As a busy mom and avid gardener, I’m always on the lookout for budget-friendly ways to spruce up our outdoor space.
When I stumbled upon the idea of wheelbarrow planters, I knew I’d struck gold!
These charming, nostalgic pieces have completely transformed our garden, adding a unique touch that never fails to make me smile.
Let me share with you 35 easy wheelbarrow planter ideas that’ll help you create a stunning garden without breaking the bank.
Why Choose Wheelbarrow Planters
There’s something magical about repurposing an old wheelbarrow into a beautiful planter. It’s not just about the nostalgia; it’s an opportunity to upcycle and add character to your garden.
Wheelbarrow planters are incredibly versatile. You can move them around easily, experiment with different plant combinations, and create eye-catching displays in even the smallest spaces.
Finding and Preparing Your Wheelbarrow
You don’t need to spend a fortune on a fancy planter. I’ve found some of my favorite wheelbarrows at garage sales, flea markets, and even on neighborhood trash days. If you’re handy, you can even build your own using plans available online.
To prepare your wheelbarrow for planting:
- Remove any rust or chipping paint.
- Drill drainage holes in the tray.
- Add fiber mesh to prevent soil from falling through.
- Position the wheelbarrow where you want it, ensuring it’s level and stable.
- Paint or seal the wheelbarrow to protect it from the elements.
35 Easy Wheelbarrow Planter Ideas
1. Custom Painted Garden Wheelbarrow Planter
I adore my small, low-to-the-ground wheelbarrow filled with colorful primroses. I painted the body a soft blue and the handles and wheel a contrasting white. It’s become a cheerful focal point in our front yard.
2. Small Wheelbarrows for Big Impact
Don’t underestimate the power of tiny wheelbarrows! I’ve planted delicate Garden Cress and herbs in mine. They’re perfect for adding a pop of green without overwhelming the space.
3. Build Custom Wood Wheelbarrow Planters
For my husband’s birthday, I surprised him with a DIY wooden wheelbarrow planter. We filled it with vibrant geraniums, and it’s become his pride and joy.
4. Wheelbarrow Planter as a Woodworking Project
If you’re handy like my neighbor, try building a wheelbarrow planter from scratch. His is filled with cascading petunias and has become the talk of the street!
5. Weathered Wheelbarrow Matching Stone Wall
We have an old angular wheelbarrow that perfectly complements our stone retaining wall. I’ve planted geraniums in it and sealed the wood to preserve its weathered charm.
6. Stone Carved Planter with Wheelbarrow Look
For those who can’t find a vintage wheelbarrow, there are stone-carved options that mimic the look. My sister has one, and it’s virtually maintenance-free!
7. Upcycled Wheelbarrow for Double Duty
I’ve turned an old wheelbarrow into a combination planter and garden tool organizer. The marigolds in individual pots look stunning, and I can still use it to move mulch when needed.
8. Antique Wooden Wheelbarrow in Natural Setting
Our antique wooden wheelbarrow looks like it’s always been part of the landscape. Placed near a grassy path, it adds a touch of rustic charm to our backyard.
9. Deep Tray Wheelbarrow for Colorful Flowers
An old construction wheelbarrow has become home to a riot of colorful blooms in our garden. Its large tray allows for a stunning mix of flowers.
10. Petunias Transforming Old Wheelbarrows
Even the most dilapidated wheelbarrow can be beautiful with the right plants. I’ve filled one with petunias, planting them close together for a lush, overflowing effect.
11. Rust Wheelbarrow for Succulent Garden
Next to our weathered fence, we have a rusted wheelbarrow filled with Hens and Chicks succulents. The sandy soil and good drainage make it the perfect home for these low-maintenance plants.
12. All-Black Wheelbarrow as Flower Backdrop
I spray-painted an old wheelbarrow black to create a striking backdrop for white and purple pansies. It’s become a real conversation piece in our garden.
13. Vines and Flowers Coexisting in Wheelbarrow
In one of our larger wheelbarrows, I’ve combined petunias with Sweet Potato Vine. The mix of upright blooms and trailing foliage creates a beautiful, balanced look.
14. Wheelbarrows Adding Height to Gardens
Small wheelbarrows are great for adding vertical interest to the garden. I’ve placed one between tall Sedum and ground-level containers for a lovely layered effect.
