Old Bathtub Garden Ideas: Creative Ways to Upcycle Your Tub

Transforming old bathtubs into gardens is a creative and eco-friendly way to repurpose items that might otherwise go to waste. You can turn these vintage relics into stunning planters that add character and charm to your outdoor space. With a little imagination, an old bathtub can become the centerpiece of your garden, providing a unique and stylish home for your plants.

Whether you prefer a traditional flower garden, a thriving vegetable patch, or even a water garden, old bathtubs offer a perfect solution. They provide ample space for your plants to grow and can be placed almost anywhere. Embracing the concept of bathtub gardens helps you make the most of your resources while creating a beautiful and functional addition to your landscape.

1) Plant a Herb Garden

Using an old bathtub to plant a herb garden is a fantastic way to recycle. Bathtubs have great depth for growing herbs, which need good root space. You can grow mint, basil, parsley, and more.

First, make sure the bathtub has proper drainage. Drill a few holes in the bottom if needed. Fill it with potting soil and compost.

Place the tub in a sunny spot. Herbs love sun and need at least six hours of it each day. Water regularly but don’t overdo it. Herbs prefer well-drained soil.

Consider adding a few decorative stones on top to make it look nice. Enjoy fresh herbs right from your garden any time you need them.

More ideas can be found here.

2) Build a Fairy Garden

Turning an old bathtub into a fairy garden can be a magical project. Start by choosing a good spot for your tub where it gets enough sunlight or shade based on the plants you want.

Place a plastic flower pot upside-down inside the tub to save space before filling it with dirt. Make sure to fill the tub nearly to the rim with soil.

Create a focal point by adding a fairy house. Use tiny plants like creeping thyme or succulents. Add miniature accessories like tiny furniture or stones for extra charm. Enjoy your magical, whimsical garden!

3) Create a Water Garden

Using an old bathtub to create a water garden can be both beautiful and eco-friendly. First, make sure the tub is clean and any old plumbing holes are sealed.

Next, fill the tub with water and add a water pump or filter to keep the water fresh. Add floating plants like water lilies or water lettuce for a vibrant touch.

You can also add submerged plants for oxygen. Colorful fish or small fountains can make your garden even more eye-catching. Be sure to place the tub in a level, safe spot in your yard.

4) Set Up a Succulent Display

Using an old bathtub to create a succulent display is a great idea.

First, make sure the tub has good drainage. You can drill a few holes in the bottom if needed.

Next, fill the tub with a well-draining soil mix. Succulents don’t like too much water.

Arrange your succulents in the soil, leaving space between each plant. You can add decorative rocks or small figurines for extra flair. This unique display will make your garden stand out and give it a creative touch.

5) Use as Raised Flower Bed

An old bathtub can make a unique and beautiful raised flower bed.

Its deep structure allows plants with deeper roots to thrive. Flowers like roses, sunflowers, and dahlia can flourish here.

Set up your bathtub garden in a sunny spot. Ensure proper drainage by adding some gravel at the bottom.

You’ll enjoy a charming garden feature using vintage bathtubs.

6) Design a Wildlife Pond

Start by choosing a location for your old bathtub. Pick a safe, level spot near an outdoor GFCI electrical outlet.

Begin by cleaning the tub. If you want to paint the outside, do it now.

Fill the bathtub with rainwater from a water butt. Tap water contains too many nutrients, which can encourage algae.

Add a mix of plants. Floating, submerged, and marginal plants work best. Three to five plants are enough. These will help reduce algae and provide shelter for wildlife.

Consider placing some rocks and logs around the edges. This creates hiding spots for critters and helps wildlife get in and out of the pond.

7) Make a Lily Pond

You can transform an old bathtub into a beautiful lily pond. First, find a level spot in your garden near a GFCI electrical outlet.

Clean the bathtub thoroughly and seal the drain holes. Fill it with water and set up a small pump if needed.

Add water lilies and other aquatic plants to create a serene, natural environment. Enjoy watching your lily pond thrive!

8) Grow Vegetables

Using an old bathtub to grow vegetables can be fun and rewarding. Start by choosing compact vegetables, like spinach, lettuce, and kale, as they grow quickly and can be harvested several times a season.

Make sure each plant has enough space to grow by considering its mature size. Compact or dwarf varieties of tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers are perfect for these confined spaces.

Ensure good drainage by placing the bathtub on a slight angle or using the existing drain hole. Your vegetables will thrive with proper care and attention in this unique garden spot.

9) Install a Small Fish Pond

Transforming an old bathtub into a fish pond is a fun and creative project. First, make sure to pick a safe, level spot in your garden. You’ll need an outdoor GFCI electrical outlet nearby for powering the pump and filter.

Clean the tub thoroughly and seal the bottom drain and overflow hole. Next, add water and set up a pump to keep it clean. Consider adding a few fish that can thrive in your local climate. This unique pond can be a charming addition to your backyard.

For detailed steps, check out this guide on creating a fish pond from a bathtub.

10) Portable Compost Bin

Using an old bathtub as a portable compost bin is a great way to recycle. A bathtub can hold a lot of compost material and is easy to move around.

First, place the bathtub on a sturdy base to allow airflow. Drill some holes in the bottom for drainage. Add bedding material like straw or cardboard to create a good environment for decomposing.

For composting, you can use kitchen scraps and yard waste. This method helps reduce your waste and enriches your garden soil. You can learn more by visiting here.

Benefits of Repurposing Old Bathtubs

Repurposing old bathtubs for gardens has numerous benefits, including positive environmental impacts and cost-effective solutions for your gardening needs. Let’s explore these advantages.

