Create a Mobile Container Garden

Add portable green space to your patio using galvanized metal trash cans and casters.
Trash Can Container Garden

Container Garden in Galvanized Metal Trash Cans

Add portable green space to your patio using galvanized metal trash cans and casters. You'll need: metal trash cans, empty 2-liter plastic bottles, casters, screws, nuts, drill, drill bit, potting soil, plants of various sizes and habits (tall, short and cascading), pressure-treated lumber, tape measure, marker and gardening gloves.

Mobile Garden Planter
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Materials Needed:

  • metal trash cans
  • empty 2-liter plastic bottles
  • casters
  • screws
  • nuts
  • drill
  • drill bit
  • potting soil
  • plants of various sizes and habits (tall, short and cascading)
  • pressure-treated lumber
  • tape measure
  • marker
  • gardening gloves

Select Trash Cans

Select a combination of tall, medium and low metal trash bins. Keep in mind that groupings work best in odd numbers.

Add Drainage Holes

Use a drill and drill bit to add about 5 holes in the bottom of the trash can to allow for drainage.

Drainage Holes for Metal Can

Drainage Holes for Mobile Container Garden

Use a drill and drill bit to add about 5 holes in the bottom of the trash can to allow for drainage.

Attach Casters

Measure proper spacing for casters with tape measure, then add mark with marker. Drill holes, then attach casters with bolts and screws. For reinforcement of extra large trash cans, attach a strip of pre-cut, pressure-treated lumber to bottom before attaching casters.

Drilling Casters Into Metal Can

Attach Casters to Trash Can

Measure proper spacing for casters with tape measure, then add mark with marker. Drill holes, then attach casters with bolts and screws. For reinforcement of extra large trash cans, attach a strip of pre-cut, pressure-treated lumber to bottom before attaching casters.

Add Filler and Soil

Fill trash can approximately 3/4 full, using empty 2-liter bottles (Image 1). Next, top off the can using potting soil (Image 2).

Add Plants

Place tall plants toward the back of the containers, then fill in center with low, bushy plants. Fill in the edges with flowering and cascading plants.

Pink Flowers and Plants

Arrange Plants in Mobile Container Garden

Place tall plants toward the back of the containers, then fill in center with low, bushy plants. Fill in the edges with flowering and cascading plants.

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