10 Genius Ways to Reuse Old Plastic Plant Pots Around the House

Introduction:
Instead of tossing out your old plastic plant pots, why not give them a second life? These humble containers are surprisingly versatile and can be repurposed in clever, practical ways around your home and garden. With a little creativity, you can turn clutter into useful tools and eco-friendly solutions that save you money and reduce waste.

Below, we’ll guide you through ten brilliant hacks to reuse plastic plant pots — complete with what you’ll need, how to do it, and ways to make each idea your own.

Ingredients (Materials You'll Need):
Depending on the hack you choose, gather any of the following items:

• Old plastic plant pots (cleaned and dry)

• Scissors or utility knife

• Potting soil or compost

• Birdseed

• Spray paint or acrylic paint

• Zip ties or string

• Nails or screws

• Candle wax and wick

• Mesh or coffee filters

• Seed packets

• Kitchen utensils or office supplies

Preparation (10 Plant Pot Hacks):

1. DIY Drainage Planters
   Cut small holes in the bottom of your pots to use them for indoor plants needing drainage. Line the bottom with mesh or coffee filters to prevent soil escape.

2. Kitchen Compost Collector
   Use a medium-sized pot as a countertop compost bin. Line it with a compostable bag or newspaper for easy cleaning.

3. Bird Feeder
   Cut the sides of a pot to form openings and hang it upside down with birdseed inside. Hang it with twine from a tree branch.

4. Desk Organizer
   Small pots can hold pens, scissors, or paperclips. Paint them to match your décor and label them for organization.

5. Outdoor Candle Holder
   Pour melted wax into a small pot and add a wick for an easy patio candle. Terracotta-colored pots offer a charming rustic look.

6. Toy or Tool Storage
   Stack pots to sort small garden tools, toys, or hobby materials in a shed or garage.

7. Herb Drying Rack
   Tie herbs upside down and hang them from the pot’s drainage holes. Store in a dry place until ready to use.

8. Seedling Starter Kits
   Use small pots to start seeds indoors. Label each one with a popsicle stick or piece of masking tape.

9. Umbrella Stand
   Fill a large pot with gravel or stones and place it by your door to hold umbrellas upright.

10. Watering Reservoir
    Bury a pot halfway into garden beds with holes poked into the bottom. Fill with water to slowly irrigate nearby plants.

Serving and Storage Tips:

• Store unused pots nested inside each other to save space.

• Keep them in a dry area to avoid cracking or becoming brittle.

• Paint or label pots to help differentiate their new uses.

• For food-related uses, ensure pots are BPA-free or lined appropriately.

Variations: