Are you looking for a way to add a little country charm to your yard this summer? Would you like to add a bit of whimsy? How about a splash of color, too? Consider recycling an old wheelbarrow as a planter box!
Step 1: Get a Wheelbarrow
You may already have a wheelbarrow that’s fallen into disuse or disrepair. So if you’re one of those people who hangs on to stuff in hopes of finding a use for it, you’re in luck! You’ve just found a great way to recycle that old wheelbarrow!
If you don’t have a wheelbarrow, they’re pretty easy to find. I certainly would not recommend using a new wheelbarrow for this- they’re way too expensive. Ask around and/or check garage sales for an inexpensive (or free) one.
In my case, I was telling my girlfriend about how cute a wheelbarrow planter would be when she said, “I have an old wheelbarrow you can have.” As everyone knows, “If it’s free, it’s for me,” so I picked up the wheelbarrow that weekend!
The wheelbarrow was in rough shape. It had a flat tire and it looked as if someone had mixed concrete in it and never cleaned it. Didn’t matter to me- one (wo)man’s junk is another’s treasure- and I had a real treasure here!
Step 2: Ready the Wheelbarrow
A used wheelbarrow is likely to be in need of cleaning. After the wheelbarrow’s been washed and dried, it’s ready to be painted. I choose a John Deere green for mine, but red and blue are great choices, too! Make sure you buy a paint that adheres to metal- Rustoleum spray paint works well. Or you can leave the wheelbarrow alone if that better suits your taste. It’ll have that rustic charm with no effort on your part!
My husband sawed off the wheel part so that the wheelbarrow would appear to be tipping. (I wanted to give the impression that the flowers were spilling out of it.) You could leave your wheelbarrow level, if you want. You could also pair or cluster it with other lawn decorations.
Once the wheelbarrow’s looking the way you want it, position it in your yard. You’ll want to anchor the wheelbarrow so that it doesn’t tip in a high wind. You can anchor it by drilling rods through the bottom into the ground, or by placing bricks or stones on the wheelbarrow legs.
Step 3: Plant Flowers in Your Wheelbarrow
Mound dirt into the wheelbarrow. Remember to pile it high as the dirt will settle over time. Now plant your flowers! (Funny how the easiest part of making your own planter is the actual planting!)
I like to use wave petunias because they grow in a creeping fashion, which helps achieve the illusion that they’re spilling. But you can certainly plant anything you want in your wheelbarrow! Be creative!
Once you’ve completed your wheelbarrow planter box, you’ll get a ton of compliments on it! Not only will you have a unique lawn decoration, you’ll have the added bonus of putting a smile on the faces of those around you!
