Ultimate Free Garden Containers You Can Scavenge
Free garden containers are the best way for a beginner to start gardening. My favorite word is free. (As in freedom and no cost.) I also like to scavenge or trade for things. Always explain what you are looking for (slightly damaged garden containers) and ask if you can take one for free. Here are the ultimate free garden containers you can scavenge.
Your Own Re-useable items As Free Garden Containers
If you recycle, you may already have many items you can re-use as free garden containers. The following items are made from paper so they can be planted into the soil to improve it:
- Make pots from paper gift bags
- Create pots from boxes
- Make papercrete pots (link Ultimate Inexpensive Large Planter Ideas Post)
- Cut the tops off of milk cartons
- Make seedling pots from paper
In addition to these paper ideas, old woven beach bags, cut off laundry soap containers, old metal pots (you deserve a new saucepan or two), aluminum or plastic takeout containers, all make good free garden containers
Bakeries (Even The Ones In Grocery Stores)
Bakeries usually get butter or frostings in big 5 gallon buckets. They may even get other interesting boxes you can use to use as free garden containers. Ask to speak to the manager. Smile and tell the manager that you are looking for free buckets or boxes that you can use as garden containers. Ask if they have any containers that they routinely discard.
Home or Garden Centers
Home Centers may have damaged pots, seed trays, 5 gallon buckets, or damaged pallets they will give away. If you want to use big cardboard boxes or want the carboard to make papercrete, this is a great place to get big boxes. Garden Centers usually have seedling trays or old cracked containers, They might even have some pottery that they would give you or let go at a cheap price. Holes in ceramic can be filled with silicon sealant or papercrete.
Construction Sites
Free garden containers are available at construction sites. Paint buckets, pallets, and wood scraps can all be made into free garden containers.
Free Swap Shops Online For Free Garden Containers
Online classified ads are a great place to find free (or low cost) garden containers. Many sellers are willing to swap for things you have stored in your garage. Ask sellers if they are willing to trade for other merchandise. But, make sure you have some things of your own to trade. Ask the seller first what they would want in a trade and then negotiate.
Flea Markets
Flea markets often have a lot of possible free garden containers. Even an old wheelbarrow can be turned into a planterm so keep your eyes open and think outside the box. By showing up at the end of the day and offering to help load their car or truck in exchange for the item(s) you want, you may be able to score these items for free.
Salvage Yards
Salvage yards may or may not be free. If you spend some time looking around and more time getting to know the owner or manager, you may be able to get items for free. Or, you could swap your old vacuum that’s not working for the galvanized tank you have your eye on.
Recycling Centers For Free Garden Pots
Hopefully you go to the recycling center on a regular basis. If not, ask what types of items they recycle. Do they have metal? Is there paper or cartons you can use for papercrete or free garden containers? Some recycling centers only take certain products and may not let you look around but it never hurts to ask.
Pottery
If you are lucky enough to live near a place that makes pottery, you have a gold mine. Many pottery producers have broken or cracked pots that they cannot ship to their retailers. Some pottery places sell these at a discount, or others have a pile out back. Make sure you explain what you want and ask to see damaged stock. This is where you want to put your best foot forward because they have the good stuff.
Yard Sales
Yard sales usually have everything so you are sure to find some free garden containers, if you are patient. It is best to go early. Map out your route. Look in newspapers or go online. Garagesalefinder.com has a searchable map with garage sales highlighted. They even have a route feature when you sign up.
Thrift Stores
Donation or thrift stores may not have free items but the prices are usually very cheap. If you get to know the owner of a local, small thrift store, you may be able to swap or exchange work time for items you want. A small business owner is there to make money so keep that in mind. However, bigger thrift stores may get their items as donations. By establishing a relationship with the manager, you may be able to get some garden containers for free.
Conclusion
A successful scavenger is able to negotiate a free price and make a friend. You will be surprised at the amount of free stuff you can acquire if you approach people with a smile and a positive attitude. Find out what they want and negotiate until you are both happy with the trade. Do not expect to get everything you want. I usually think it is a bonus, a gift, if I get anything for free. But, I am always surprised at how generous most people are when you take time to make a friend or lend a hand. Let me know in the comments below if you scavenged any free pots.
