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How to Make a Wheelbarrow Planter

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Old, rusted wheelbarrow.

How to upcycle a wheelbarrow into a planter for your garden. This is SO EASY. 

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We had an old wheelbarrow that has seen better days. Our biggest issue was that the wheel was broken and didn’t appear to be fixable. We’d made some attempts. It sort of works, but not to support any great weight. The second issue was that the handles are TERRIBLE at splintering into your hands. I can’t tell you how many splinters I’ve had to pull out of my fingers because of this thing. Meh. So we decided to turn it into a planter.

We tried it last year as a planter but didn’t put enough drainage holes. It was a massive fail. But this year I added more holes, some spray paint and vinyl, and it looks GREAT. Better yet, it’s growing lettuce like crazy. Woohoo! The best part is that it’s mobile and we’ve had issues with lettuce bolting if it gets really hot and it’s in too sunny a spot. Having it in the wheelbarrow allows us the option to move it if needed to a slightly cooler/shadier spot.

Supplies
Supplies listed below may include affiliate links to the products.

Tutorial

Drill holes in the bottom for drainage.

 

Drill holes for draining water.

Paint. I used Rustoleum 2x Spray Paint. I wasn’t fussy about how good a job I did honestly. 

 
I added a couple of decals that I made with the Silhouette Cameo and 651 Vinyl (permanent).

 

651 Vinyl on an old upcycled wheelbarrow.

 

Next I just filled with soil and compost. Then I planted seeds. I kept the wheelbarrow watered, just like my other plants and the lettuce is growing GREAT so far.

 

Note: I was a little concerned about the rust being an issue for edible plants, but a little web research and it *seems* to be okay (as long as the wheelbarrow doesn’t have lead or such). If you’re concerned, you could always line the wheelbarrow or just use it for non edible plants.

Love it? Pin it!

Great wheelbarrow repurpose idea!
 
Easy wheelbarrow planter DIY.
 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
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Thanks for Reading! -DIYDanielle
 
Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
raingarden lettuce wheelbarrow
Yield: 1 Wheelbarrow Planter

How To Make A DIY Wheelbarrow Planter

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Active Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Estimated Cost: $5-$10

Repurpose an old wheelbarrow into a DIY planter. It's such an easy project.

Materials

  • Drill 
  • An old wheelbarrow
  • Spray paint that will work on metal
  • Soil, seeds

Tools

  • Silhouette Cameo and 651 Vinyl (optional)

Instructions

  1. Drill holes for drainage.
  2. Paint.
  3. Optional - add vinyl decals.
  4. Fill with soil and compost.
  5. Plant seeds.

Recommended Products

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Did you make this project?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Instagram

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Crystal Mendez

Sunday 10th of July 2016

I love how this turned out! Thanks for sharing at #HomeMattersParty hope to see you back.

Emily @ Two Purple Couches

Friday 8th of July 2016

What a clever idea! Thanks for linking up with Merry Monday this week; I pinned and tweeted your project :)

Laura

Friday 8th of July 2016

I love recycling something into something amazing. Great job!Thank you for sharing this at Thoughts of Home. We are so glad you are here.

Angie Church

Wednesday 6th of July 2016

what a great idea very cute as well.come see us at http://shopannies.blogspot.com

Becky@Beyond The Picket Fence

Wednesday 6th of July 2016

Fun idea--a salad on wheels! I have a few old wheelbarrows in my garden. Thanks for linking up to Talk of the Town link party.

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