



Do you have old tires laying around? Well you are in luck finding a purpose for them. If you don’t already know, it is pricey to haul them off…YOU have to pay to have them disposed of. My hubbies grandfather left behind massive amounts of tires when he passed away. If you don’t have any, I’m sure you could visit a tire store and get them real cheap as they have to dispose of them as well.
I found a few sites online for directions and neat ideas. Lots of possibilities for these planters, from big tires to small lawn mower or go-kart tires. My husband’s grandmother had a birthday coming up so we decided to try one.
I have to say the hardest part was flipping the tire inside out to actually make the flower pot. The few we have made were attached to wheels so that makes a perfect pedestal. Also the cut out part can go underneath the wheel for an extra decoration. These normal sized tire planters hold a lot of flowers. You can also use these for vegetable growing. For full directions & more photos, visit: http://www.felderrushing.net/makingtireplanter.htm
Another great site: http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-Make-Blooming-Tire-Planters/
You will need a very sharp knife, spray paint (optional) a tire and lots of MUSCLE.
We spray painted ours a bright red with a green pedestal. By googling “Recycled tire planters”, that will also give you more ideas on how to make them. I have a new one we just made, so when I get it placed and flowers planted, I’ll update and add a photo. I plan on planting a few sunflowers I started from seeds that are almost ready for a permanent home. I bought marigolds to give a similar color also. I left mine black and spray painted the petals that flourish out, a pretty green along with the pedestal to match.
Now these take lots of dirt so there’s always things you could use in the very bottom for fillers –like packing peanuts & newspaper, rocks or plain red dirt then add in your potting soil (don’t forget some plant food). Many believe this is not safe but there is no proven facts that planting flowers or veggies in these are harmful. The more we recycle and REUSE, the more things stay out of landfills where they can become toxic.
Another idea is (using many tires) is stacking & staggering them. The possibilities are endless with this idea. Tire planters aren’t for everyone but us country folks love them and love recycling and re-purposing. You can make these very tasteful and some are big enough to plant topiaries in! So for the more upscale landscape, this would work perfectly. I found many images online of planters painted with pretty pastel colors such as soft yellows and creams which caught my eye for future creations. So go find that old tire or visit your local tire store and snag a few! Happy recycling 🙂
In the meantime, please enjoy this photo of the first one we made ~



