When buying a planter, it’s only natural that growing plants inside of it is your first idea - after all, it’s in the name: they’re called planters for a reason.
But there’s so much more you can do with large planters - from having your own herb garden to a compost bin, and many things in between.
1. Create a Mini Herb Garden
Transforming a large planter into a mini herb garden is a fantastic way to bring fresh flavors right to your doorstep. Whether you have a balcony, patio, or just a sunny spot indoors, a well-organized herb garden in a single large planter can be both practical and beautiful.
Why a large planter works for herbs:
- Space Efficiency: A large planter allows you to grow multiple herbs together without needing separate pots. This not only saves space but also creates a lush, full look that adds greenery to your environment.
- Easy Access to Fresh Herbs: Imagine having basil, thyme, and mint all within arm's reach while you cook. With a mini herb garden, you can snip what you need right when you need it, adding fresh, homegrown flavor to your meals.
Tips for planting herbs together:
- Choose Complementary Herbs: Some herbs grow better together than others. Consider pairing herbs like rosemary, thyme, and sage, which all prefer similar amounts of sunlight and water.
- Layer Your Plants: Taller herbs like basil should go in the center, with lower-growing herbs like parsley around the edges. This ensures each plant gets the sunlight it needs.
- Use Quality Soil: Herbs thrive in well-draining, nutrient-rich soil. Consider adding some organic compost to give your herbs a healthy start.
2. Grow Your Own Vegetable Patch
Turning a large planter into a vegetable patch is a fantastic way to enjoy homegrown produce, even if you don’t have a big garden. This approach gives you the flexibility to grow fresh veggies right on your patio, balcony, or even indoors.
Why large planters are ideal for vegetables:
- Portability: Large planters are perfect for vegetables because you can move them to optimize sunlight exposure. This is especially useful if your space has varying light conditions throughout the day.
- Space Efficiency: A large planter allows you to grow multiple types of vegetables in one spot. This is a great solution for urban gardeners who want to maximize their space.
Tips for growing vegetables in planters:
- Select the Right Vegetables: Choose veggies that do well in containers. Cherry tomatoes, peppers, lettuce, and radishes are all excellent choices. These plants have manageable root systems and thrive in a planter environment.
- Use High-Quality Soil: Vegetables need rich, well-draining soil. A mix designed for container gardening, with plenty of organic matter, will keep your veggies healthy and productive.
- Ensure Proper Drainage: Make sure your planter has drainage holes to prevent waterlogging. Good drainage helps prevent root rot and ensures your vegetables get the right amount of water.
- Regular Maintenance: Keep an eye on your veggies for pests and diseases. Regular watering and occasional feeding with a balanced fertilizer will keep your plants growing strong.
3. Design a Fairy Garden
Transforming a large planter into a whimsical fairy garden is a delightful way to unleash your creativity. A fairy garden adds a magical touch to any space, creating a miniature world that’s both enchanting and fun to design.
Why choose a large planter for a fairy garden:
- Ample Space: A large planter provides plenty of room to build a detailed fairy garden, allowing you to include various elements like miniature houses, bridges, and pathways. This space also gives plants room to grow and thrive alongside your fairy-themed decorations.
- Versatile Design Options: With a larger planter, you can experiment with different layouts and themes. Whether you want a woodland scene or a whimsical fairy village, the spacious planter lets you create a truly unique setup.
Tips for designing your fairy garden:
- Select a Theme: Decide on a theme that excites you—forest fairy, enchanted village, or magical garden. This will guide your choice of decorations and plants.
- Use Miniature Accessories: Add tiny fairy houses, figurines, and garden furniture to bring your design to life. These accessories can be found at garden centers or craft stores.
- Choose the Right Plants: Opt for small, slow-growing plants that complement the fairy theme, such as moss, succulents, or dwarf shrubs. These plants mimic a magical landscape without overwhelming the space.
4. Build a Water Feature
Turning a large planter into a charming water feature is a wonderful way to enhance your outdoor planters space. Whether you’re dreaming of a tranquil fountain or a lively mini pond, a water feature adds a touch of elegance and a soothing sound to your environment.
Why a large planter is perfect for water features:
- Ideal Size: A large planter offers enough space to create a small water garden or fountain. You can build a feature that’s both functional and aesthetically pleasing, fitting nicely into various settings.
- Versatile Designs: Large planters allow for a range of designs, from simple bubbling fountains to intricate cascading waterfalls. The size and shape of the planter give you the flexibility to craft a unique water feature that complements your space.
Tips for creating your water feature:
- Choose the Right Planter: Select a planter that’s waterproof and durable. Ensure it has enough depth to accommodate your chosen water feature and any plants or decorations you want to include.
- Add a Water Pump: To keep the water circulating, install a small water pump. This helps prevent stagnation and maintains a clear, inviting feature. Pumps are available in various sizes to fit your needs.
- Incorporate Water Plants: Add aquatic plants like water lilies or lotus to enhance the visual appeal. These plants thrive in water and contribute to the overall beauty of your feature.
- Consider Decorative Elements: Include stones, shells, or small figurines to create a focal point. These elements can make your water feature more dynamic and personal.
5. Start a Compost Bin
Using a large planter as a compost bin is an innovative way to recycle kitchen scraps and yard waste while enriching your soil. Composting in a large planter is practical, efficient, and an excellent way to support sustainable gardening practices.
Why a large planter works for composting:
- Spacious Design: A large planter offers ample room for organic materials to decompose. The extra space helps maintain proper airflow and temperature, which speeds up the composting process.
- Convenient Location: With a planter compost bin, you can keep your compost close to your garden. This makes it easy to transfer nutrient-rich compost into your planters or garden beds when it’s ready.
Tips for starting your compost bin:
- Select a Planter: Choose a large, sturdy planter with drainage holes. These holes ensure excess moisture can escape, preventing the compost from becoming waterlogged.
- Layer Your Materials: Start with a layer of coarse materials like small branches or straw to aid drainage. Then, alternate between green materials (e.g., fruit and vegetable scraps) and brown materials (e.g., dried leaves, cardboard). This layering helps balance nitrogen and carbon, essential for effective composting.
- Turn the Compost Regularly: Use a garden fork or shovel to mix the compost every few weeks. Turning the compost helps aerate it and speeds up decomposition.
- Monitor Moisture Levels: The compost should be moist but not soggy. If it’s too dry, add water; if too wet, add more brown materials to absorb excess moisture.