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:
Larissa funny timing. I am starting research to buy a pickle crock. I love them and would like one. My style is French country style. I’m hoping it will work. I believe it does to add more collected look. Just want to make sure I’m buying the right one.
These look beautiful in your garden.
Cindy
Sweet! We love making our pickles in my 20 gallon crock. I also have crocks all over my home for different things. Here are my favorite brand for safe food fermentation and even decor: https://amzn.to/2VWZZOo
Larissa, couldn’t you have glued it back together? I have been using Gorilla super glue to fix all the broken things I have around the house and garden. Many small planters that I just couldn’t bear to throw away. They will have a second life. Yes, you can see that they were broken, but when you cluster them together, it’s really not that noticeable. They still hold a plant and I love the look of a group of different pots showing off their greenery. But I do love the look of the crocks in the garden! All mine are inside except one. A HUGE 20 gallon that comes up to my thigh. Found at an estate sale in an area where they were keeping the trash. I asked and got it for $5. It had a fist-sized hole at the bottom. But it’s easily hidden by other items. An ornamental piece given by a friend makes a tabletop for it and plants are happy on top. It doesn’t fill up with water because the hole keeps it out.
It broke into many parts. With my kids in house I don’t want to chance it. Plus, I’m stoked to have a planter. I already have many crocks throughout my home and use only the damaged ones outside. This fit the bill perfectly. 🙂 You scored BIG on that 20 gallon crock. Wow! I have one for our pickles.
What an awesome use for a broken crock! It really makes your plantings look so special!
I’m sure my grandma would love it. We do! 😀 Thank you, Kaycee.
That’s a great idea, Larissa! Gotta wonder how many of these crocks with wonderful history are sitting in landfills. ? Pinned to spread the word!
Right?!? I don’t like to think about it. Thanks, Marie!
I am a longtime crock-lover, Larissa! I plant flowers in them every Spring. Nearly all of mine have cracks in them and if they eventually break I will now know to use them anyway like you have. Your little crock flower bed is so sweet. Thanks for sharing it and your philosphy of not discarding an item just because it’s a little banged up or broken.
A kindred spirit you are. 😀 Those cracks and such are what I love about their story. I also have new ones for my fermenting and so many in my home decor. Crocks rule! 😀
Do you have to empty the dirt each winter? I live in zone 5 and afraid the crock would crack completely if I don’t remove the dirt each year. Thanks for your time.
Because it drains out there is no need. Only would be a concern if moisture couldn’t escape in an enclosed crock. You are most welcome.