I recently came across a stoneware crock beverage dispenser at the local thrift store and thought it would be perfect for transforming into a planter.
Sure, the old beverage dispenser was missing the lid and had hairline cracks running down the back of it.
But the cracks didn't appear to run through to the inside, so it should be sturdy enough to hold a few houseplants. Or even plants on the porch if it ever warms up enough to start container gardening outside.
✨ BTW, today is Thrift Store Decor Wednesday, so make sure you hang around to the end of the post to see the rest of the team's thrift store repurposes for the month!
So I brought it home and thought I'd show you how I quickly converted this into a planter.
Table Of Contents
How to Turn a Damaged Beverage Dispenser into a Unique Planter
(This post contains some affiliate links for your convenience. You can read my full disclosure policy here.)
Supplies
- Beverage Crock With Dispenser Spout
- Small Stones Or Pebbles
- Horticultural Charcoal
- Potting Soil
- Plants
Instructions
This will be a quick tutorial on repurposing the crock, because it's almost self-explanatory.
Time needed: 20 minutes
- Stone or Pebble Base Layer
Add approximately 2 cups of stones to the bottom of the stoneware crock - enough to cover the spout.
- Horticultural Charcoal Layer
Add a layer of horticultural charcoal to the planter to combat bacteria and keep the planter fresh smelling.
This is an optional layer, but I highly recommend it if you plan to keep the plants in here long-term.
- Potting Soil Layer
Fill the remainder of the crock with potting soil, leaving about 4" free to place the plants.
- Remove Plants From Containers
Gently remove each plant from its container to prepare it for planting.
I am using a basic ivy I found at the local grocery store in the houseplant section.
- Pry Apart Root Ball
If your plants are rootbound, gently pry apart the root ball. This will allow your plant room to spread out in the new soil.
- Top Off The Planter
After planting the new plants, add more soil to top off the crock.
- Water And Wipe Down
Give the new plants a little bit of water to help them acclimate to their new home, and then wipe down the container to remove any stray dirt.
And there will be stray dirt. There's always stray dirt no matter how tidy you try to be.
Now you're ready to enjoy your "new" planter!
💡 Tips About Planting In Crocks
Generally I DO NOT plant directly in my stoneware crocks.
I have loads of crocks on my front porch for porch decor along with smaller crocks I use to house some of my houseplants (aka my mini-jungle), but none of the crocks have the plants and dirt sitting directly in them.
Crocks are made to be somewhat watertight, unlike clay pots, which are porous. They were originally made to hold pickles and other perishable items before refrigerators became commonplace in homes. However, they don't have holes in the bottom for good drainage, so if you plant directly into them, your plants will eventually experience root rot from all the accumulated water sitting in the bottom of the crock.
When you see crocks on my porch or inside the house, I always have the plant actually planted in an inexpensive pot and then I slide that inexpensive pot into the crock. The crock acts like a decorative sleeve. To water it, I just lift the inner pot out of the crock, water it, and when it's done dripping water out of the bottom, I slide it right back down into the crock.
So generally, it appears like I have plants in crocks, but that's just a way to get the look of a crock without the whole non-existent drainage issues.
Of course, this beverage dispenser crock has a little drainage helper built in in the form of a spigot!!! So it's about the only crock you'll ever see me planting in!
Other Projects You May Enjoy
Thrift Store Decor Team Projects
- DIY Easter Display - Petticoat Junktion
- Two Ways to Update Thrift Store Art - Our Southern Home
- Small Country Shelf Makeover - My Repurposed Life
- Bundt Pan Bird Feeder - My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia
- Upcycle Thrift Store Art - Shop At Blu
- Repurposing A Damaged Stoneware Crock - House Of Hawthornes (that's me)
Addie
Win~Win just as cute as can be. I too love to save something headed for the landfill. Love your metal table you keep the plants on.
Gail Wilson
Pam,
I love everything about your new crock planter! Thanks for the tip about how you usually don't plant in crocks. That's good to know.
This is so adorable, and I love the plants you chose.
Pinned!
gail
Carolyn Dinger
Pam, I have a crock that is somewhat like yours. Have not used in years, now it has a renewed use for it.
Kristin salazar
I love how you added plants to the crock, it has a history and looks gorgeous on display!
Christy Little
Such a great idea! You have always been so creative with unique vessels for planters. Love the tip to use another container inside so you can just lift out to water.
Sue at Blu
Pam, this is a great repurpose. I mean, use those cracked crocks for something! So much character. Cheers from my muddy cup to your! Pinned.