16 Places to Grow Plants Where No One Would Think to Look

Gardening Inspiration
By Ella Brown

Explore creative and unexpected places to grow plants, turning ordinary objects into thriving gardens. From old books to broken guitars, these inventive spots add greenery and charm to any space. Each unique idea brings a blend of practicality and whimsy, revealing the potential of overlooked spaces. Perfect for those looking to add a touch of nature in the most surprising ways. Whether you’re an urban dweller or a gardening enthusiast, discover how to transform everyday items into lush, green havens.

1. Inside Old Books (Yes, Really!)

© Collage with Nature

Hollow out a sturdy old book, line the cavity with plastic, and pour in some soil. The juxtaposition of life sprouting from pages invites a delightful curiosity. Succulents or air plants thrive in this unique setting, drawing attention at home or work. An enchanting fusion of the literary and botanical worlds, it turns any book lover’s collection into a conversation starter. This eco-friendly marvel offers both surprise and sustainability. Who knew books could harbor such life?

2. In a Shoe Organizer

© Good Housekeeping

Who would’ve guessed shoes could cradle blossoms? Hang a clear shoe organizer on your wall, fill its pockets with soil, and let herbs, strawberries, or flowers flourish. This vertical marvel maximizes small spaces, perfect for urban gardeners. No longer just a shoe holder, it becomes a cascade of color and life. The transparent pockets allow sunlight to nourish your mini-garden, turning an ordinary organizer into an extraordinary growing space. A testament to the art of transformation, it celebrates creativity in gardening.

3. On a Ladder Shelf

© Houseful of Handmade

A ladder’s climb doesn’t always lead upward; sometimes, it nurtures downward growth. Transform an old ladder into a charming vertical garden stand. Each rung holds the promise of a fresh herb, a trailing vine, or a delicate fern. The rustic charm adds character to any room, while the space-efficient design makes it ideal for small areas. It’s not just a ladder, but a launchpad for creativity. This beautiful blend of form and function turns an everyday object into a flourishing focal point.

4. Inside a Filing Cabinet Drawer

© Dainty Dress Diaries

Who knew filing cabinets could file away foliage? Remove the drawers, drill drainage holes, and voila! A sleek, industrial planter emerges. Ideal for flowers or veggies, this reimagined piece introduces an unexpected touch of greenery to any office or home space. The contrast between metal and flora creates a contemporary aesthetic that intrigues and inspires. As plants emerge from once-sterile settings, new life and vibrancy fill the air. This clever reuse embodies a sustainable gardening ethos.

5. In a Bathtub (Indoors or Out!)

© Garden Betty

Baths aren’t just for bubbles! Convert an old clawfoot tub into a mini garden oasis. Fill it with rich soil and plant a mix of lettuce, radishes, or vibrant flowers. Whether indoors or outdoors, this unique planting spot adds a touch of whimsy and practicality. The bathtub’s depth and width provide ample space for roots to thrive, while its vintage charm captivates. A symbol of rejuvenation and growth, it turns forgotten fixtures into flourishing focal pieces, blending past elegance with new life.

6. On a Bicycle Basket

© Home is Where the Boat Is

Cycling meets gardening in this delightful blend of mobility and nature. Attach a wire basket to your bicycle and fill it with vibrant annuals or trailing plants. As you pedal through the city or countryside, your mobile garden adds a splash of color to every journey. The fusion of movement and greenery creates a unique aesthetic that celebrates both adventure and tranquility. This playful approach to gardening is a tribute to creativity, offering a refreshing take on the traditional planter.

7. Inside a Teapot or Coffee Mug

© tojoslo

Tea time takes on a new twist with plants in the pot! Use chipped or thrifted ceramics to house succulents, moss, or microgreens. These mini gardens add charm to kitchen windowsills or coffee tables. Each teapot or mug becomes a personal statement, reflecting creativity and resourcefulness. The compact size fits perfectly into small spaces, while the quirky design adds warmth and personality. A nod to sustainability, it’s a fun and easy way to bring a bit of the outdoors inside.

