Turn an Old Grill into a Planter for Earth Day
Did you know Earth Day is this month? That one day each year when many of us take a little extra time to do something good for the planet. For my contribution this year I took an old barbecue grill and gave it a new life as a planter. It’s a simple, fun upcycle that keeps useful materials out of the landfill and adds personality to a balcony or patio.
Earth Day, observed on April 22, is an annual event when communities around the world organize activities to support environmental protection. It began in 1970 and has grown into a global movement recognized in many countries. Rather than planting trees (my husband handles that), I decided to salvage something I already had in the basement and repurpose it into a container garden.
I found a box with pieces of an old barbecue grill tucked away in a corner of the basement. Rather than toss it, I took it upstairs and started planning how to convert it into a unique planter. Repurposing household items is one of the easiest ways to reduce waste and create something decorative and functional at the same time.
I began by painting the grill parts with chalk paint to cover rust and uneven color. Chalk paint adheres well to metal and gives a matte, vintage finish that’s perfect for a repurposed piece. I didn’t take a full “before” photo because I was so eager to get started, but you can see the state of the pieces in the photo above.
After two more coats of paint I added silver-grey paint to the ridges for subtle contrast and depth. Small highlights can make a repurposed object look intentional and styled rather than simply covered up.
I also applied grey dabs of color and gently wiped them with a dry cloth to create a worn, weathered effect. It’s an easy technique to add visual interest and make the piece look like it’s always belonged in the space.
A light coat of wax sealed the paint and provided protection against the elements. For metal planters, sealing painted surfaces helps prevent moisture-related wear and keeps the finish looking good longer.
I painted parts of the inside in a casual, imperfect way and added rocks to the bottom for drainage. Good drainage is essential for container gardening to prevent root rot and keep plants healthy. The stones help water drain away from soil and roots while still allowing a bit of moisture to remain for the plants.
Next I added a few potted herbs and small plants. These aren’t trees, but they’re perfect for a balcony planter and easy to maintain even for someone who jokes about having a “brown thumb.” Herbs like thyme, oregano, and rosemary are forgiving and useful in the kitchen, so they’re a great choice for a first container garden.
With its legs and rounded shape the finished planter almost looks like a little spaceship—definitely a conversation piece and something unique to brighten a balcony or patio. Creating an unusual planter from a familiar item like a grill is a quick way to add character to outdoor space while practicing sustainable reuse.
Saving an old grill from the trash and turning it into a planter is a satisfying repurpose. Not only did I prevent that metal from becoming waste, I also created a functional container garden that suits my small space. Repurposed planters are a great way to practice sustainable DIY, reduce landfill use, and personalize your outdoor living area.
From this single grill I also created a few other upcycled projects: a nautical lantern, a hanging saucer planter, and a small photo display—demonstrating how one discarded item can yield multiple creative uses.
Is this a good repurpose? I think so. Repurposing the grill kept it out of the landfill and produced a distinctive planter where I can grow herbs and small plants. The goal is to honor the earth every day, not just on April 22, and small DIY projects like this make it easy to take practical steps toward sustainability.
If this project inspires you, consider looking around your home for items that could be reused as planters or garden features. Old metal, wooden crates, buckets, and furniture parts can all be transformed with paint, drainage, and a little creativity.
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The Repurposed Barbecue Grill Series
How to make a Nautical Lantern from a grill
The Versatile Hanging Saucer
A Photo Display from a Grill
Grilling the Plants for Earth Day
This blog is for entertainment purposes only; the DIY tutorials are personal projects and not professional advice. I love reading your comments and I do my best to reply to every one.