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Tip Store: Gardening: Pots and Hanging Baskets
MOO Bird Bath
Our toddler really loved her grandma's bird bath so we looked into the cost. We disliked most and found them to be pretty expensive for something that could topple over. After a bit of research we made our own!
Three garden stakes made to cross in the middle and then a spare terracotta saucer from a big pot we had, and we had a perfect bird bath for $0!
Thanks for the inspiration to made do and be creative!
Contributed by Emma Campbell, 8th May 2016
Three garden stakes made to cross in the middle and then a spare terracotta saucer from a big pot we had, and we had a perfect bird bath for $0!
Thanks for the inspiration to made do and be creative!
Contributed by Emma Campbell, 8th May 2016
Don't Waste Money Buying Pots for Herb and Vegetable Plants!
Approximate $ Savings: $14 - 50 per plant
I rent and have a large dog so planting an herb garden in the ground is not possible for me. I decided to plant an herb garden using pots but didn't want use up the budget on the pots themselves. So I used the following. 1) We had some old hessian style bags (plastic and waterproof) that firewood came in, so I cut these in half and filled with my soil/compost mix. I planted the herbs in these. Lastly I added a few holes (using a pair of scissors) to the bottom for drainage. 2. I purchased some brightly coloured plastic flexible tubs from the laundry section of the hardware store costing me $6 each. Drilled holes in the bottom (which was very easy to do with an electric drill but could use a knife also) and planted my herbs. Lastly cut off the bottom off some plastic bottles from the recycling and placed under the pots for extra drainage. Basic pots for plants start from $12-14 but can exceed $50. The hessian style bags where free but could be purchased for a couple of dollars at a hardware store. The ones I used were plastic not read hessian. My herbs are doing well so far and I saved up to $65. Contributed by Kathryn Clark, 4th October 2013
I rent and have a large dog so planting an herb garden in the ground is not possible for me. I decided to plant an herb garden using pots but didn't want use up the budget on the pots themselves. So I used the following. 1) We had some old hessian style bags (plastic and waterproof) that firewood came in, so I cut these in half and filled with my soil/compost mix. I planted the herbs in these. Lastly I added a few holes (using a pair of scissors) to the bottom for drainage. 2. I purchased some brightly coloured plastic flexible tubs from the laundry section of the hardware store costing me $6 each. Drilled holes in the bottom (which was very easy to do with an electric drill but could use a knife also) and planted my herbs. Lastly cut off the bottom off some plastic bottles from the recycling and placed under the pots for extra drainage. Basic pots for plants start from $12-14 but can exceed $50. The hessian style bags where free but could be purchased for a couple of dollars at a hardware store. The ones I used were plastic not read hessian. My herbs are doing well so far and I saved up to $65. Contributed by Kathryn Clark, 4th October 2013
Potted Colour for the Garden for Less
If you have a large garden buy the bulk trays of seedlings. Pot them on into small pots. Water regularly with liquid fertilizer until they are as big as "potted colour". Plant them where they are required to grow. There is no setback and you will have a lovely display. This also works well with vegetables
Patricia Page, 18th June 2013
Patricia Page, 18th June 2013
Cheap Plant Pots
Approximate $ Savings: $3 per pot I wanted a veggie garden but we were renting, so it had to be in pots. We went to Bunnings and the plastic pots in the size we wanted were about $4 each. Instead we bought a stack of plastic buckets for just 79c each. My husband carefully drilled a couple of holes for drainage around the base (not in the centre as it will split) and voila! I had all the pots I needed for a quarter of the total price!
Contributed by Janet Camilleri, 1st August 2011
Contributed by Janet Camilleri, 1st August 2011
Water Saving for Pot Plants
When buying pre-packaged meat that has the little pads at the bottom for soaking up excess juices, never throw them out. Put them into a big bowl of clean water straight away and they will swell up to almost bursting. This is because it is the same gel beads used in water saving potting mixes and expensive additives from nurseries. When swollen you can gently squeeze out excess water and open packet and mix into dry gardens or pot plants and potting mix. If you have pets make sure you wash the gel a few times to stop them from investigating any "yummy" smells
Contributed by Jodie Breedon, 5th August 2011
Contributed by Jodie Breedon, 5th August 2011
Recycling a Household Appliance Creates a Planter Box
Use your old upright fridge or freezer for a garden box. Have it degassed, put some holes in the underside and take the door off. Then lift it up off the ground and fill with soil. Add your plants and you have done something wonderful for the environment and saved a bit of money, as the planter boxes cost anywhere upward of $150. Not only that, you are being kind to your knees.
Contributed by Cara, Busselton, 7th March 2010
Contributed by Cara, Busselton, 7th March 2010
A Unique Recycling Idea Turns Lampshades into Hanging Baskets
I had left over lampshades, mostly the cane type, so hung them up-side down and used garden ties, instead of wire to turn them into unique hanging baskets. Hanging from trees, they look great, as most have fringes, which hang down. They also look good hung from the rungs of an old ladder. As an alternative to buying hanging baskets you will save a fortune as you can often pick up old lampshades from op shops and garage sales for as little as 50c each. Another saving: a liner is not needed with the lampshades, just add your potting mix or soil.
