6. The Colander Hanging Planter
Vintage metal colanders are perfect candidates for botanical upcycling. Because they are already equipped with built-in drainage holes, these colorful kitchen strainers make exceptional hanging planters for both indoor and outdoor gardens. Whether you find a retro enamel colander in a vibrant pastel shade or a rustic aluminum one at a flea market, they provide an instant pop of personality when filled with cascading greenery.
To transform a colander into a planter, line the interior with a layer of coco coir liner or landscape fabric to keep the potting soil from washing through the drainage holes. Fill it with a high-quality potting mix and plant your favorite trailing varieties, such as pothos, string of pearls, or English ivy. Attach three lengths of lightweight metal chain to the handles and rim of the colander, joining them at a single S-hook at the top for easy hanging. These planters look particularly stunning suspended in kitchen windows or clustered together on a sunny porch.