Need a cheap substitute for a big flowerpot

July 7, 2008 10:13 AM

I'm wanting to start a little cactus community in one, big pot, but I'm having a hard time finding a pot that's as large as I'd like for a decent price. I'm starting to give up on finding one cheap enough and am now trying to think of another object I could use as a flowerpot substitute. Any ideas?

Basically I want something round and probably at least 22" in diameter. I have a big golden barrel cactus for the middle and want some smaller succulents to spread out around it, so it needs to be roomy. In terms of how it looks, I want it to be reasonably attractive or interesting and definitely not plastic. My wife suggested a metal basin, which might work, but I'm not completely sold on it yet. I'd prefer to spend no more than $40 on this planter.

posted by picea to home & garden (16 comments total)

How handy are you? I'd imagine you could build a square/rectangular* planter for <>
* A square is a rectangle, I know, I know.
posted by unixrat at 10:19 AM on July 7, 2008

Argh. Replace the <> with "less than $40."
posted by unixrat at 10:20 AM on July 7, 2008

What if you made your own hypertufa planter?
posted by suedehead at 10:23 AM on July 7, 2008

Are you okay with plain ceramic pots? I got standard ceramic flower pots at Lowe's (I got 20" ones, which was not the largest) for $17 each. (The one in the Lowe's link is th 10", but they do have enormous ones, got to be 22" or more). Or if you don't like the megastores, any good sized garden center will have these. But for price, go to a Lowe's or its ilk.
posted by nax at 10:34 AM on July 7, 2008

Um, Lowe's link didn't work, but you get the idea.
posted by nax at 10:34 AM on July 7, 2008

You may be able to find something made of fiberglass for that price. Not only are these planters convincing stand-ins for iron or ceramic, they are much easier to move, not an insignificant consideration when you think moving a pot full of catci. Seconding the Lowe's recommendation; you might also consider Sam's or Costco.
posted by heathergirl at 10:49 AM on July 7, 2008

I snag large plastic pots that come from tree plantings. Maybe ask a landscaper if he has any he'll sell you, or dumpster dive near a planting?

They are a little ugly, but can be painted.
posted by QIbHom at 11:02 AM on July 7, 2008

My father has exactly what you're describing in his cactus garden, in the form of a strawberry pot. His was purchased at a local garden center, but any home improvement store should have something similar.
posted by Phineas Rhyne at 11:23 AM on July 7, 2008

Also - you may be able to find used pots at yard sales/Goodwill. They seem to be one of those things that are expensive to buy new but that people tend to accumulate in their garages and purge periodically.
posted by oblique red at 11:28 AM on July 7, 2008

I had a couple of half wine barrels when I had a similar project.
posted by netbros at 11:39 AM on July 7, 2008 [1 favorite has favorites]

More photos of wine barrels.
posted by netbros at 11:40 AM on July 7, 2008

A sturdy basket, lined with plastic? Thrift shops usually have loads of baskets.
posted by orange swan at 12:13 PM on July 7, 2008

Why not camouflage your metal bucket?
posted by KathyK at 12:32 PM on July 7, 2008

Ikea has some monstrous pots that are pretty cheap, this one is 22" and pretty nice looking at $40. I'm sure your local store will have a bunch.
posted by Craig at 12:42 PM on July 7, 2008

You can use almost anything, including a cardboard box. It will decompose over time, but it's kind of an interesting effect.

I've been experimenting with making "adobe" enclosures (not really "pots") out of ordinary straw and our extremely clay-filled local soil, a la the "No dig garden." It's working nicely, and it holds onto moisture which is important here in the desert.
posted by answergrape at 12:47 PM on July 7, 2008

Have you tried Big Lots? I just got some beautiful ceramic pots there - large enough to hold trees - and they were 10 bucks. The same thing at Home Depot or Smith and Hawken would have been about $75. Big Lots is always a crapshoot, but if you have one nearby it's worth a visit.
posted by 26.2 at 3:51 PM on July 7, 2008