Don't Throw Out Old Birdbaths: Make This Charming DIY Plant Stand

If your birdbath is underutilized and unappreciated by your local birds, don't rush to throw it out. You can transform it into a charming DIY plant stand instead. It doesn't take much effort at all, and it'll save you the hassle of dragging the thing to the trash can.

Start by cleaning it out, especially if there's any mold, algae, or fetid water still in it. The common household ingredients used to clean a birdbath are vinegar and baking soda, so they're easy enough to source. While you're cleaning, assess whether your birdbath needs any repairs. As long as the cracks aren't too big, you can keep them right where they are. They might even help with drainage! For larger cracks that are big enough to lose clumps of soil, though, consider sealing them.

After you've got the birdbath clean and repaired, it's time to think about whether or not you want to paint it to add a little color to the garden. If you do, it's best to only paint the outside. For concrete birdbaths, use exterior latex paint to adhere to the surface. 

Drainage is a crucial component to the success of your planter. If your basin is well sealed then you could have a problem with pooling water and wet roots. One way some people tackle this issue is by putting a plastic pot in the bottom of the planter with hopes that the drainage holes will help whisk away wetness from your plants. Otherwise, look into adding drainage holes yourself, based on the material of the birdbath. Add a well-draining soil mix or add perlite to your regular potting soil for optimal drainage.  

Figuring out what you want to plant is the fun part! First and foremost, you'll need a species that doesn't mind a shallow planter. Most baths are only a few inches deep, so plants that need to grow long taproots won't make it far in your new planter. However, there are easy ways to plant succulents in a shallow container due to their shallow roots.

Strawberries could work, too, since they grow like annuals in containers and don't need deep soil. You can also try most any variety of shallow-rooted sedum, which provides a colorful upgrade with an eye-catching plant. No matter what you ultimately decide to plant, you can use your new charming plant stand for years to come.