I was recently cleaning out my garage and found an old cooler up in the rafters. Since I couldn’t remember the last time I’d used the cooler, I starting thinking of what other uses it could have. Around that same time, I had started planting our vegetables in the backyard and was quickly running out of room in the garden. And a thought came to my mind: the cooler would make a great planter for my extra kale plants! I planned to keep the planter close to my back door where I could quickly harvest the kale leaves for my morning smoothies.
I chose to freshen up the cooler with a bright lime green colour. Although this step is not necessary and the cooler could be left unpainted, the finished planter looks pretty cool (pun intended).
WHAT YOU’LL NEED:
- old cooler, any size
- Indoor/outdoor spray paint (optional)
- drill with ½” diameter drill bit
- small rocks to layer bottom of cooler
- garden soil
- kale plants (or any vegetable)
Before you begin planting your veggies, you’ll need to drill holes through the bottom of the cooler to allow for proper drainage. In my case, I drilled approximately 10 holes.
This next step is optional. I purchased 1 can of a combination indoor/outdoor spray paint intended for plastic, multi purpose materials. I taped along the top edge of the cooler as well as over top of the branded logo. I wanted the edges to be smooth and thought it best to leave the logo visible. Ensuring the surface of the cooler was clean and dry, I began spraying the paint evenly over the cooler. This required several even coats but each coat dried very quickly.
Note: You can find another useful and beautiful spray painting idea here and see how we gave a brass lamp a makeover with spray paint!
Once fully dry, I carefully removed the tape and began to line the bottom of the cooler with a layer of medium sized rocks I’d collected from the lake.
I added a good quality soil with some compost and planted two evenly spaced kale plants: one red plant and one green plant. I watered the newly planted kale and continue to water it throughout the season.
What unused items do you have that can be repurposed into a vegetable planter?
Jennifer @ EngineerMommy
July 8, 2015 at 12:11 pmLove unique planter ideas! This one’s so cute!
Jane and Sonja
July 8, 2015 at 11:54 pmAt this time of year, we have to get creative in order to find a spot for all our vegetables. We love your creative posts on http://engineermommy.com/. Thank you for stopping by!
Amanda
July 9, 2015 at 1:02 pmThis is such a great idea for people like me who want to start planting but are clueless and inexperienced. A perfect start to a small scale garden.
Great to be co-hosting with you at the #homematters party this weekend.
Jane and Sonja
July 13, 2015 at 12:19 pmThank you Amanda! It reminded me of some Pinterest posts about buying a bag of soil, cutting open the front and planting your veggies right in there! Minimal effort for a little veggie garden plot.
Thank you for stopping by!
Sarena @ Teal Inspiration
July 12, 2015 at 2:08 amWhat a great idea! I would’ve never thought of painting an old cooler either and it looks awesome. I’m glad to be co-hosting with you at the #HomeMattersParty again too!
Jane and Sonja
July 13, 2015 at 12:20 pmThank you Sarena! I was happy to reclaim the space in my garage 🙂 Thank you for stopping by.
Alayna
July 12, 2015 at 2:01 pmI love the idea of keeping some of the veggies in a (very cute!) planter right next to the door so you can grab some easily when you want use them for a meal.
I’m enjoying co-hosting the #HomeMattersParty with you this month. Can’t wait to see what you share next!
Jane and Sonja
July 13, 2015 at 12:21 pmSo true Alayna. We’re also looking forward to seeing how long we can extend out growing season by bringing the cooler indoors, or at least onto the porch. Would be great to have kale for our smoothies into November! Thank you for stopping by.
Melissa Vera
July 13, 2015 at 2:16 pmWhat a great way to repurpose an old cooler. I am thinking of recovering one with an old pallet.
Jane and Sonja
July 15, 2015 at 3:21 pmThat sounds really interesting Melissa. Would love to see it when it’s done. It’s great co-hosting the #HomeMattersParty with you. Thank you for stopping by!
Joann
June 14, 2016 at 12:53 pmThat is so cute! I have a small beverage cooler that had a broken lid from the time we bought it. I should have returned it, but I waited too long. I’m thinking it might be cute with a small plant in it!