Upcycling in the garden: 10 creative ways to reuse household waste

When it comes to sustainable gardening, one of the easiest (and most satisfying) ways to reduce your environmental impact is to upcycle. Instead of sending old household items to landfill, why not give them a new lease of life in your garden? Upcycling not only saves waste but also adds a creative, personal touch to your outdoor space.

Here are some inspiring ideas to turn everyday waste into useful, beautiful garden features:

1. Old drawers as garden beds

An old chest of drawers destined for the skip can become a quirky set of raised beds. Remove the back, drill a few drainage holes, and fill each drawer with soil and compost. It’s perfect for growing salad greens or low-rooting herbs.

2. Wine bottle edging or borders

Empty wine or glass bottles can make a striking garden border. Simply dig a trench and place the bottles upside down in the soil to create a colourful, light-catching edge around flower beds or pathways. However you may want to consider if this idea is suitable if you have pets that like to dig or young children.

3. Pallet planters

Wooden pallets are one of the most versatile upcycling materials. With a few screws and a bit of sanding, you can turn a pallet into a herb garden, a strawberry tower, or even a rustic-style planter for flowers. Make sure your pallet is heat-treated (look for “HT” stamped on the side) to avoid chemicals.

4. Broken tiles or crockery for mosaic features

Don’t toss those broken plates or tiles! Use them to create unique mosaic stepping stones, decorate the tops of planters, or add character to a birdbath or garden wall. It’s a great way to add colour and pattern while reducing waste.

5. Tin cans as plant pots

Clean tin cans can be painted or wrapped in natural twine and used as charming planters for herbs, succulents, or seedlings. Punch holes in the bottom for drainage and place them on windowsills, balconies, or fences with hooks.

6. Old ladders as tiered plant stands

An unused wooden ladder can be repurposed as a vertical plant stand. Lean it against a wall and place pots on the steps, or use it to train climbing plants like sweet peas or beans. It’s ideal for small spaces or creating a garden focal point.

7. Colanders as hanging baskets

Colanders already have drainage holes - perfect for planting! Line them with moss or a coconut liner, fill with compost, and hang from sturdy hooks for a fun, functional hanging basket.

8. Plastic bottles as mini greenhouses

Cut the bottom off a large plastic drinks bottle and place it over young seedlings in early spring to protect them from frost. It’s a simple way to recycle plastic and give your plants a head start.

9. Tyres turned into flower beds

Old car tyres can be stacked, painted, and filled with soil to create raised flower or veg beds. They’re durable and weatherproof - just make sure they’re clean and positioned safely away from water sources due to potential leaching.

10. Broken garden tools into decorative features

Got a rusty spade or snapped rake handle? Turn broken tools into garden art. For example, attach several old rakes to a wall for hanging tools or transform a wheelbarrow with a rusted wheel into a rustic planter.

Upcycling in the garden isn’t just good for the environment - it’s good for the soul. It encourages creativity, cuts down waste, and can even save you money on supplies. Next time you're about to throw something out, pause and ask: could this be useful outdoors?

You might be surprised what a second life your household waste can have!