Are the ubiquitous plastic flower boxes too boring for you? Do you lack time to build a balcony box yourself? Then transform a disused, semicircular gutter into an individual plant container. We would be happy to explain to you how easy it is to achieve clever metamorphosis.
How do you turn a gutter into a planter?
To create a flower box from a gutter, saw the semicircular plastic gutter into the desired lengths, close the ends with attachable end pieces and use gutter holders as feet. Drainage holes in the bottom and clay shards on the bottom of the vessel ensure water drainage without waterlogging.
Material and tool list
The following materials and tools are required for the conversion work from the gutter to the flower box:
- Half-round plastic gutter (new or used)
- Attachable end pieces
- Gutter Holder
- One-handed angle grinder or plastic saw
So that an old gutter begins its second life as a flower box with new splendor, repaint the gutter, end pieces and holders. The new special paint Pur-Plast from Jansen (€39.00 at Amazon) for plastic is well suited for this purpose. The silky glossy varnish is applied with a brush made of plastic bristles or a short-pile mohair roller.
From the gutter to the flower box – this is how it works
The transformation action begins with you sawing the gutter into sections. You are not necessarily limited to the usual lengths of 60, 80 and 100 cm, but can cut your new balcony boxes to fit the desired location. You can close a balcony box on both sides using the attachable end pieces. The used gutter holders take on the function of feet.
Finally, drill two to three small holes in the bottom of the box for water drainage so that no waterlogging can form later as a result of irrigation or rainwater.
Filling the gutter balcony box – How to do it right
Before you fill in potting soil for the plant, please place a few shards of clay on the bottom of the container. These act as a water-conducting layer so that the holes in the ground are not blocked by soil. If you don't have any pottery shards at hand, you can use other inorganic materials, such as clay granules or grit. Use a water- and air-permeable fleece to separate drainage and substrate so that no soil crumbs can get stuck.
Tip
Common brackets from specialist retailers are not perfect for attaching a gutter flower box to the balcony railing. These are designed to provide support for rectangular planters. You can solve the problem by building the right balcony box holder yourself from sheet steel. You can read here how this works in collaboration with a metal company.