15. Building a Big Garden in a Wheelbarrow
Our vintage wheelbarrow has become a miniature English garden. We’ve anchored it in gravel for stability and filled it with a variety of cottage-style flowers.
16. Wooden Wheelbarrow as Versatile Flower Box
A simple wooden wheelbarrow serves as a flexible planter in our garden. Sometimes I plant directly in it, other times I use it to display potted plants.
17. Wheelbarrow as Trellis Substitute
An old market-style wheelbarrow has become home to trailing petunias and begonias in our garden. The cascading effect is simply stunning.
18. Small Wheelbarrow Creating Mini Garden on Deck
Our deck features a small wheelbarrow filled with pansies and ornamental grasses. It’s a perfect way to bring a touch of garden charm to a paved area.
19. Adding Whimsy with Garden Ornaments
I couldn’t resist adding a little garden gnome to one of our wheelbarrow planters. It adds a whimsical touch that always makes visitors smile.
20. Mix-and-Match Planters in Vintage Wheelbarrow
To preserve a particularly beautiful vintage wheelbarrow, I’ve filled it with terracotta pots of various plants. It protects the wood while still looking charming.
21. Single Flowering Species for Statement
In a wide, vintage market wheelbarrow, I’ve created a stunning display using only geraniums. The single-species approach creates a bold, cohesive look.
22. Ornamental Wheelbarrow with Marigolds
We bought a ready-made ornamental wheelbarrow planter and filled it with cheerful marigolds. It was an easy way to add instant charm to our patio.
23. Well-Balanced Wheelbarrow for Abundant Flowers
Ensuring your wheelbarrow is level is crucial for healthy plants. Our well-balanced, wide-framed wheelbarrow supports a beautiful abundance of flowers.
24. Overflowing Wheelbarrow with Blooms
I lined an old metal wheelbarrow with plastic before filling it with soil and a variety of colorful annuals. The flowers now spill over the sides in a glorious display.
25. Porch-Friendly Blooming Wheelbarrow
A medium-sized wheelbarrow filled with posies and forget-me-nots adorns our front porch. It adds a welcoming touch of nature to our home’s entrance.
26. Water-Wise Plants in Old Wheelbarrow
In a nod to water conservation, I’ve created a miniature drought-resistant garden in a wide, rusty wheelbarrow. The plants thrive with minimal watering.
27. Shallow Wheelbarrow for Succulent Display
A shallow, rusty wheelbarrow serves as the perfect home for our succulent collection. We’ve half-buried it in sand for stability and a natural look.
28. Colorful Wheelbarrow with Trailing Flowers
A bright red wheelbarrow filled with cascading flowers helps disguise some unsightly tree roots in our yard. It’s both practical and beautiful!
29. Yellow Blooms in Brown Wheelbarrows
I love the contrast of yellow flowers against old brown wheelbarrows. Daylilies, pansies, and impatiens create a sunny display that brightens up shady corners.
30. Roses in Antique Market Cart
We’ve transformed an antique market cart into a romantic rose garden. The whitewashed finish gives it a shabby chic look that’s utterly charming.
31. Ornamental Wheelbarrow for Patio Height
An ornamental wheelbarrow filled with delicate baby’s breath adds height and airiness to our patio garden. It’s a lovely contrast to the lower potted plants.
32. Grouping Vintage Finds with Flowers
We’ve created a vignette in our garden by grouping a wheelbarrow planter with other vintage items. It adds interest and tells a story in our outdoor space.
33. Waterfall of Blooms with Ground Cover
For a dramatic effect, I’ve planted white creeping thyme in a wheelbarrow, allowing it to spill over the sides like a floral waterfall. It’s breathtaking when in full bloom.
34. All-White Wheelbarrow Highlighting Florals
An all-white wheelbarrow serves as the perfect backdrop for colorful azaleas in our garden. The contrast is simply stunning.
35. Vintage Planters from Yard Sales
My favorite wheelbarrow planter was a lucky find at an estate sale. Filled with flowers that attract hummingbirds, it’s become a lively spot in our garden.
Closing Thoughts
Wheelbarrow planters have truly transformed our garden on a budget. They offer incredible versatility in design and placement, and their unique aesthetic appeal never fails to charm our guests.