Transform Your Garden with a Wheelbarrow Planter: Tips and Ideas to Get Started

As the upcycle movement gains momentum, more and more people are looking for new ways to repurpose everyday items, such as an old wheelbarrow. An old wheelbarrow, when properly cleaned and customized, can become an excellent planter for a garden. Read on to learn how to use a wheelbarrow as a planter.

The first step is to inspect the wheelbarrow and ensure it is still in working condition, and free from contaminants that may harm your plants. If the wheelbarrow has long handles, it is recommended to trim them down to a more manageable length, approximately one foot. This will reduce the amount of space the planter occupies, and make it easier to move around your garden. If the handles are metal, you can remove the rubber grips and attach them to the shorter handles. If the barrow is encrusted, clean it up as best you can. If you can be sure the encrustation does not contain chemicals, you can use a wire brush. If there is any chance your plants may be harmed, take extra steps to clean the barrow thoroughly.

Next, it is important to check the wheel before you place the barrow in your garden. If the wheel bearing has collapsed, there is no need to repair it. If the wheel is operational and will allow you to move the planter around your garden, you can consider leaving it on.

Once the wheelbarrow has been thoroughly cleaned and inspected, you can then paint it to match the other elements in your garden. This will help make the planter look more attractive, and it will also provide protection against rust. If your wheelbarrow is wooden, it’s a good idea to waterproof it to help prevent mould and fungi growth.

When you have completed step three, you can then place the planter where you like in your garden and make sure it looks visually balanced. It is likely that the handle supports will need something underneath them, such as a brick or slab, to keep them from sinking into soft soil or lawn. Lastly, make sure to drill a few small drainage holes at the bottom of the planter, so excess water can escape.

Now, you can fill the planter with the right mix of soil and compost, and then add the plants of your choice. If the plants you have selected come in pots, you can arrange them into the planter. If not, dig a few small holes in the soil and remove them from their pots. Make sure to gently tease the roots out of the pots and place them into the holes. The bottom of the planter can be filled with some fine gravel, which will improve drainage and aeration.

Using an old wheelbarrow as a planter is a creative, economic, and environmentally friendly way to beautify your garden and make a unique statement. By following the steps above, you can easily transform your old wheelbarrow into an eye-catching planter.