Environmental Impact

Using an old bathtub as a garden container is an excellent way to recycle and reduce waste. Instead of sending the bathtub to a landfill, you give it a new life. This practice helps decrease the amount of bulky waste in landfills, leading to a healthier environment.

Bathtub gardens also promote water conservation. When you grow plants in a bathtub, you can manage water usage more efficiently. The enclosed space reduces water runoff and evaporation, allowing you to use less water while keeping your plants hydrated.

In addition, reusing bathtubs helps reduce the demand for new gardening containers. By repurposing household items, you lessen the need for manufacturing new products, which often requires substantial energy and resources.

Cost-Effective Gardening Solutions

Repurposing old bathtubs can save you money. Garden containers and raised beds can be expensive, but an old bathtub provides a free or low-cost alternative. You can often find discarded bathtubs at yard sales, thrift stores, or even for free.

Using a bathtub as a planter can also save on soil and compost. The bathtub’s depth means you can create a rich, layered soil environment that retains nutrients well. This setup can improve plant growth and reduce the need for frequent soil replacements.

Moreover, bathtub gardens are versatile. You can plant a variety of things in them, from flowers to vegetables. This flexibility allows you to maximize your growing space and potentially reduce your grocery bills by growing more of your own food.

Getting Started with Your Bathtub Garden

Creating a garden in an old bathtub can be a fun and unique way to add some greenery to your space. Here are some important steps to get you started, including choosing the right bathtub and preparing it for planting.

Choosing the Right Bathtub

When selecting a bathtub for your garden, consider both size and material. Vintage cast iron tubs are popular because they are sturdy and durable. They also have a charming, rustic look that can enhance your garden’s aesthetic appeal.

If you opt for a porcelain tub, be cautious of any cracks or chips. These can cause leaks or damage to your plants. Consider the size of the bathtub too. Smaller tubs are suitable for herbs and flowers, while larger ones can handle vegetables and even small shrubs.

Placement is important. Find a spot that gets at least 6 hours of sunlight daily. If you only have limited space, a tub on wheels can be handy for moving to the best location based on sun exposure.

Preparing the Bathtub for Planting

First, make sure your bathtub has proper drainage. If it doesn’t, you can easily create holes in the bottom using a drill. Drainage is crucial to prevent water from pooling and spoiling the soil.

Next, consider placing a layer of gravel or stones at the bottom of the tub. This helps with drainage and keeps the soil from escaping through the holes.

Fill the tub with a mix of high-quality soil and compost. This provides the necessary nutrients for your plants to thrive. Choose soil that suits the types of plants you are planning to grow, whether it’s flowers, herbs, or vegetables.

Finally, decide on the plants you want to grow. Smaller plants like herbs and flowers work well together. If you’re planning to grow a mix of plants, space them accordingly to avoid overcrowding. Maintain regular watering and add mulch on top to retain moisture.

Getting your bathtub garden started is simple with these steps. Choose the right tub and prepare it well, and you’ll have a beautiful new addition to your garden space.

Ideal Plants for Bathtub Gardens

Bathtub gardens can host a variety of plants, from fresh vegetables and herbs to vibrant flowers and ornamentals. The enclosed space of a bathtub garden provides distinct growing conditions that can be optimized for specific plants.

Vegetables and Herbs

Using an old bathtub for a vegetable and herb garden is practical and beautiful. Lettuce and spinach are great for this setup as they thrive in confined spaces. You can also plant compact varieties of cherry tomatoes which do well in bathtubs with proper support.

Herbs like basil, chives, and parsley flourish here too. They need minimal maintenance and can be placed in the corners of the tub, allowing more room for larger plants.

Carrots and radishes, with their shallow root systems, are perfect choices. Ensure the tub has good drainage to prevent root rot. A mix of these plants will give you a bountiful and diverse mini garden.

Flowers and Ornamental Plants

Flowers and ornamental plants bring color and life to a bathtub garden. Bright flowers like marigolds, petunias, and geraniums are excellent for this purpose. They are easy to grow and add a splash of brightness.

Succulents and cacti are ideal for bathtubs as well. They require little water and thrive in well-drained soils. You can combine different varieties to create a stunning display.

For a more dramatic effect, add some climbing plants. Morning glories and sweet peas can trail over the edges, creating a cascading effect. This not only beautifies your garden but also maximizes space by growing vertically.

By selecting the right mix of plants, you’ll create a vibrant and productive bathtub garden that stands out in your yard.

Maintaining Your Bathtub Garden

Keeping a bathtub garden thriving involves proper watering, ensuring good drainage, and using the right soil and fertilizers. Each step is essential for healthy plants and a beautiful garden.

Watering and Drainage

Watering is crucial for any garden, and your bathtub garden is no different. Make sure to check the soil moisture regularly.

A good rule of thumb is to water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Too much water can harm plants, so balance is key.

Drainage is equally important. Drill small holes in the bottom of the tub to prevent standing water, which can cause root rot.

You can place a layer of gravel at the bottom of the tub to help with drainage. Adding a grid or mesh over the gravel will keep soil from washing away.

Soil and Fertilizers

Choose high-quality soil that suits the types of plants you’re growing. A mix of compost and garden soil works well for most plants.

Consider the specific needs of your plants. For example, vegetables may need nutrient-rich soil, while succulents prefer sandy, well-drained soil.

Fertilizing regularly is also important. Use organic fertilizers like compost or manure to keep the soil nutrient-rich.

Follow the instructions on commercial fertilizers carefully to avoid over-fertilizing. Slow-release fertilizers can be a great option for bathtub gardens as they provide steady nutrients over time.