Ditch Traditional Planters: The Affordable Alternative That'll Save Yard Space

Small backyards make light work of mowing and weed-eating, but may lack space for gardens and large planters. So if you're trying to maximize the number of plants you can grow, whether those be your favorite flowers, vegetables, or fruits, a little creativity goes a long way. There are many ways to repurpose items in your home as adorable planters, which can save you money, and if you work with vertical space, free up your backyard. One favorite idea is to mount old gutters to the side of the house, fence, or wall, and use them as planters. Since they don't hold much soil, gutter planters are best for plants with shallow root systems, including strawberries, herbs, lettuces, and many types of small flowers.

Whether you have extra vinyl gutters lying around or a few old aluminum versions in the garage, using them as planters is one of the genius ways to repurpose gutters in and around your home. Even if you don't have gutters on hand, you can get a 10-foot piece of vinyl gutter at a big-box store for less than $10, keeping this project budget-friendly. Best of all, you can spray paint them if desired to create the exact look you're after.

Transforming your gutters into a planter is pretty simple. But you do have two options to choose from: You can use a bracket to mount the gutters directly onto the house, wall, or fence, or you can create hanging gutter planters that mount to a ceiling or beam. No matter the method, your first step is to pick a location and decide how long you'd like each gutter section to be. For example, if you have a 12-foot-long piece of gutter, you could cut it into three or four equal sections, depending on the space you're working with. Aluminum and vinyl gutters can be cut with tin snips; just be sure to wear protective safety gear. Once cut, add gutter end caps to the ends of all sections and drill drainage holes in the bottom.

If you want to mount your gutters to a wall, you'll need gutter mounting brackets and the appropriate screws for the material you'll be drilling into. (Make sure you're mounting to a sturdy area that will support the weight of the planters.) To create a hanging gutter planter, drill holes near the corners of each end of the planter for ropes to fit through, then evenly space the gutters along the ropes, tying a knot underneath each section to keep the gutters in place. Just be sure there's plenty of rope at the top to hang your new creation. Once complete, choose the best plants to grow in shallow soil to ensure thriving plants in your new planter system. In no time, you'll have a lovely display of your favorite greenery.