Decorating your garden should be more than a chore. Terracotta and outdoor pottery work perfectly fine, but it’s fun to incorporate something unexpected. Using vintage containers in your garden can be just the thing.

Over the years, I’ve used a variety of old containers to grow bulbs and flowers. Using vintage containers in your garden is a great way to add some character to your decor.

The vintage containers I use are not expensive. They might be dented or chipped and don’t cost a lot. Never use a vintage container that is valuable because these containers can be damaged with constant water and weather exposure.

There are so many options for vintage containers that you can use in your garden. Finding these containers is like a treasure hunt. Sign up here to see my 5 Top Sources for finding these unusual containers.

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One tip worth noting.  When it comes to decorating your yard with vintage containers choose just a few items and styles. A bucket or pot tucked into your beds can be attractive. And creating a garden vignette of vintage containers can enhance your decor. But too many different styles and excess containers can be a little overwhelming. You don’t want a mishmash all over your yard or you’ll begin to look like a junk yard. Edit your garden just like you would your home.

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Examples of vintage containers to use in the garden…

Galvanized Buckets

Galvanized buckets come in all sizes. And they certainly don’t have to be vintage. You can use tiny buckets for a single bulb or plant. Use larger buckets to grow multiple plants. Extra large containers can hold an even greater selection. Galvanized water troughs for farm animals, can make a great raised-bed vegetable garden.

Enamelware

There are so many choices for enamelware. Again, it doesn’t have to be vintage if you find a container that works for you. You can use enamelware bowls, cookware, colanders, pitchers, coffeepots  and bread boxes. Enamelware is becoming popular again so it’s getting easier to find remakes that look vintage.

Watering Cans

You can use vintage watering cans to plant flowers in, especially if the can is already damaged. Since I have a fondness for old watering cans, I am careful not to damage them. I do use them to hold flower and herb bouquets, to store garden tools and to display in my shed.

If you can’t find any vintage watering cans, why not make a new can look vintage? Find the directions for aging a new can at…How to Create A “Vintage” Watering Can.

Pottery and Dishware

A large soup tureen can hold a number of small plants. Mixing and serving bowls can also be used for a grouping of flowers. I’ve used them to plant bulbs such as grape hyacinths and daffodils. However, since you can’t put holes in the bottom you have to be more concerned about watering.

Too much water and your plants will die. As a rule, I use these indoors where I can monitor the water level carefully. You could also plant your flowers in a slightly smaller container and set it into the tureen.

Pottery and dishware have a lot of other uses besides holding plants. They make attractive containers in your garden shed or on your potting bench for things like plant stakes and seed packets.

Wooden Boxes

You can use wooden boxes to corral smaller plants such as a variety of flowers or even herbs. Use them for carrying plants and supplies as well. If the boxes are closed on the sides, you can plant directly into the box. Just be sure to line the box to help keep in the moisture and protect the wood.

Boxes are perfect to use for stacking plants at different levels.  Vintage boxes with multiple compartments can be used for flower display. Fill each compartment with a bottle or small vase of flowers.

Bird Cages

Birdcages make a great container to showcase a special flower or two.  Set a flower filled container inside to hang or display in your garden.

They can also be use to protect tender plants. In the spring when my bulbs are first popping up, the bird cages protect the daffodils and tulips from my rambunctious dogs.

Miscellaneous Containers

Vintage lunch boxes, mail boxes, metal egg and milk crates can all be used in your garden. You could also use old crocks, tool boxes, fishing tackle boxes and old suitcases. Vintage wicker baskets are another option for planting in.

This old chicken watering container was perfect for growing a mixture of succulents. And they continue to return year after year.

These are just a few of the vintage style containers that you can use in the garden to enhance your decor. Once you open your eyes to alternative garden planters you’ll begin to see all kinds of options. You’ll be looking for old containers everywhere you go.

So you might be wondering where you can find such wonderful garden junk. I have included my best resources for finding containers in my Top 5 Sources For Vintage Garden Containers. These are the places that I regularly find vintage containers. One of my resources will totally amaze you because most people don’t even know it exists. If you want to find out what it is, just sign up for my email above to get the scoop.