containers tucked away in them. Whether it’s literally a “bed” planted with flowers or an unusual wash basin filled with blooms, I’m always awed by the many ways gardeners let their imaginations grow with their plants. In addition to producing some wonderful planters, these gardeners are also saving the planet – repurposing items that would otherwise find their way into a garbage dump.

One of my favorite repurposed planters is a recycled old dresser drawer. How many times have you driven by a discarded dresser or desk by the side of the road and felt it was a shame that somebody couldn’t do something with it besides just throw it out? With this project, you can reuse, recycle, help the planet and have a really cute container to boot! Even if the piece of furniture is ruined or has a broken leg, those drawers can have a second life as an outdoor (or indoor) planter!

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Photo Credit: Jennifer D. Rizzo

An old drawer and some paint will get you started on this clever planting project.

This project is perfect for ornamentals or annuals. Since many times you can find discarded furniture curbside or at yard sales, the biggest cost is a bit of paint (which you may already have in the garage, shed or basement), some potting soil and the plants.

Materials:

An old drawer (The size depends on what you find and how big of a planting you want to do.)
Sandpaper
A drill with drill bit
Paint – any latex- or oil-based paint you already have (Semigloss or gloss are more durable than other finishes.)
Coffee filters
Lightweight potting soil
Non-edible, ornamental plants

Warnings

We advise only using this type of container for decorative planting – not for growing edibles, like herbs. Treated wood can leach chemicals into your soil. Since you don’t know what chemicals are in the drawer’s wood, or what someone may have originally stored in that drawer, this container project is better for non-edible ornamentals only.
Always use proper ventilation and safety equipment when working with paint and tools.

Tips

Keep this project low-cost: Use up old paint. If you don’t have any, ask your friends or neighbors. If they don’t have any, ask about the “oops” paint selection at your local hardware or home improvement store.
Once you’ve used your planter outside, don’t bring it in for indoor use.

Faqs

Q: I don’t have any old drawers. Where can I find some?
A: Try flea markets, garage sales or your neighbor’s trash. Small, antique sewing drawers are prefect for just a few flowers; larger dresser drawers can be used for an entire planting display. You could even grow a miniature cutting garden!

Come to The Garden Party and share your clever container creations with the rest of the Learn2Grow community! Post some pictures of your finished project, create a blog, or ask other home gardeners for more great ideas on repurposed planters!

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