8. In a Gutters

© The Artful Roost

Gutters aren’t just for rain; they’re for growth! Mount them along fences or balconies and plant herbs, lettuce, or strawberries. This narrow garden solution optimizes space, turning often-overlooked areas into productive planting spots. The linear design provides a unique visual appeal, enhancing outdoor aesthetics. A practical choice for urban gardeners, it combines functionality with creativity. These innovative planters highlight the potential of neglected spaces, making gardening accessible and engaging.

9. On a Bookshelf (With Grow Lights!)

© Reddit

What if your bookshelf sprouted life instead of just stories? Add LED grow lights to low-light shelves and cultivate pothos, snake plants, or even small peppers. This innovative approach transforms reading nooks into lush, green retreats. The blend of technology and nature draws attention, creating a serene environment for relaxation. Books and plants coexist, offering a balance of knowledge and tranquility. It’s a contemporary twist on traditional decor, merging functionality with aesthetics to inspire both readers and gardeners.

10. Inside a Dresser Drawer

© greenawalt4

Who’d think to plant in drawers? Transform a vintage dresser into a tiered garden by removing drawers, adding legs, and filling them with soil. Each drawer becomes a mini garden bed, offering a unique way to display flowers and herbs. The juxtaposition of old-world elegance and vibrant life creates a charming aesthetic. This creative use of furniture showcases the beauty of repurposing, turning the ordinary into the extraordinary. A testament to imagination, it brings history and nature together.

11. In a Hanging Colander

© Blessing Landscapes

Colanders aren’t just for kitchens—they can hang with the best of them! Punch holes in a metal colander, hang it with chains, and transform it into a whimsical planter. Strawberries, herbs, or flowers find a new home in this airy space. The colander’s design provides excellent drainage and aeration, enhancing plant growth. This floating garden adds charm and character to any porch or balcony. Embracing creativity and functionality, it’s a fresh take on gardening that celebrates everyday objects.

12. On a Window Screen

© Amazon.com

Windows aren’t just for views; they’re for growing! Attach small pots or jars to a window screen, crafting a vertical garden that basks in sunlight. The convenience of window gardening allows for quick access to fresh herbs or flowers. This ingenious use of space turns any window into a vibrant focal point. The blend of functionality and beauty enhances home decor and gardening enjoyment. A versatile solution, it caters to both seasoned gardeners and novices, inviting nature indoors in a stylish way.

13. Inside a Wine Crate

© Gardenista

Wine crates cradle more than bottles; they hold gardens! Line a wooden crate with landscape fabric, fill it with soil, and cultivate herbs or salad greens. This compact garden adds rustic charm to patios or kitchens. The natural wood complements the greenery, creating an inviting aesthetic. A sustainable choice, it offers a simple yet stylish way to grow fresh ingredients. This easy-to-move planter provides accessibility and elegance, turning small spaces into productive gardening areas. A toast to innovation!

14. In a Broken Guitar

© Amazon.com

Music meets greenery in this artistic planter. Remove the front panel of a broken guitar and fill its hollow body with trailing plants and blooms. This quirky garden piece blends creativity, music, and nature, offering a unique decorative element. The guitar’s shape adds an artistic touch, while the flourishing plants bring vibrancy and life. Perfect for musicians and garden lovers alike, it transforms broken instruments into living art. A celebration of imagination, it turns discarded items into delightful displays.

15. On a Shower Caddy

© Follow The Yellow Brick Home

Even bathrooms have growth potential! Hang a metal shower caddy near a sunny window and use it to nurture small herbs or succulents. This compact planting solution adds greenery to unexpected spaces, bringing freshness and beauty indoors. The vertical design maximizes space, while the sunlight nourishes the plants. A delightful combination of utility and creativity, it transforms everyday items into thriving gardens. Suitable for any size home, it provides an effortless way to enjoy nature’s bounty.

16. Inside a Computer Monitor (Retro Planter!)

© Bunnings Workshop

Technology goes green with this retro planter! Remove the electronics from an old CRT monitor and fill the shell with soil to create a cyberpunk-inspired succulent garden. This imaginative reuse blends nostalgia with nature, offering a unique visual contrast. The monitor’s frame becomes a window into an unexpected world of greenery. Celebrating innovation and creativity, it redefines both tech and gardening. Perfect for tech enthusiasts and plant lovers, it turns obsolete electronics into captivating conversation pieces.