Upcycle An Old Boombox Into Retro Plant Decor For Your Yard

Boomboxes created a revolution in the late '70s and early '80s. They were the epitome of what technology could do for the new generation of portable musical devices. Now, even though those amazing devices have become obsolete, you can still preserve their retro vibes and give them a new life by upcycling them into plant decor for your yard. This is a win-win situation because not only will you be adding '80s vibes to your yard, but you'll also be saving the landfill from potentially toxic electronic waste. And if you're worried about the difficulty of this project, you don't have to be. It will only require you to remove the internal components of any boombox and place a wooden planter inside.

The tools and materials you need are quite simple and can be found in your garage or any home improvement store. The first thing you'll need is a boombox. If you don't have one lying around but still want to create this cool planter, you can find many models of vintage boomboxes on eBay or in thrift stores. Then, you'll need a screwdriver, pliers, wire cutters, and sandpaper. You might also need some spray paint and primer. Finally, you can either DIY a wooden planter box, find one that fits inside your boombox's casing, or just use the casing itself. To make your own planter, you will need some plywood, a jigsaw or handsaw, and a drill. You'll also need potting soil and to choose an outdoor plant fitting for your climate.

To get started with this project, you'll first need to disassemble the boombox by unscrewing its casing and removing the internal components. Once the casing is detached and the electronic components are out, sand the inner side of the casing to remove excess residue or rust. At this point, some people might want to spray paint the outside of the casing to better match their yard decor. If you choose to do that, don't forget to use a primer before spray painting to seal the surface and help the paint stick better.

Once done, reassemble the casing minus any compartments your plants will grow from, depending on the model of your boombox. Position the planter box inside the boombox. Whether you choose to buy one or build your own, it's important to ensure that your planter has good drainage. If you use the casing sans planter box, drill a couple holes on the bottom of the boombox to allow excess water to escape. Using about 1 inch of gravel in the bottom may also aid in drainage and prevent waterlogging and root rot. 

Finally, add soil and the plant of your choosing. The type of soil or potting mix you'll use depends on the type of plants you have. For example, if you choose to display succulents, cacti, or any other plants that need a well-drained soil, you may want to DIY your own succulent soil to ensure that it's porous enough. If you need inspiration on what to display in your boombox, there are many stunning plants that thrive in containers in full sun.