Turn An Old Rubber Boot Into The Cutest DIY Succulent Garden

When a garden project is a little unexpected, it somehow feels even more charming, injecting some personality into your outdoor space. This DIY leans right into the unusual, with @simonakeroydgardenwriter on Instagram turning an old pair of rubber boots into a vertical succulent planter that is guaranteed to turn visitors' heads with novel intrigue. Imagine something akin to a vertical strawberry planter with pockets for plants and you'll get the idea. You cut holes into the boots, fill them with soil, and plant teeny succulents into those holes. As they grow, they'll form a playful cluster of plants that fall down the side of the boots, creating unique living garden décor. This whole DIY is very cheap and, in fact, could even be entirely free if you have old boots to hand and succulents you can take cuttings from.

First, you'll need an old pair of Wellingtons. While @simonakeroydgardenwriter uses traditional rubber rain boots, you can use any plastic boots you prefer, whether they're brightly colored or neutral in hue. It's a great way to repurpose those rain boots your child has recently outgrown. You'll also need an electric drill fitted with a large drill bit for making drainage holes and a sturdy pair of scissors to cut holes into the legs of the boots. Finally, get your hands on some succulent cuttings. Most succulents really are beginner-friendly plants, making them perfect for this kind of setup. They're compact, will grow in tight spaces, and don't need a lot of water. You can consider chubby Pachyveria pachytoides, deep purple Aeonium arboreum 'Zwartkop,' colorful echeverias, and cascading burro's tail, depending on your growing zone.

Your old pair of Wellingtons aren't ready to be a planter without a little preparation. Drainage holes are absolutely essential to plant health — that's particularly true of desert-loving greenery like succulents. Drill some holes through the sole of each boot. Otherwise, water will pool inside and cause root rot. Once that's done, use your scissors to cut some holes throughout the legs of the boots. Now that the boots are prepped, it's time to fill them up with soil. To ensure your plants grow well, don't use regular potting mix. It holds too much moisture. Instead, use quick-draining store-bought cactus mix or DIY your own succulent soil for thriving plants. Then gently push your succulent cuttings into each hole so they poke outwards.

Now all that's left for you to do is consider placement. Your boot planters can sit indoors if you like, but most succulents thrive in outdoor environments if you care for them well. Wherever you set up your boot planters, make sure they're in a spot with at least four hours of bright, indirect light. If you live in a rainy region, choose somewhere sheltered from the elements. Too much rain could undo all your hard work, even with adequate drainage holes. What makes this whole idea so refreshing is that it's very adaptable to your own style. It's really more about experimenting than adhering to strict rules, so try mixing up different boot shapes, colors, and succulent species. You could, for example, group boots of different heights and styles together. It's the perfect little project for gardeners who want to celebrate their outdoor attire as much as their plants.