Contributed by Lilian, Ringwood
Contributed by Lilian, Ringwood
Irrigating Pot Gardens
Lots of people where I live have styrofoam or pot gardens (due to only having small courtyards). One way to make sure we can reuse our water, as well as don't waste it by using a watering can and having it go everywhere is a simple soda bottle or juice bottle. Cut the end of the bottom off, take the lid off and stick it lid end first into the ground. Now you can tip any water you have into the container and you know its going straight to the source! You could also use irrigation spikes, but we found the above to be better, cheaper and helps recycle old bottles. Save the water you cook vegies in, or the water when waiting for the tap to go hot and use that quickly and easily... You're garden will love you for it!
Contributed by Amie, Coffs Harbour, 27th February 2010
Contributed by Amie, Coffs Harbour, 27th February 2010
From Keeping Feet Warm to Planter
For hanging against walls try hot water bottles. You need to cut a couple of slits at the bottom for drainage and slice one side only across the "shoulder". Use the existing top for hanging on a nail. the "pots" are durable, quite shapely and don't distort for years. The top is hidden by foliage. Try cutting a couple of "slices" and putting strawberries in!
Contributed by Elle, Blackburn South, 25th September 2009
Contributed by Elle, Blackburn South, 25th September 2009
Recycle Go-kart Tyres for Amazing Garden Decorations
My cousin Jenny's two sons and husband are all into go-karts and have been for many years. Jenny recycles the used/bald tyres everywhere in her garden. As they are 7" wide they are more the size of standard black pot. She fills the tyres with succulents as garden bed edging and when they grow over the 'pot' they look amazing! You wouldn't believe they were tyres. She has even used them as stands for a bird bath and a retaining wall. You must use the tyres whole though - they are impossible to cut, she has even tried with an angle grinder!!
Contributed by Bindii, Richardson, 15th October 2009
Contributed by Bindii, Richardson, 15th October 2009
Hanging Milk Bottles Become Attractive Planters
Using empty 2 or 3 litre milk bottles which have been cut down, but still allowing the handle to be used as a hanger is an option as hanging baskets for vegetable seedlings. Pierce a few holes in the bottom for drainage and there you have it, hanging containers at no extra expense. We all use milk containers and they are handy when extra seedlings need to be raised.
Contributed by Lolita, Bulleen, 28th September 2009
Contributed by Lolita, Bulleen, 28th September 2009
How to Turn an Ice-cream Container into a Hanging Basket
I have used a variety of clear plastic bottles (with the coloured bottom slip removed) and white ice-cream containers as planters. Clear plastic bottles and white ice-cream containers absorb the natural sunlight and encourage seedling growth and I've had success with 99% of the seedlings that I've started off. Also with the use of white ice-cream containers (or any white in the surrounding areas of seedlings and plants) the sunlight reflects off of the white surface and bounces onto the tiny seedlings as they grow, which encourages the growth rate in a similar fashion to an ultra violet light, but of course in a natural and non electricity consumption manner. In terms of hanging materials to hang the containers with, I've used a variety of inexpensive chain (purchased by the metre from Bunnings) and cut to size and also old skipping rope or any other type of rope. Nylon is pretty good as it's quite durable in all types of weather conditions. Simply place three (or four if you prefer) holes into the top part of the container sides and attach accordingly. For nylon rope you can either tie a knot at the end and leave as a stub on the inside of the hole OR tie the ends back up and onto the rope itself. It really depends upon how heavy each container is with the soil or potting mix in them and how secure you feel each one needs to be. If you prefer the use of chain, simply cut the desired length by as many pieces as you are wanting. Thread the chain through the holes you've made as described above and with a pair of pliers open up the end loop and attach to one of the loops in the length of chain and then close it again. Also don't forget to put some holes into the base of the containers for drainage. Contributed by M., St Albans, 28th September 2009
This Planter Already Has Drain Holes
Buy some colanders from $2 shops and use them as hanging baskets for small plants and seedlings. I saw this idea on one of the garden TV shows. It looks good!
Contributed by Wendy, Oakleigh South, 28th September 2009
Contributed by Wendy, Oakleigh South, 28th September 2009
A Garden on Wheels
Instead of a hanging basket why not try an old wheelbarrow for planting vegies. I have strawberries in mine. It is up off the ground so slaters can't get to it, you can put it under a basket to catch any water from them, you don't have to bend to far to pick them. Mine is in the front garden in between my roses and other plants. Put a couple of holes in and good soil and away you go.
Contributed by Kerry, Mandurah, 26th September 2009
Contributed by Kerry, Mandurah, 26th September 2009
Cheap as Chips Hanging Baskets
At the markets, op shops etc you can pick up old kitchen colanders cheap as chips. Line with a little hessian to stop the dirt falling through. The handles are great to tie wire to hang with and you have attractive cheap hanging pots. My advice for watering, to stop any mess, is to use a water spray bottle to keep soil damp.
