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🪴 Garden Finds at Thrift Shops: Pots, Tools and Planters

Seasonal March 19, 2029 · 3 min read

Spring planting season is the right time to visit the garden shelves at a thrift shop. Pots, tools and decor are all inexpensive, and often better built than new.

Containers

Look for ceramic and clay pots, wooden crates, metal buckets and baskets. Anything can become a planter if you can add drainage. A pot without a hole needs a layer of gravel at the bottom, or a few holes drilled by you.

Tools

• Trowels, shears and rakes in steel hold up for years. Check for rust that has pitted the blade.
• Wooden handles should be smooth and without cracks.
• Watering cans and hoses should be free of leaks. Fill a can with water in the aisle if the shop lets you.

Decor

Trellises, bird baths, wind chimes and garden stakes add personality. Check metal pieces for rust and wood for rot.

Clean before you plant

Scrub used pots with a mix of water and a little vinegar or mild soap, and rinse well. This removes pests and anything that could carry disease to new seedlings.

Thrift tip: Buy an extra bucket. It will be useful for carrying, watering or hauling soil.

Plan a loop on the Trail, bring a tape measure for planters and start the season with a full cart.