Creating beautiful and eye-catching planters out of old shoes is an exceptional way of putting life back into those pairs you no longer wear. From old leather boots to tennis shoes to high heels, each one can be reinvented into succulent planters to showcase your creativity. That old shoe graveyard in your closet can now be used for a higher purpose.
Why Use Old Shoes as Planters?
Choosing to make use of your old shoes as containers for your plants offers a myriad of benefits. First, it reduces waste by repurposing items that would otherwise contribute to environmental degradation. Additionally, outdoor succulent planters made from old shoes add a unique aesthetic to your garden or indoor space. They are a testament to your creativity and concern for the environment. Plus, succulents are easy to grow, making this project suitable for everyone, regardless of their gardening expertise.
Choosing the Right Shoes
The best aspect of shoe planters is the plethora of opportunities they present. From ankle boots to loafers and on to high heels, the choice of shoes to repurpose is vast. Each different shoe type has its unique charms and characteristics, which will reflect in the kind of planter you will end up with.
Boots and larger shoes are perfect for creating miniature gardens, while smaller shoes like heels and sandals can house individual succulents. However, ensure that the shoes aren’t made out of harmful materials that might affect your plants. Materials like genuine leather and canvas are safe options.
Preparing Your Shoes
Before reusing, it’s essential to prepare your shoes adequately. If required, clean the shoes, especially those with mud or other dirt particles that might harm the plants. However, ensure the shoe dries adequately to avoid rotting.
Next, make holes in your shoes to ensure proper drainage. Succulents do not like waterlogged conditions and generally prefer a drier environment. By adding holes to the base of your shoes, excess water is drained out instead of being soaked up by the plant. This helps the roots receive sufficient oxygen while also preventing root rot.
You can make these holes with items around your home such as a drill, awl, or even a large nail. If the shoes are composed of softer materials like canvas, a sharp kitchen knife might suffice.
Adding Soil and Plants
Succulents thrive best in well-draining soil like cactus soil mixes. However, if this is not immediately available, mixing sand, perlite, or grit into regular potting soil can make it suitable. Fill your shoe to just below the brim with the soil mixture before making a hole deep enough to accommodate the roots of the succulent.
Next, remove your succulent from its original pot, shake off excess soil, and then place it into the hole you just made. Ensure the succulent sits level or slightly below the shoe’s brim to make it easier to water and avoid spillage.
Now, add more soil around the succulent, gently tamping down as you go to ensure stability. But be careful not to cover the succulent leaves with too much soil to avoid rotting.
Care and Maintenance
Once your shoe planter is set up, it requires a moderate amount of sunlight, preferably morning light. While succulents do require sun to grow, harsh, intense sun rays can be damaging. Also, remember to water sparingly. A good rule of thumb is allowing the soil to dry out completely between watering.
Finally, consider leaning the shoe planters against a wall or hanging them up. This will not only help show off your creation but also aid in water drainage and better growth of the succulents.
Endless Possibilities
You can also get creative by painting your shoes or adding other artistic elements such as mosaic or decals to them. Different shoe types and varying succulent species can be combined for an intricate display. You could also consider using waterproof glue to attach your shoes to outdoor areas such as trees or fences for a whimsical garden display.
Ultimately, reusing old shoes as succulent planters is a brilliant way of merging creativity with sustainability. It’s an engaging hobby, a fun family bonding activity, and an avenue to do your part in caring for our planet. Above all, it’s a way to give your worn shoes a new lease of life, right in the heart of your home.
