Creative DIYer Turns Old Mop Buckets Into Unique Planters That Are Easy To Move

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Sometimes it takes a certain kind of creative mind to see the possibilities in repurposing and reusing the most mundane old, broken, or discarded items. Such is the case in this TikTok video by @simplysoutherncottage. She shared the idea of another creator on TikTok, @hectormsanchezphoto, who turned a couple of disused galvanized mop buckets into planters for their dwarf lime trees. They're perfect for paved patios, which is exactly where many container gardeners grow their small-statured fruit trees. What's even better about this DIY is that mop buckets already have wheels. You can move them — and anything growing in them — around your yard with ease.

In all honesty, most people would not give old metal mop buckets a second glance if they spotted them at a garage sale or in a thrift store — or even in their own laundry room or garage. This is a good lesson in reconsidering the ways in which utilitarian objects can be transformed with a little ingenuity. All these buckets really needed were some drainage holes drilled into the bases, and they were ready to use. In fact, once you master this project, you can turn all kinds of common garden items into creative planters and plant stands. If you love this idea, but can't find a vintage mop bucket, you can get one new, like this Impact Products 26 Quart Metal Mop Bucket. However, it doesn't come cheap at about $140.

This stunning DIY planter idea you can steal from TikTok, as shared by @simplysoutherncottage, uses mop buckets pretty much as they are. To drill the drainage holes, use a cobalt or titanium-coated drill bit and wear a respirator to protect yourself against harmful zinc fumes. That's it! However, there's no reason you couldn't get creative and give the buckets a bit of a makeover with some paint. You could, for example, choose colors that match your existing outdoor décor. The downside is that paint doesn't easily adhere to galvanized steel because it's coated with zinc, which prevents steel and iron outdoor furniture from rusting, among other things. You can paint steel buckets to give them a whole new look, as long as you use the right products in exactly the right way.

The first thing you'll want to do is give the mop buckets a good clean with hot soapy water. Then wipe them down with a soft cloth dipped in white vinegar. Apply a primer that is designed for use on galvanized steel, such as Rust-Oleum Universal Bonding Primer. This creates a better surface for the paint to stick to and stops it from flaking off over time. Finally, you'll want to add a coat or two of either acrylic latex or direct-to-metal (DTM) acrylic enamel paint in your choice of color. While the process is more time-consuming than painting other materials, the end result is definitely worth it — a stunning, bespoke, and movable planter for your patio plants at a bargain price.