If you have children, you’ve likely had a plastic kiddie pool in your yard at one point in time.
Unfortunately, they don’t hold their allure for long … at least not with my kiddos. One season with the plastic pool, and they were “over it.”
But that doesn’t mean it has to go to waste!
We collected a few creative ideas for turning those plastic kiddie pools into miniature, self-contained gardens.
Two Ways to Grow a Garden in a Kiddie Pool
Before we dig into the ideas below, I want to make sure you know about the different ways you can upcycle a plastic pool into growing space:
- Use the Pool As a Planter: This is the most obvious way. You simply drill drainage holes in the bottom of the pool, fill it with soil—preferably a potting mix blend—and sow your seeds or transplant your seedlings.
- Use Grow Bags: This one seems less popular, but it works great! (See the image below.) With this method, you use the pool as a water catchment system for your grow bags. As long as you use fabric grow bags, the water will wick up from the bottom of the pool and keep your container well watered.
If you live in a rainy area, you might be able to get by with just letting the rain water your plants!
Now on to all the lovely ideas….
1. Herb Garden
First up, create a mini herb haven in your backyard by repurposing an inflatable kiddie pool (or the hard plastic type). It’s a great way to have fresh basil, mint, and rosemary at your fingertips.
Fill it with well-draining garden soil mixed with peat moss. Visit your local nursery for seed packets and start your own herb haven—a great use for a small space!
2. Strawberry Patch
Transform an old plastic pool into a strawberry patch paradise. Plant strawberry plants in rows, leaving enough room between each plant (about 8-12 inches).
Try using pool noodles to mark your rows. 🙂
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3. Pollinator’s Paradise
Design a pollinator-friendly garden in a small kiddie pool. Plant colorful annuals that attract bees and butterflies. A ready-made container filled with vibrant blooms is a great idea to enhance your garden’s beauty and support local pollinators.
4. Fairy Garden
Craft a magical fairy garden using a small inflatable pool. Fill it with tiny flower pots, stone walkways, and plastic bugs. String lights around the pool area for a whimsical touch! It’s a great way to add enchantment to your yard, especially for little ones to enjoy.
5. Succulent Oasis
Turn an old kiddie pool into a succulent oasis by planting various types of succulents. Create a stone slab walkway for added charm. These shallow-rooted plants thrive in small spaces, making it a good choice for a low-maintenance garden.
6. Vegetable Container Garden
Grow your favorite vegetables in a large plastic swimming pool. Plant shallow-rooted vegetables like leafy greens and beets. You’ll want to ensure proper drainage by adding peat moss to the garden soil.
It’s a practical and efficient way to have a bountiful vegetable garden right at home.
7. Medicinal Tincture Garden
Why not upcycle a kiddie pool into a medicinal herb garden? First, cultivate your herbs into empty egg shells. They’re biodegradable, and the shell will feed your herb seedlings with nutrients as it degrades. Once the seedlings are several inches tall, transplant them into your kiddie pool, which should be filled with a mixture of soil and peat moss.
This unique container idea provides plenty of room for different types of plants like chamomile and echinacea.
8. Butterfly Haven
Transform a small kiddie pool into a butterfly haven by planting butterfly-friendly flowers. Choose bright colors and proven plants—like borage—to attract these beautiful creatures.
If they decide to reproduce in your garden, consider using row covers to protect delicate caterpillars. It’s a popular choice for those who want to support local ecosystems.
9. Cactus Corner
Create a desert-inspired cactus corner using an inflatable pool. Fill it with sandy soil and plant various cacti.
If you’re feeling extra creative, try decorating with large containers of colorful pebbles for a unique touch. This creative use for upcycled pools adds a touch of the southwestern, arid landscape to your backyard.
10. Colorful Annuals
Utilize old plastic pools to showcase colorful annuals. Plant flowers of different sizes and colors for a vibrant display. A few of our favorites include borage, cosmos, zinnias, and snapdragons.
11. Aromatic Garden
Design an aromatic garden in a small pool using fragrant herbs like lavender and mint. Enjoy the soothing scents on sunny days, then bring them inside for a soothing tea or a potpourri bowl on your stovetop. Your home will be smelling delightful in no time!
12. Pizza Garden
Craft a pizza garden in a shallow plastic pool by planting dwarf-variety tomatoes, basil, and oregano. It’s a fantastic way to have fresh ingredients for homemade pizzas. Don’t forget to use the excess water drainage to water nearby plants—a sustainable and delicious gardening approach.
13. Bonsai Display
Showcase your bonsai collection (or finally start one!) in an old kiddie pool. Arrange different bonsai trees in varying sizes for visual interest. Add even more visual appeal by creating a stone walkway around the pool for a serene and contemplative space.
14. Tea Garden
Cultivate your own tea garden in a small inflatable pool. Plant herbs like chamomile and lemon balm for soothing teas. There’s nothing quite like freshly brewed tea from your own garden.
15. Rainbow Display
Fill a large plastic swimming pool with a variety of flowers in different hues for a stunning rainbow effect. Don’t forget to do your drainage holes with a utility knife or electric drill before planting.
When it comes to planting flowers, I’ve known to sprinkle the whole seed packet over the surface of the soil. This is one instance where you don’t have to worry much about spacing.
What a wonderful way to brighten up your yard, especially during summer days!
Remember to gather your supplies at the hardware store, and don’t be afraid to get creative with unconventional containers like ball pits, stock tank pools, or even those cute little duck ponds. Above all, have fun with it!
What are some of your favorite creative ways to use kiddie pools?
