This is my annual PSA: Now is the BEST time to grab free gardening containers!
The next time you’re at any big box store (where they go through mass quantities of plants and have to put those containers somewhere) ask someone working in the outdoor nursery if they have any containers to spare.
They may also have a “recycle shelf” where people drop off containers they don’t need. In fact, you can check out the list of 8 Places to Find Free Containers if you need more ideas!
I scored on this two years ago and was so amazed at how easy it was to find free containers for your garden. Seriously, save yourself the hassle next spring – right now you can get gardening containers for free!
I always say, there is absolutely NO REASON to buy plastic planting containers. There are so many ways to repurpose items that you already have – empty cans, kitty litter buckets, milk jugs, coffee cans, egg shells, and even 2-liter bottles.
And if you plan to start your seeds indoors next winter/early spring, one of my all-time favorite containers to find for free are the long flats you often see “pony packs” of flowers in.
Not only are those trays easy to handle and will fit on a bench or folding table nicely, but they’re perfect for starting seedlings. Especially if you use soil blocks or those cute little Jiffy pellets I love so much.
Anyway, everyone is throwing away this time of year – Free Gardening Containers are everywhere. Plan ahead, grab what you think you’ll need, and tuck them away for next spring. You’ll be so glad you did!
~Mavis
Brenda says
Hi Would you happen to know the kind of Greenhouse your friend Duck Lady has?
Mavis Butterfield says
Her greenhouse was custom built out of cedar by a local craftsman. So a one of a kind greenhouse.
Annie says
And where exactly are these free gardening containers? You didn’t say
OHAM says
The recycling shelf at any Big Box Garden store!
Nancy D says
There are links in the article in green lettering that will open up the info for you:)
Shaku says
Big black ones
Linda Practical Parsimony says
I have never seen free containers in any bog box gardening store! I do find them on sale. And, a pony pack I tried to reuse started disintegrating when I tried to pick it up. That has never happened before. I pick them up off curbs.
Christy says
I’ve never seen a recycling shelf at any of my big box stores, going to have to look. I’ve found some nice pots that neighbors either put out for trash or recycling…score! I use single serve yogurt containers as another seed starting container. When I’m done with them, rinse out and put in recycling so I don’t have to store all of them until spring.
Carla Bass says
Save your fruit, pudding, and jello cups for starter pots. Also you can save your egg cartons for starting seedlings.
Holly says
I got mine at a construction site where they were doing landscaping. Even side of the roads for buckets, sod I needed a piece at a time to fill in a spot that was denying. Keep gloves in the car now. Lol
Holly says
Even other people’s bulk trash
Dr. Mona Ramirez Parras says
I will visit Lowe’s or Home Depot and ask if they have a drop off section. Someone else shared this idea and it good to check it out .
I recycle coffee cans and spray paint then i different color …do the same with milk gallon jars .. paint and punch holes in lit and place next to plant sections for quick access to water.
Kathy says
where I’m at in n.m. they dont give anything free.