Stepping into your barn, shed, or garage, you might grimace at seeing your once-loved garden tools now resting beneath layers of dust and cobwebs. These relics, seemingly forgotten and arguably on a one-way trip to the landfill, harbor a secret potential for rebirth and rejuvenation, as discussed in the 38 brilliant ideas for repurposing old gardening tools below. This journey from trash to treasure begins with a spark of creativity, proving that the only significant limit in repurposing your garden tools is the boundary of your imagination.
Imagine the thrill of converting an old, rusty wheelbarrow into a mobile planter or witnessing the transformation of simple shovel heads into a quirky display for your favorite potted plants. Once used to sift soil, a metallic garden sieve can be reborn as a hanging garden for succulents. Or envision fashioning a durable mat out of an old garden hose. Even plastic pipes find a new purpose as vertical gardens or hanging tool holders.
Upcycling old, rusty gardening tools is not merely about breathing new life into what was once considered waste; it’s about igniting your creativity, minimizing environmental impact, and providing your wallet a much-needed respite from continuous spending on home and garden decor or utility items. Plus, the satisfaction from such projects cannot be understated. Conversations will be sparked among your loved ones as they marvel at your repurposed old garden tools, and you can relish the curiosity of local wildlife as they investigate their newly appointed habitats.
Adopting a shovel head as a bird feeder
Great Home Ideas/YouTube
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Kicking off our compilation of ways to repurpose old garden tools, an old shovel head turns into a vintage bird feeder, adding instant charm to your garden while inviting nature’s melodies to your mornings. Snugly affixed to a tree, upright wooden plank, or even a metallic stand, the shovel head provides a fixed, reliable vessel for the variety of birds flitting in and out of your garden daily. Drill minute holes in the base of the shovel head to allow efficient water drainage, ensuring the birdseed remains dry and attractive to your avian visitors. Having the masterpiece just by your window can offer a picturesque view.
Wall art with vintage garden tools
ehowhome/YouTube
Embellishing a wall with a collection of old garden tools transcends traditional decor; it’s a crafty blend of history, art, and love for gardening. Cleaned, painted, or left in their original rustic glory, these tools can be meticulously arranged to create a visual narrative on your chosen wall. Experiment with patterns; line them up in graduated sizes to draw the eye, or create a freeform mural with a variety of forms and textures. A rusted appearance can add to the mural’s character, while a fresh coat of paint could correspond well with your existing decor palette.
Reimagining a wheelbarrow as a mobile fire pit
Eamon Walsh DIY/YouTube
Fancy a gathering retreat in your garden without scorching your grass? An old wheelbarrow can swoop in as a mobile fire pit. Clean the wheelbarrow and address safety hazards like jagged edges or loose parts. Next, layer the wheelbarrow’s tray with silica sand or gravel rocks for heat protection, after which you weld a grill inside, setting the stage for your sticks and logs. The end product is a portable heat source you could position near a seating area in your garden or even on the deck, providing a welcoming ambiance for late-night conversations or quality alone time under the starry sky.
Farm sign from a spade head
Our Upcycled Life/YouTube
In an inventive twist, a spade head can find a new life as a stylish and functional plant or farm sign. The transformation kicks off with a meticulous sanding down of the spade head, after which you cloak it with white chalk paint. Once dry, embark on the magical process of transferring your chosen graphics. Let the graphic-laden paper sit for 24 hours before dampening and peeling it away, unveiling your artwork. A coat of engine enamel will suffice next to fortify your creation against the whims of nature. Finally, plant this emblem of creativity amidst thriving greens or somewhere else where it catches the eye.
Transforming a watering can into a light display
Festive Lights/YouTube
What if you could witness a twinkling cascade suspended in your garden every evening? Transforming an old watering can into a glimmering light vessel could be your answer. Begin with a deep cleanse for the can, followed by a burst of spray paint to match your fancy or garden’s palette. Through the spout and nozzle, thread waterproof LED string lights to create an illusion of water made up of fairy lights. Secure the can on a shepherd’s hook or hang it beside a water feature to amplify its magical effect. As twilight dances into the night, watch your creation come alive.
Birdhouse poles from shovels or rakes
Specific Love Creations/YouTube
An old shovel or rake is a handy alternative for suspending birdhouses. Begin by cutting the handle’s top part flat, crafting the ideal foundation for the bird’s dwelling. You then have two options for securing the birdhouse: either fasten the birdhouse onto a wooden piece nailed atop the handle or snugly clamp the birdhouse’s backside to the handle. Dig your shovel into your preferred location, embedding it deep enough to brave the whims of weather and accommodate your winged guests’ weight.
A rusty wheelbarrow reborn as a planter
The Turned Leg/YouTube
This hack of upcycling old garden tools begins with the simple act of redemption — drilling 1/4-inch drainage holes at the base of your aged wheelbarrow to prevent waterlogging and root decay. Don’t hesitate to add a personalized touch with a coat of paint. Next comes a layer of potting mix enriched with chicken compost. Mingle the mix with a shovel to disintegrate the larger fragments. Now, populate this garden with flowers, herbs, or vegetables of your choice, and water them to deter transplant stress. The wheelbarrow garden’s mobility affords you the flexibility to move it anywhere your plants can best thrive.
Plant trellis from long-handle gardening tools
Great Home Ideas/YouTube
Imagine the whimsical ascent of climbing roses, sweet peas, or even tomato vines up a trellis crafted from nothing more than the tools you once used to till the soil. This fusion of utility and beauty begins by binding together three or more long-handled tools, such as shovels, rakes, or hoes, using horizontal pieces of wood to form a sturdy yet visually intriguing climbing structure. The awaited charm unfolds as you drive the handles into the ground, possibly bolstered by wooden stakes, in an ideal spot in your garden. Adding strings or auxiliary sticks between the tools lends additional support for the ambitious climbers.
Crafting a rake head utensil holder
MonkeySee/YouTube
An aged rake can dazzle as an unconventional stemware holder. The transformation begins with a thorough scrub-down. Then, trim the handle to a suitable length for aesthetics. Sand the entire handle for a smooth finish, and follow up with a stain that befits your fancy. Halfway down the handle, drill a hole through which you anchor the rake on your kitchen wall with a screw. The tines are primed for hanging glasses upside down by their bases or kitchen utensils with loops. Adapt this old garden tools repurposing idea for a rustic jewelry organizer or key rack.
Upcycling shovel handles into a ladder
DIY Mr_George/YouTube
In a world striving for sustainability, repurposing shovel handles into a rustic ladder is a beacon of imaginative reuse. Picture the sturdy, worn handles of shovels, each bearing the marks and scuffs of gardening endeavors, now given a noble new role. These handles (possibly cleaned, sanded, and stained) are glued and screwed between two lengthy side rails, forming the ladder’s rungs. Let not this masterpiece just serve as a mere statement of creativity. Picture it draping your towels in style or transitioning into a means for accessing the hard-to-reach nooks of your home library and the sun-kissed branches of your fruit trees.
Shovel heads as potted plant shelves
Great Home Ideas/YouTube
Retired shovelheads can now have an exciting new role as rustic shelves for potted plants. Begin by gathering several aged shovel heads; the more rustic, the better for extra antique allure. Next, drill holes at staggered heights in a treated wooden slab, which you now plant in a deep pit in a chosen spot in your garden. The holes should be wide enough to accommodate the shovel head’s collar. Firmly compact the soil around the post’s base for enhanced stability, employing a level to perfect vertical uprightness. Finally, screw the shovelheads to the wooden piece, angling them just right to securely cradle your pots.
Garden sieve repurposed into a succulent garden
Great Home Ideas/YouTube
Behold the humble garden sieve, reborn as a hanging succulent garden for your patio. To bring this vision to life, seek out an old metallic sieve whose sifting days are behind it and line its half with chicken wire to create a snug nest you can fill with peat moss. This setup becomes a perfect home for succulent plants, which can flourish with minimal water and in confined spaces. Plant various succulents until the sieve brims with greenery, then hang your creation on a wall or fence where the succulents enjoy partial sunlight and double as a living piece of art.
Recreate old rain boots into adorable flower pots
The Turned Leg/YouTube
Who would’ve thought the old, neglected wellies could embark on a second life as enchanting flower pots? Firstly, drill a few holes in the soles to ensure proper drainage, preventing water from getting trapped and harming your plants. After a thorough wash, fill the boots to three-quarters with potting soil, maybe even a spoonful of slow-release fertilizer to kickstart growth. Into these DIY planters, transfer flowers like marigolds for a sun-kissed vibe or aromatic herbs like lavender. You can now place the boots on an outdoor chair, along your garden walkway or wall, or even clustered on the steps of your porch.
Garden hose tree stake or training tool
Plant Abundance/YouTube
Wondering how to train plants without damaging them? Repurposing an old garden hose into a tree tie a is smart and sustainable option. Taking the length of an old hose, cutting it to suit your needs, and threading a sturdy wire or cable through it is an ingenious way to train your plants without risking the integrity of their trunks. This gardening tools repurposing hack is valuable for young or vulnerable trees in search of direction yet susceptible to damage from traditional wire staking. You can count on the hose’s flexibility to accommodate the tree’s natural growth while guiding it.
Garden hose into DIY round mats
Cottage Life/YouTube
Who knew a garden hose could transform into a stylish, durable, round outdoor mat? By folding and spiraling an old hose, securing it at intervals with zip ties, and possibly mixing in different colors, you create an aesthetically pleasing and functional mat. This unusual mat illuminates your upcycling flair, drawing the eye and sparking a lively conversation. Ideal for placing at your garden shed’s entrance or under a patio set, it adds a touch of handcrafted charm. And given its weather-resistant qualities, it’s an outdoor champion that offers cushioned comfort underfoot or catches dirt as a functional kneeling pad during your gardening days.
Adorning a watering can with stick-on décor
Raggedy Bits – Paint. Create. Decorate/YouTube
This garden tool repurposing hack will see you elevate the humble watering can to an objet d’art. Begin with cleaning and clothing the can in a new paint. The magic happens when you select a stick-on decor that speaks to your taste. Whether it’s a flurry of blossoms or a pastoral farm scene, careful application, ensuring no bubble or wrinkle compromises the scene, will result in a stunning display piece. This newly minted artifact can now reside amongst the lush foliage in your yard (suspended on a shepherd’s hook) or serve as a centerpiece on your outdoor table.
Garden hose into a rectangular mat
Jessamine County Public Library/YouTube
How about repurposing a garden hose into a practical, attractive rectangular mat? Start by cutting sections of the hose to the desired lengths (they should be equal for symmetry). Next, drill a hole through each end of your pieces. Lay out two of these strips parallel with enough distance apart to fit the remaining segments between, similar to the idea of a ladder’s side rails. Attach the remaining pieces between the starting pieces using zip ties threaded through the drilled holes and securely fasten. Repeat on both ends and with additional hose segments until you form a rectangular-shaped mat. Finally, snip the loose cable tie ends.
Shovel heads plasma cut into art
REDNIC79/YouTube
You can turn a rusty spade head into stunning art with plasma cutting. Start by sketching your chosen design onto the spade head using chalk, allowing for easy adjustments before the real work begins. You can explore a range of designs across multiple shovel heads for a diverse collection (think flowers and tree structure). With your design in place, use a plasma cutter to cut out the intricate details, transforming the spade head into a unique piece of metal art. If a plasma cutter isn’t an option, consider an angle grinder or jigsaw. The metal marvels are destined to become garden focal points or wall adornments.
Repurposing folding ladder into a vertical shelf
DEEP 345-Satisfying Woodturning/YouTube
By fully extending an old folding ladder, securing it, and adding horizontal planks across the rungs, you create an enchanting display space that can add a rustic charm to any setting. Whether showcasing potted plants or decorative items, this DIY wonder brings a touch of vintage elegance to your garden, balcony, or living room. A step ladder’s inherent design offers a multitude of levels and spaces for arrangement. No folding ladder? A standard straight ladder works just as well. Just lean it against a wall and attach horizontal planks, and it’s ready to display your favorite potted plants.
PVC pipe hanging tool holder
Brick House Builds/YouTube
Wondering how to get your garage neat and organized? Transforming wide-diameter PVC pipes into hanging tool holders could be the answer. Cut the pipe into varying lengths, depending on your tool sizes. Then, hack slots into each pipe large enough to fit the handles of your tools. The altered pipe sections can then be securely screwed under a cabinet, workbench, or shelf in your workspace. Ideal for garages, workshops, and any tool-cluttered workspace, this setup is an excellent example of how a simple gardening tool repurposing idea can free up valuable space while ensuring easy access to your most-used tools.
Rusty spades into a windmill
Maker 238 Deloach/YouTube
Transforming rusty, old spade heads into a fascinating windmill starts with the welding of five metal bars into a star shape. Where these bars converge, a sturdy metallic stand is welded, serving as the infrastructure for your windmill’s rotation. The rebirth of these spade heads begins; scrub them using a metallic-bristled brush, removing layers of rust and years of weathering. Then, weld the heads to the star’s arms, shaping this wind-powered masterpiece’s blades. The assembly moves forward with the crafting of a firm metallic structure to support the rotating spectacle, after which you bring the final masterpiece to life with a touch of your preferred paint.
PPR pipe garden trellis
HGTV/YouTube
Beaten PPR pipes fabricated into a garden trellis enhance your green space’s functionality and visual appeal. Establish the structure by driving three metallic stakes into each plant box destined for climbers. Then, pick a long piece of PPR pipe and bend it into a graceful arch between two stakes. Repeat the process for the remaining stakes and weave in sturdy strings in between for a consistent support system. As climbers like cucumbers and peas grow, train their tendrils to wind around the PVC arcs and strings. Placed as a standalone feature within the garden, this trellis becomes a focal point that marries form and function brilliantly.
Camping shovel from an ordinary shovel
DIY projects/YouTube
Venture into the realm of the extraordinary, where an ordinary shovel morphs into an indispensable camping shovel. This transformation takes root by meticulously adding serrated teeth along one edge using a triangular file or grinder. Alternatively, cut away a strip from the spade head’s edge and weld a toothed metal piece from an old handsaw in place, ensuring you grind down the welds for a smooth finish. With a metal file or grinder, hone the shovel’s unserrated sides to create sharp, effective edges. Shield your handiwork with a coating of rust inhibitor to extend its lifespan and, if needed, replace the shovel’s handle.
PVC pipes into vegetable planters
5T1 Garden/YouTube
Seeking a visually engaging way to grow your food in limited spaces? Consider upcycling PVC pipes into a raised vegetable garden. Start by selecting pipes with a wide enough diameter, cut the pipes into 3 to 4-foot segments, and then slice these segments longitudinally to create half-pipe troughs. Drill drainage holes in the bottom to prevent waterlogging, and cap the ends with plastic to contain the soil. Mount these half-pipe planters on a frame constructed from repurposed wood, arranging them in a staggered, ascending order for a pleasing tiered effect. Fill each planter with nutrient-rich soil and plant vegetable seeds and seedlings (think lettuce or strawberries).
DIY leaf-encased pot candle holder
Garden Answer/YouTube
This inventive hack for repurposing old garden tools sees a terracotta pot morph into a candle holder. Clean the pot’s exterior and adhere oval tree leaves around it using adhesive, overlaying them slightly for full coverage. Next, wrap the pot with yarn to secure the leaves further and add a handcrafted touch. Inside this decorative pot, place a smaller, clean pot that acts as the candle holder. Lay a bed of pebbles at the bottom and nestle a candle in the center, after which you add more pebbles for stability. In the space between the two pots, pack soil and embed succulents for a mini garden.
Sand shovel door hanger decor
Keeping it Simple Crafts/YouTube
Imagine transforming an old sand shovel into a captivating greeter by your front door, starting with a thorough cleaning and optionally painting it for an inviting look. Moving on, thread a piece of twine through its base and glue a cylindrical piece of styrofoam within. Nestle a variety of floral picks into this foam to create a vibrant bouquet. Then, wrap twine around the handle for a rustic appearance. Secure the adorned flower pot onto the shovel handle with gorilla glue and tie the ends of the twine used earlier around the shovel handle. Finally, embellish your creation with ribbons, confetti, and paper butterflies.
Old shovel head into weed cutter
DIY REAL/YouTube
You can repurpose an old shovel head into a weed cutter through several alterations. Begin by carefully trimming the edges of the shovel head, fashioning it into a dual-pronged tool. Afterward, remove the serrated blade (something resembling a hacksaw blade) from a handsaw using a grinder. Assembling your new tool comes next by attaching the saw blade to the pronged head; bend the prongs’s ends at a right angle and securely bolt the teethed metal strip onto them. Polishing the shovel head breathes new life into it and finalizes its new identity. Crown your DIY weed cutter with a wooden handle that promises durability and a comfortable grip.
Hand saw pine art
Gander Flight/YouTube
How about transforming an old hand saw from a pruning tool to a splendid work of art emulating a pine tree? Begin by liberating the handle, then sketch the silhouette of a majestic pine tree along the blade’s length, its branches stretching out. Employ a grinder or plasma cutter to carve out the pine tree form as per your sketch. Immersing the newly shaped blade in an acidic solution erodes years of rust, revealing the metal’s forgotten luster. Lastly, reunite the handle with the now artistic blade. Mounted on a wall, this reimagined hand saw will capture gazes.
Garden hose wreath
Reliant Ribbon Corp./YouTube
Transforming a beaten garden hose into a captivating wreath weaves together the essence of rustic charm and upcycling magic. Clean and fashion the hose into loops, ideally secured with zip ties or adhesive. Now, adorn your hose circle with flowers or ribbon bows. For an authentic gardener’s touch, nestle in well-worn garden tools like small spades, trowels, and maybe a fork — a sentimental nod to the toil and joy of gardening. Be wild and thoughtful with the placement. The creation is not just a wreath but a testament to creativity, ready to grace your door or garden fence.
Garden hose basket
tedddy craft gallery/YouTube
Next on our hacks for repurposing old garden tools, reimagine an old garden hose as a useful basket. Start the transformation with a good scrub to the hose. Coil a segment to form the base, securing the start with waterproof adhesive or cable tie. Continue wrapping the hose around, building up the base to your desired size, and then layering vertically to form the sides. Use small cable ties or adhesive at each layer to maintain the shape. As for the handle? Secure the top circle with a cable tie, then extend the pipe piece to the opposite side, forming an arch, and secure the tip.
Rake tool hanger
SKIL Power Tools/YouTube
Struggling with tool clutter in your garage? How about upcycling an old rake into a practical tool hanger? The endeavor begins with separating the rake’s head from its handle head — take it as unhitching their long-shared bond. After which, scrub away layers of accumulated dirt and rust, unveiling the raw beauty beneath. Scour your garage for that sweet spot where your repurposed tool hanger will live. Against the chosen backdrop, fasten the rake head. Position it such that the tines point downwards and outwards, posied for service. Now securely attached to the wall, the head’s teeth evolve into individual hooks primed for hosting your tools, including wrenches.
Rustic rake garden sign
Sandy’s Country Crafts/YouTube
This hack for upcycling old garden tools uses a rake to add a touch of rustic elegance to a homemade sign. Start with a wooden base — apply a white stain to create an ideal backdrop for your message, then etch your chosen words. Next comes the pièce de résistance: the old rake. Attach it firmly to your wooden canvas, positioning it so that its head’s tip splits your message, adding a unique flair. Securely anchor your creation to a wall. Finally, the moment you’ve been waiting for — bringing your masterwork to life. Deck out the rake with lashings of vibrant greenery, delicate twine, and a swirl of fabric ribbon.
Shovel handle and tractor seat blended into a portable tray
Great Home Ideas/YouTube
Picture yourself upcycling a shovel handle and an old tractor seat (a steal from a flea market or garage sale) into a plant tray. Begin by slicing the shovel shaft in half. Next, connect the half shaft — the one with the grip handle — to your tractor seat from below using a washer-cradled screw. The washer ensures the screw stays secure to the wood without piercing through the metal, averting potential wobble that could detract from the tray’s charm. Tractor seat unavailable? An old cast iron feeder tray fits the bill. You can now adorn your DIY tray with flower pots.
Old shovel fashioned into a garden table
Restore & Redesign/YouTube
For the shovel garden table concept, begin by cleaning the shovel head. Then, sand the handle, prepping it for a dab of a wood stain of your choice. Next, a circular wood piece awaits your craft. Drill a hole in the center of the wood, then cut a slot to the edge. This design will allow you to slide the shovel handle into the wooden plate’s center. Painting the tabletop in a color that fits your garden’s aesthetic can add a personal touch. Then, link the handle and the tabletop with a hinge mechanism before planting the shovel head into a deep hole or concrete foundation.
Repurposing an old rake as floral decor
The Kingston Home/YouTube
How about reincarnating an old rake as a burst of floral artistry? Begin the transformation by hot-gluing your selected floral stems along the rake’s handle in a fashion they seem naturally grown. Then, seize a 3-inch strip of ribbon and wrap it around the bloom-adorned handle, letting loose whimsical “tails” at both ends. Now, fashion another ribbon fragment into a graceful bow and secure it onto the rake, tying it with the loose ends of your first ribbon stroke. Snip or style the ribbon tails to your taste, then hang your work of art in a spot where it commands attention with its springtime splendor.
Garden waterfall from old shovel heads
Vanessa D./YouTube
This hack for repurposing old garden tools lets your garden be the canvas for a captivating creation: a cascading shovel waterfall. To bring this vision to life, firmly plant two parallel wooden stands, then screw several downward-angled spade heads between them in a staggered layout. Now, connect a hose to a water pump and direct the hose to the topmost spade. Turn on the pump and watch the water cascade over the spade heads in a waterfall sequence. At the base, a hypertufa trough will suffice to collect the water, which can be recirculated into the assembly or drained away.
Old garden cart reborn as a planter
The Turned Leg/YouTube
Lastly, give an old garden cart a thrilling new lease on life as a blooming planter. Start by prepping the cart, brushing away years of neglect to reveal its underlying charm and robustness. With a creative spark, drill a series of drainage holes in the base and line the bed. Then, fill the bed with a rich blend of potting soil meticulously chosen for the array of plants you envision springing to life within your movable Eden. With a living cargo of flowers or herbs, this reimagined garden cart planter becomes a mobile testament to creativity with each wheel turn.
