Vintage Toolbox Planter

Looking for a creative way to add charm to your garden or porch? This vintage toolbox planter is the perfect blend of rustic character and repurposed style. With a weathered patina and just the right amount of age, an old metal toolbox becomes a unique home for easy-care succulents. Whether you’re a fan of farmhouse decor or love giving old finds new life, this simple project combines personality and greenery delightfully.

Welcome to a special edition of our Thrift Store Decor Team’s Repurposed Planter special! I chose to do a vintage toolbox planter using succulents! I really struggled with this month’s theme because I have already done so many repurposed planter ideas! But! I’ve never used a toolbox and succulents.

Be sure to see all the other great ideas at the end of this post.

Red Vintage Toolbox

I went to the garage looking for an enamel pan, but when I saw this vintage toolbox on the shelf, I knew it would be perfect for this challenge. As you can see, it was quite dirty!

 

Always Clean Your Thrift Store Purchase

I sprayed it off with the hose. I chose NOT to paint it or remove the rust.

Add Natural Elements to the Vintage Toolbox Planter

To add some natural elements to my toolbox planter, I grabbed a rock and a branch from the yard. I used a hammer to break the pieces into smaller pieces.

Shopping at Home Depot for Succulents

Lulu Mae and I headed to the Home Depot to shop for plants. I thought I would do succulents, but I wasn’t sure until I got there and looked around. These little guys were so cute, not as cute as Lulu, though! She didn’t want me to take her picture.

Gather Supplies for a Repurposed Toolbox Planter

Along with the succulents, I picked up some cactus potting mix at HD. Then we headed across the street to the Dollar Tree to get some rocks. I chose several faux succulents at the dollar tree in case I needed them to fill in.

Add rocks for drainage

These small white rocks were perfect for lining the bottom of the toolbox planter to aid in drainage. I used all three bags.

Add Potting Mix and Succulents

It’s difficult to keep the soil off the leaves. If you have a tip for this, please share it with me! I have an answer to the problem after the fact, but I’ve never figured out how to keep the plants free of dirt as I’m planting them. You can see—I’m a messy gardener!

Related Content: Repurposed Shutter Vertical Garden

Leaf Blower Removes Excess Dirt From Plant Leaves

I have the leaf blower close in this picture, but in reality, I held it further away once I started blowing away the dirt from the leaves.

Vintage Metal Toolbox Planter with Succulents

It’s so much better with all the excess dirt blown away! After the dirt was taken care of, I gave the planter a little drink.

Then I placed the toolbox planter on this cute little chair I got in the spring. It’s in perfect condition, and the price was really good.

Display a Toolbox Planter on a Metal Chair

Do you think it needs something else? Or is it perfect? Would you have painted the toolbox?

DIY Tray Stand and Toolbox

Share this idea on Pinterest

The creativity of my friends will inspire you! Be sure to check out their ideas below!

Petticoat Junktion’s DIY Tea Kettle Flower Pots

Refresh Restyle’s Brass Plant Holder Idea

Domestically Speaking’s Succulent Bird Bath

House Of Hawthornes’ Colorful Bushel Basket Planter

My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia’s Succulent Bird Bath Planter

Our Southern Home’s Decorative Potted Plant Finish

My Repurposed Life’s Vintage Toolbox Planter

I hope this vintage toolbox planter inspires you to look at everyday items with fresh eyes. Whether it’s an old crate, drawer, or basket, there are so many creative ways to turn thrifted finds into charming planters. Don’t miss the other unique ideas shared in this special roundup—each project offers its own clever twist on repurposed container gardening!