Old bathtubs don’t need to end up in a landfill when they’re no longer needed in your bathroom. Instead, they can find new life as beautiful garden planters that add unique charm to your outdoor space.
Repurposing an old bathtub for your garden is not only environmentally friendly but also creates a conversation piece that stands out from traditional planters.
With a little creativity, you can transform an unused tub into a raised bed for vegetables, a miniature water garden, or a stunning flower display. These versatile containers offer excellent drainage, ample growing space, and durability against the elements. You might be surprised by how many creative ways there are to incorporate an old bathtub into your garden design.
In this article, we'll cover
1. Clawfoot Tub Planter
Vintage clawfoot bathtubs make stunning garden planters with their elegant design and deep space for roots. Their size lets you grow multiple plants together in one container.
You can fill your tub with logs and cardboard at the bottom, topped with compost, to create a cost-effective growing medium that will decompose over time.
2. Zen Gravel Tub Garden
Create a peaceful spot in your yard with an old bathtub filled with white sand or gravel. You can rake patterns into the gravel just like traditional Zen gardens.
Add a few smooth stones or small plants for focal points. This low-maintenance garden brings calm to any space and doesn’t need watering.
3. Water Garden Tub
An old bathtub can become a beautiful water garden for your yard. You can fill it with water and add aquatic plants like water lilies or water lettuce. Some gardeners even add small fish to create a mini ecosystem.
The depth of a bathtub is perfect for water plants that need different levels. You can place some plants directly in the water while others can sit on bricks or stones.
4. Succulent Oasis Bathtub
Succulents are perfect plants for bathtub gardens because they need little water and care. You can transform an old claw-foot tub into a stunning display of colorful succulents.
Mix different shapes, sizes, and colors for a vibrant look. Desert roses, echeverias, and aloe plants create beautiful contrasts when grouped together.
5. Bathtub Rock Garden
A bathtub rock garden combines pretty stones with easy-care plants. You can fill an old tub with rocks of different sizes and shapes. Add drought-friendly plants like succulents and small cacti between the rocks.
This creates a mini desert landscape that needs little water. You can also add colorful stones or glass pebbles for extra visual interest.
6. Vertical Tub Cascade
A vertical tub cascade creates a stunning water feature for your garden. You can stack two or three old bathtubs on different levels to create a flowing waterfall effect. The water trickles from the top tub down to each level below.
This project works great against a wall or on a hillside in your yard. You’ll need a small pump to keep the water circulating.
7. Cottage-Style Tub Garden
A cottage-style tub garden brings charm and whimsy to your outdoor space. Use a vintage clawfoot tub and fill it with cottage favorites like lavender, daisies, and sweet alyssum.
Add some trailing ivy to spill over the sides for that perfect cottage look. You can place it near a garden path or patio where you’ll enjoy its beauty daily.
8. Industrial-Chic Tub Planter
Give your garden an edgy, modern look with a galvanized metal tub planter. These industrial-style tubs add a cool contrast when filled with colorful flowers or greenery.
You can find these tubs in various sizes at home improvement stores or antique shops. Try adding metal pipe fittings or black metal accents to enhance the industrial vibe.
9. Lavender Spa Tub Garden
Transform an old bathtub into a relaxing lavender garden that brings spa vibes to your outdoor space. The deep basin of a tub is perfect for lavender plants, which need good drainage.
You can paint the tub a complementary color like white or light purple to enhance the lavender theme. Add some small stones at the bottom before soil to ensure proper drainage.
Your lavender tub garden will give off a lovely scent and attract helpful pollinators to your garden.