How to Make Flower Pots From Old Boots and Shoes
Making A Flower Planter From Discarded Boots- An Easy DIY Garden Project
Planting flowers and herbs is a traditional spring activity, even when you are a novice gardener. You can plant flowers in clay pots or garden boxes, but why not plant them in old discarded boots? It is an easy, do-it-yourself project, that even the beginner can accomplish.
You probably have an old pair of boots of shoes you no longer wear, but hate to throw out. Making a boot planter is a fun and easy way to keep your boots, and also put them to good use!
It only takes a few minutes to make a boot planter. All you need is a pair of boots, a drill & drill bit, potting soil, and some flowers to plant.
Supplies for making boot planters
Step One - Find some old boots
Look in your closet or out in the garage to find some old boots. If you don't have any laying around, perhaps you can pick up some at your local thrift store. Boots can be made from any material, although rubber and leather are the easiest to work with.
After choosing your boots, remove the insoles, and discard them. My boots had two insoles in each boot, so make certain you have removed all.
Step Two - Drill drainage holes
It is important to drill holes in the bottom of your boots to allow for drainage. If water stands inside your boot, the roots may get moldy and rot on your plant.
To make drainage holes, use a large bit, hold it against the bottom of your boots, and drill holes about an inch apart. If you do not have a drill, use a hammer and large nail to punch holes.
Step Three - Add potting soil
Set your boots upright, and fill them with potting soil. Add soil to the toes first, then fill the boot about halfway up to the top.
If you want to ensure good drainage and keep potting soil from leaking out the bottom of your boots, you may wish to put small stones or gravel in the bottom of the boot before adding the potting soil.
Step Four - Planting Your Flowers
Make an indentation, or hole, in the potting soil a little larger than the size of your plant's root ball. Carefully remove your plant from its plastic pot, and place it in the indentation. Using additional potting soil, cover the base of the plant, filling the boot up to the top.
Step Five - Water your flowers
Using a watering can, or the spray nozzle on your garden hose, water your flowers immediately and thoroughly. If the potting soil settles down into the boot, add a bit more soil and water again.
The potting soil in your boot planters will dry out fairly quickly, so you'll need to water your plants frequently. If you do not have the time to do this, consider purchasing watering globes.
The globes are made of glass, and add colorful interest to your boot planters. Just add water, and your flowers will stay nice and damp for up to 2 weeks.
Step Six - Show off your boot planters
Depending on what type of flowers you planted, find a shady place on your porch or a sunny spot in your garden to show off your new boot planters!
You'll find after making one pair of boot planters that you will want to make more! Use old boots - or even shoes - of different heights, or decorate your boots with paint to add interest.
More Gardening Ideas
- How To Make Flower Planters Using Old Kitchen Pots
Recycle your old garden pots and pans into unique flower planters.
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