Contributed by Kirsty, Eagleton, 25th September 2009
Contributed by Kirsty, Eagleton, 25th September 2009
Better Liner for Hanging Baskets
If you have any old wire hanging baskets, simply line them with either garbage bag liners or black plastic used as weed mats etc. Fully line inner basket fill with potting mix, seedling mixture, then use a skewer to place holes through plastic for drainage. A lot better than coconut fibre that shrinks or gets picked at by birds. Hope this helps.
Contributed by Lorriane, Elizabeth Park, 24th September 2009
Contributed by Lorriane, Elizabeth Park, 24th September 2009
Bucket Loads of Planters
Recently on one of the TV gardening programmes they used plastic buckets bought when they were $1.00 each or cheaper as pots for growing vegetables. Seemed a good idea at the time.
Contributed by Marcia, Carrara, 24th September 2009
Contributed by Marcia, Carrara, 24th September 2009
Gather Reject Pots for Your Garden
Ask friends and neighbours if they have any hanging pots they don't want that are stuck at the back of their garden shed. Fill the children's beach buckets if they don't use them any more. At a push you can use plastic grocery bags and hang them up by their handles.
Contributed by Lesley, Southport, 24th September 2009
Contributed by Lesley, Southport, 24th September 2009
Recycled Milk Bottles Make Upside Down Pots
I tried upside down pots, but they were expensive so I cut up milk bottles, added rope/chains etc., and grew tomatoes out of the bottom. Be careful about the hole so dirt doesn't fall out, cover with a bit of mesh or similar - have also used cane baskets from the op shop, and hung them up too - they look great! and very cheap.
Contributed by Lyn, Innisfail, 24th September 2009
Contributed by Lyn, Innisfail, 24th September 2009
DIY Upside Down Hanging Basket
I was tempted to buy an upside-down tomato planter that was on special for $8.95 plus delivery of $6.95 but I convinced myself not to touch the money left in my Paypal account and decided to think, think, think: " instead of buying new hanging basket - pots, plastic pots!" I grabbed a used plastic pot with holes (any size and colour will do), found an old blue-printed shower curtain and cut to size to cover the pot. I used a stick glue to paste it to the pot. I used a string as a handle (just wrap it around the pos body and you can make the handle as long or short as you want it). Done, nice, cost me nothing! Then I bought 8 tomato seedlings from Bunnings for $2.50, (enough to cover the pot's holes). I put each seedling into a hole (upside-down),put a potting mix into the pot (make sure seedlings are in place)and I was finished, but not satisfied yet. I took my flowering plant and planted it on top. Dug some earthworms and put them into the pot. Viola!upside-down tomato planter, new hanging basket and a flowering plant in one. My money is untouched.
Contributed by Carmen, Middle Swan, 24th September 2009
Contributed by Carmen, Middle Swan, 24th September 2009
Think Outside the Box for Unique Hanging Baskets
You can have so much fun with what you use. I have used colanders, I have used the wire fruit and veg baskets, even old tea pots, all of which can be picked up for a song at the local recycle store (local council tips) or St Vinnies. Add a bit of wire and you're set with a conversation piece and a great way to save on food bills. Just think out side the box and have fun.
Contributed by Kellie, Gordon, 24th September 2009
http://extra.cheapskates.com.au/pages/default.cfm?page_id=45120
Contributed by Kellie, Gordon, 24th September 2009
http://extra.cheapskates.com.au/pages/default.cfm?page_id=45120
Marisa Nethewood answered
Instead of buying new hanging baskets I like to use anything I can get my hands on as hanging baskets - straw hats, old biscuit tins (or any tin - just hammer a few drainage holes in the base before potting up), old bird cages, watering cans - even old handbags - the limit is really your imagination. I just attach three lengths of chain which you can buy at hardware stores and link together with an old curtain ring then hang. It adds character to your hanging plants and is so very cheap as I only use recycled products.
Contributed by Marisa, Broken Hill, 24th September 2009
Contributed by Marisa, Broken Hill, 24th September 2009
Balcony Garden Started With Free Containers
I started a herb and veg garden on the balcony in March this year - and have not purchased one pot! All of the containers I use have been collected from hard waste collections or are other household containers that would have otherwise been thrown out. Seedlings can be raised in egg cartons, old toilet rolls or yogurt containers. As pots I use various containers discarded by others – I have a child's sandpit, an office bin, a polystyrene box, etc, etc. Using this same theory, you could take any old container of the appropriate size (like a kitchen colander, a disused kettle or toaster, or 3L milk/juice bottles), add some chain from 3 points around the top and a loop at the top of the chain, and you have a hanging basket.
Contributed by Jacklyn, Kogarah, 24th September 2009
Contributed by Jacklyn, Kogarah, 24th September 2009
Ideal Boxes for Gardening
I would like to suggest you use polystyrene boxes that you can get from most supermarkets or fruit and veggie shacks, some don't even charge you but even a dollar isn't too much. You can use the full boxes or cut in half for a shallow garden. If you can't afford a lot of potting mix in the deep boxes just fill up with a few rocks then put the soil in. Make sure you have drainage holes in the bottom. Good luck with your gardening.
Contributed by Judith, Grovedale, 24th September 2009
Contributed by Judith, Grovedale, 24th September 2009