Repurposing items around the house for gardening projects is a fun and sustainable way to breathe new life into your outdoor spaces. One such trendy project gaining popularity is turning old rain boots into unique, charming planters. Rain boot planters are a fantastic way to add character to your garden, porch, or indoor space. However, many homeowners often struggle with finding easy, budget-friendly ways to enhance their garden decor without investing in expensive planters.
The solution to this problem is simple and creative: rain boot planters. Transforming old boots into colorful, quirky flower pots is an enjoyable DIY project that not only recycles unused items but also adds a personal touch to your garden. Whether you have a pair of worn-out Wellies or a colorful pair of boots that no longer fit, this DIY guide will show you how to turn them into beautiful, functional planters for your space. In this article, we’ll walk you through the basics of creating rain boot planters and share 15 creative ideas for inspiration.
DIY Guide to Making Rain Boot Planters

Making rain boot planters is a simple and rewarding process. It allows you to create eye-catching flowerpots for minimal cost. Here’s how to get started with your own DIY project.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Choose Your Boots: The first step in making your rain boot planters is selecting the right boots. You can use any rain boots you have at home, or find a colorful, used pair at a thrift store.
- Create Drainage Holes: Rain boots are designed to keep water out, so you need to drill a few holes at the bottom of the boots to allow water to drain. This is important for plant health as it prevents root rot.
- Add Gravel for Drainage: Once you have the holes in place, add a layer of gravel at the bottom of each boot. This will help with water drainage and prevent the soil from becoming waterlogged.
- Fill with Soil: Fill your rain boots with a good-quality potting mix. Make sure to leave some space at the top so that you can add your plants without overflowing.
- Add Plants: Finally, add your favorite plants or flowers to the boots. Choose plants that are suitable for the weather and the amount of sunlight your rain boot planters will receive.
- Place Your Planters: Once your rain boot planters are ready, place them where you want to display them. Whether it’s on your porch, fence, or in your garden, these unique planters will brighten up any space.
15 Creative Rain Boot Planter Ideas
After you’ve mastered the basics, you can experiment with different designs and ideas for your rain boot planters. Here are 15 creative ideas to inspire you:
1. Polka Dot Rain Boot Planters

Polka dot rain boot planters add a playful touch to your garden. Choose boots with bright colors and contrasting polka dots for a fun and whimsical look.
2. Yellow Rain Boot Flower Pots

Yellow rain boots make cheerful flower pots. Their bright color contrasts beautifully with vibrant flowers like marigolds or daisies, adding a happy vibe to your garden.
3. Cobalt Blue Rain Boot Planters

Cobalt blue rain boots make for striking planters, especially when paired with bold red flowers like geraniums. This combination is perfect for creating a patriotic display for the holidays.
4. Polka Dot Welly Planters

Polka-dotted Wellies make an excellent indoor display. Use them to plant colorful flowers like forsythia, creating a cheerful atmosphere inside your home.
5. Rain Boot Planters on a Fence

Create a fun garden display by hanging rain boots on your fence. This works especially well with a combination of different colors and flowers like marigolds or petunias.
6. Flowering Shrubs in Rain Boots

For a larger, more dramatic planter, use tall rain boots filled with flowering shrubs or tall plants like hydrangeas or lavender. This works well on your porch or garden corners.
7. Mini Rain Boot Planters

Use small, kiddie-sized rain boots for a charming, whimsical effect. Line them up along a garden path or on your porch for a delightful display.
8. Rain Boots with Daisies

Daisies are perfect for rain boot planters. Their cheerful yellow and white colors pop against bright boots, creating an effortlessly happy look in your garden.
9. Firefighter Boots as Planters

Repurpose firefighter boots into large planters. Their sturdy build makes them ideal for supporting larger plants like sunflowers or small trees, adding a unique visual element to your garden.
10. Rain Boots on Tree Stumps

Place colorful rain boot planters on top of old tree stumps for a rustic, nature-inspired look. This is a great way to elevate your planters and make them a focal point in your garden.
11. Tall Yellow Welly Boot Planters

Tall yellow Welly boots are perfect for a dramatic look. Position them in rows or staggered along your porch or garden pathway, and fill them with purple or violet flowers for an elegant display.
12. Rain Boot Planters as Wedding Decor

Rain boots can make whimsical and charming wedding decor. Use them as flower holders or place them along the aisle for a fun and personalized touch.
13. Rainbow Rain Boot Planters

Mix and match different colored rain boots for a rainbow-themed planter display. Pair them with a variety of flowers for a vibrant, multi-colored garden setup.
14. Vintage Rain Boots as Vases

Instead of using rain boots for planting, turn them into vases by filling them with tall flowers or shrubs. This is an excellent way to bring nature indoors.
15. Boots with Trailing Plants

For a more relaxed look, plant trailing plants like ivy or sweet potato vines in your rain boot planters. These plants will cascade down the boots, creating a natural, flowing effect.
Conclusion
Rain boot planters are a fun and creative way to bring a bit of charm and color to your garden or home. By upcycling old boots, you can create unique planters that reflect your personal style while also being eco-friendly. Whether you go for bold colors, playful patterns, or classic designs, rain boot planters are sure to become a conversation starter. So, grab those old rain boots and start planting—your garden will thank you!