Traditional plant pots are practical – but if you are anything like me, you probably like to add a little creativity to your yard and garden. One way to do that is to use discarded boots or shoes as planters.
You can, of course, use them exactly as they are by filling them with soil and adding a plant or two. This technique will produce naturally weathered planters after a few weeks, as the boot will crack and weather from soaking in the rain and drying in the sun. I personally prefer this look – especially when the planter is tucked into areas with old logs or stones, as it gives the appearance plants sprung naturally from a long-forgotten boot. If you prefer something a bit more refined, you can weatherproof the boots before planting.
Weatherproofing the boots
- Wash the boot with soap and water and allow to dry naturally to remove any soil or oils on the boot. This is an important step, as it removes any residue that may interfere with the sealing process.
- Remove the insoles from the boot and discard them.
- Drill several holes in the sole of the boot to create drainage holes.
- Loosen the shoelaces to get the look you desire. While some prefer to remove them completely, others like the look of dangling laces. Which you choose is up to you.
- Coat the dried boot (and shoelaces) with decoupage medium and allow it to dry. Remember to cover the inside of the tongue and inside the top two to three inches of the boot. This seals the boot making it weatherproof.
- Fill the boot with a mixture of equal parts potting soil, peat moss and perlite. This makes a lightweight potting medium suitable for containers.
- Plant the desired plants directly in the boot. Think boldly colored succulents or delicate trailing flowers.
Tips
- Make temporary boot planters without damaging the boots by slipping a plant pot into the boot and display your plants inside or on the porch out of the reach of rain and weather. This is a great option for those who want to add country charm without damaging their shoes or boots.
- Paint your boots in any color you choose and coat them with sealer to add a splash of color.
- Hang old rain boots filled with brightly colored flowers along the deck railing or on a garden wall. Rain boots require little prepping other than a few drainage holes and hold up well in any weather. Consider your children’s out-grown rain boots in varying sizes for a whimsical display.
- Place a pair of old work boots filled with succulents near logs, stumps or stones – or even beside an old garden chair – to capture the illusion of the passage of time.
Remember there is no right or wrong way to display your boot planters. Go ahead, get creative, and give your plants the boot this summer!
More work by this author:
Six Tips for Using Color in Your Flower Garden
Finding containers and garden art for your garden
Balcony Gardens Add Color and Style
