One thing's for sure...nothing goes to waste around here. Yes, I love to upcycle for the fun of it, but also because sending perfectly good things to the landfill is just senseless. The problem is that most folks don't know potential when they see it. Take this antique gem, for instance. Would you throw it away because of the damage? I say turn it into a broken crock planter. Time for some garden fun!
I don't know about you, but crocks have my heart and then some. They are totally useful when fully functional for making fermented foods (
See my crock pickle recipe HERE). They also make great storage containers, decor accents, and more.
BUMMER
Sometimes unfortunate things happen, like they fall or get cracks. However, there's no need to send them to the landfill. The crock you see above belonged to my grandparents. Sadly it didn't make it through our last brutal Ohio winter at my parent's house. My mom uses her parent's antique crocks as planters, and apparently this one didn't get drained enough so it froze and broke out the bottom. Talk about tears...aaagh!
The not-so-funny thing is that I had an antique crock have the same thing a few years ago when I was on bed-rest while
pregnant with my daughter. My family didn't know to clean it out. The ice busted the bottom clean out, just like it did to my mother's. When that happened, I couldn't toss it out, so I stuck it in my flower bed and used it as planter. In my noggin' it made sense that since the bottom is missing it is still functional for
something.
NEXT CHAPTER
Enter in this year. My mom was sickened by what happened to this 10 gallon Red Wing crock her parent's owned. She told me how they used it for kraut, for washing clothes, and even things like a downspout catch. Because it was broken, she didn't have a use for it, so she asked me if I was interested. Of course! It would be the perfect compliment to my smaller one.
I've created a video tutorial for you that explains it in a short demo. Plus, I'll explain it here too.
While I am still working on planting and cleaning up my flower beds, I thought this was the perfect time to fill these up. Anyone else have a horribly wet spring? Our local farmers are behind and frustrated too.
To prepare each crock I use a moisture-control soil to fill them up. Of course, half the fun is picking out what to plant in these beauties. For now, I've decided to primarily go with annuals. However, perennials could be used, if you prefer, as long as they can tolerate your winter temps.
This spot on the east side of my home only gets morning sun, so I'm using plants I know will thrive in that environment. I chose a fern, dusty miller, and grass for height and texture. Then, the petunias to fill up with color, and a potato vine to add drama with draping vines.
THE REVEAL
Can you tell I get a little giddy when I get to play in the dirt? sigh...
The next time you're out at a barn sale or flea market, scope out the discounted broken crocks. Even cracked crocks make wonderful planters as I have them here and there around my home too. I'd love to hear the way you make use of crocks in your home. Do tell!
I invite you to pin and share my broken crock planter to inspire others to take their garden decor to a new level and keep good stuff out of the landfill.
Up next, I'm taking a minute to pause {{deep breath}} and reflect because this June baby is having a birthday. eep!
Come celebrate with me HERE.
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More upcycled garden fun like this broken crock planter:
