Running out of plant pots? Don’t rush to the store just yet. If you love gardening but have limited containers or a tight budget, your solution may already be in your kitchen. From yogurt tubs to old strainers, repurposing common kitchen items is a creative and sustainable way to expand your garden without spending a rupee.
This article reveals three surprisingly effective kitchen items you can reuse as plant pots — and how to prepare each one for healthy plant growth. Whether you’re growing herbs on a windowsill or vegetables on your balcony, these DIY solutions work wonders.
Why Reusing Kitchen Items Is a Smart Gardening Hack
Many gardeners overlook the potential of household waste. Repurposing everyday containers for planting offers several benefits:
- Saves money
- Reduces plastic waste
- Perfect for small-space and container gardening
- Customizable in size and shape
- Readily available, especially for beginners
Even better, most of these items are food-safe and already designed to hold moisture, making them easy to convert into planting containers.
What Makes a Good DIY Plant Pot?
Before repurposing anything from your kitchen, ensure the container meets the following criteria:
- Drainage: Must allow excess water to escape to prevent root rot
- Size: Should fit the root system of the plant you’re growing
- Material: Should be non-toxic, durable, and preferably food-grade
- Depth: Minimum of 4–6 inches for herbs and leafy greens, deeper for root crops
Let’s explore the top three kitchen items that meet these conditions with just a little modification.
1. Yogurt Containers (Small or Large)
Yogurt tubs are ideal for growing herbs, succulents, seedlings, and even leafy greens.
Why It Works:
- Lightweight and compact
- Already food-safe
- Easy to clean and label
- Available in multiple sizes
How to Prepare:
- Clean the container thoroughly with soap and water.
- Poke 3–5 drainage holes at the bottom using a hot nail or screwdriver.
- Optionally, place a few small stones at the base for better drainage.
- Fill with potting mix, plant your seeds or seedlings, and label the lid as a drip tray.
Best For:
- Mint, basil, coriander, lettuce, spinach, aloe vera, and small succulents
2. Steel or Plastic Strainers
Yes — the same kitchen strainers used for draining rice or vegetables can become excellent hanging or standing pots.
Why It Works:
- Already has drainage holes
- Durable and reusable
- Some come with handles — perfect for hanging
How to Prepare:
- Sanitize the strainer and remove any food residue.
- Line the bottom with a coffee filter or piece of newspaper to prevent soil from falling through.
- Fill with potting mix and plant.
- If desired, hang the strainer using the handles and hooks.
Best For:
- Hanging strawberries, cherry tomatoes, spider plants, or decorative flowering plants
3. Tea or Coffee Mugs (Chipped or Old)
Cracked, mismatched, or chipped mugs make charming indoor pots — especially for herbs or succulents on your windowsill.
Why It Works:
- Perfect size for small plants
- Aesthetic and decorative
- Sturdy and non-toxic
How to Prepare:
- Drill or carefully crack a small drainage hole in the base (optional but preferred).
- If no hole, add pebbles at the bottom to trap excess water.
- Use a well-draining soil mix (especially for succulents).
- Place on a saucer to catch runoff.
Best For:
- Aloe vera, echeveria, jade plant, oregano, thyme, or microgreens
Bonus Ideas: More Kitchen Items You Can Repurpose
While the top three items are the most versatile, here are a few more you can try:
- Plastic water bottles (cut in half for seed starters)
- Colanders (as deep hanging baskets)
- Ice cream tubs (for lettuce or bush beans)
- Milk cartons (cut horizontally for salad greens)
- Egg cartons (for seed starting only)
Just ensure all containers are cleaned and have proper drainage.
Tips for Safe and Successful DIY Gardening with Kitchen Items
1. Avoid Non-Food-Grade Plastics
Never use containers that previously held chemicals, oils, or non-food substances.
2. Check for Drainage Daily
Homemade pots can retain excess moisture — check frequently and adjust watering as needed.
3. Label Each Pot
Repurposed containers often look similar — label each for easy identification of herbs or crops.
4. Avoid Direct Sunlight for Thin Plastic
Some plastics warp in the heat. If outdoors, place them in partial shade or inside baskets for insulation.
Why This Trick Helps You Garden More — With Less
Not enough pots? No problem. Using what you already have removes a major barrier to starting or expanding your garden — cost and accessibility.
This trick also encourages a more sustainable gardening practice, giving new life to what would otherwise be trash. Plus, it makes gardening feel more personal and creative — especially when each container tells a story.
FAQs About Using Kitchen Items as Plant Pots
Q1: Is it safe to grow food in reused plastic containers?
Yes, as long as they’re food-grade (like yogurt tubs or beverage bottles) and cleaned thoroughly.
Q2: Do I have to drill holes in every container?
Yes, unless you use a thick layer of stones at the bottom. But drainage holes are always recommended.
Q3: Can I paint or decorate these makeshift pots?
Yes. Use non-toxic, water-based paints and allow them to dry fully before planting.
Q4: How long do DIY pots last?
Most can last for several seasons if handled gently and not exposed to excessive heat or sun.
Q5: Can I use metal containers like tin cans?
Yes, but line them or use them for short-term planting, as rust can develop over time.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need a greenhouse or expensive containers to grow your own food. With a little creativity, you can transform everyday kitchen items into functional, beautiful, and eco-friendly garden pots. Yogurt tubs, old mugs, and strainers are just the beginning — your kitchen is full of potential waiting to be planted.
So next time you’re short on pots, don’t see it as a setback. See it as a chance to grow more with what you already have.