This post shows you places to find cheap or free pots for container gardening!
So you want to start a container garden but shopping for garden pots is more expensive than you thought. So now you’re looking for ways to save money.
And I don’t blame you!
Inflation is out of control but don’t let that discourage you from starting your garden. Because I’m outing all the secrets on how to find pots and containers for cheap or even free!
Spring will be here before you know it so be sure to save this post so you’re not scrambling to find the best deals at the last minute!
Tips on Finding Cheap Pots and Containers Near You
Take advantage of your location. If you live in the city, it’s going to be expensive! Rely on apartment communities and online trading platforms like Facebook marketplace. Offer things in exchange and create a barter system if possible.
Go for literally anything that is NOT marked as a garden pot. Retail psychology is to upcharge you on any item that you’re looking for, so beat them at their own game! Keep an eye out for buckets, storage totes, milk crates, etc.
If you’re handy, learn to DIY. As someone who has never been good with my hands, it’s pretty easy to recreate planters from many items with a little bit of love, paint, and creativity! Make it a therapeutic project!
Here are the top places to find pots and containers for cheap or FREE
1. Thrift Stores
Best for unique planters
Thrift stores like Goodwill are my favorite places to get unique pots and containers. It’s a good place to find heavier materials like glazed ceramic pottery or terracotta for a heavy discount. Some may price gouge but other times you can find a good deal, especially if it’s out of season!
2. Estate Sales
Best for vintage garden decor
Estate sales are similar to garage sales but better. They’re more formal and another favorite to find pots and containers of different sizes. If you’re going for a rustic look with fountains or need an aesthetic way to add a trellis or statue without sacrificing price, you are sure to find a solution at an estate sale.
3. Plant Nurseries
Best for heavy discounts
Nurseries usually have piles of old containers of various sizes that are left over from all the plants they get in and sometimes they just give them away! If they aren’t free, they are most likely heavily discounted. The last time I went, I got 10-gallon pots for $1 and 5-gallon pots for around $0.70.
4. Home Depot and Lowe’s
Best for plastic pots
Home Depot and Lowe’s have areas in their garden centers where customers can bring back empty pots to be recycled. It’s often a treasure trove of perfectly reusable free containers. Ask an employee and you can most likely get several for free!
5. Facebook Marketplace
Best for budgets
Facebook Marketplace is the G.O.A.T for finding second-hand items on a budget. People post things for free all the time! Or they may sell them for cheap because they’re moving and need to get rid of items ASAP. Be sure to use different keywords to search to find the best-hidden deals!
6. TJ Maxx, Ross, and HomeGoods
Best for variety
If you’re looking for an assortment of colors, sizes, and textures of pots at a discount, you’re sure to come upon a special find in one of these classic stores. Pay attention to sales flyers or end-of-season items on clearance.
7. Your Home
Best for upcycling
You may already have items lying around that you haven’t thought of using as a container. All you need to do is drill some drainage holes at the bottom and you have a new planter. Some of my favorite upcycled containers include storage totes, milk jugs, reusuable shopping bags etc.
8. Dollar General
Best for larger pots
If you’re growing larger root vegetables like carrots, you can find larger pots for a reasonable price from Dollar General. This is highly dependent on location and season but last year, I was able to find several larger options at a decent price.
9. Dollar Tree
Best for smaller pots
As for your herbs and flowers, the smaller 6-inch pots will do and they aren’t any cheaper than Dollar Tree or even Family Dollar! They also have stackable planters, seeds, and pretty much anything you need to get started as a beginner on a budget.
10. Back Alleys
Best for items in bulk
If you call beforehand, you’re kind, and you’re prompt with picking items up, you would be surprised at what kind of containers or buckets you can snag from restaurants, groceries, and bakeries. You should already be kind anyway but you’ll be surprised at what it can get you for free!
11. Ollie’s, Aldi’s, Big Lot’s
Best for new discounted items
For new pots, skip the popular retailers and go to your budget discount stores. These stores are run off cheaper prices and they are continuously running sales and promotions for even more discounts throughout the year. Be sure to check the Spring season early because the good stuff does not last long!
12. Curbside pick-up
Best for eclectic gardens
People are moving and trying to downsize for less so put on your scavenger hat, get in your car, and go on an adventure for second-hand items. You also might find repurposing ideas that you never thought of for a unique and eclectic garden.
13. IKEA
Best for simple design
Perfect for minimalist garden decor! Find an assortment of different sizes, colors, and textures of pots at an everyday discount! Don’t live near an IKEA? You can still take advantage of lower prices by ordering online!
14. Craigslist
Best for local resources
Although its popularity has died down some, Craigslist is still a great local resource for finding things for free but discernment is key here. Be sure to bring a friend if picking up items for free or watch out for scams!
15. Recycling centers
Best for sustainable gardens
Visit your local recycling center or landfill to discover containers that are no longer in use. You might find plastic pots, buckets, or other materials that can be adapted for gardening. Not only does this option save you money, but it also contributes to sustainable practices by reusing materials.
16. Community groups
Best for urban living areas
Many gardening enthusiasts are willing to share or swap pots and containers they no longer need. Attend local gardening events, join online forums, or participate in community garden projects to connect with fellow green thumbs.
17. Construction Sites
Best for Do-It-Yourself
Construction sites sometimes discard materials like wooden pallets, concrete blocks, or discarded tires that can be repurposed into planters. If you’re handy at building, you can DIY these materials into unique and cost-effective containers for your plants. Always ask for permission before taking any materials from a construction site and ensure they’re safe to use!
18. Flea Markets
Best for negotiation
Flea markets are bustling with vendors selling a variety of items, including planters and pots, at competitive prices. Bargaining is common at flea markets, so don’t hesitate to negotiate for a better deal and walk away with budget-friendly planters.
19. Garage Sales
Best for neighborhood deals
Garage sales offer an opportunity to snag planters at incredibly low prices or sometimes even for free. Many people sell off items they no longer need, including pots and containers. Negotiating prices is common at garage sales, so you could potentially get an even better deal.
20. Plant Swaps
Best for lucky finds
Keep an eye out for local plant swaps or sales events organized by gardening clubs or community groups. These events often feature not only plants but also cheap pots and containers. Be respectful and clear on what is up for swap vs. free etc. before traveling to a designated location.
21. Local Buy Nothing Groups
Best for absolutely free
These community-based groups where members offer items they no longer need for free. Joining a local Buy Nothing group can lead to scoring planters and pots without spending a dime. Results will be highly dependent on location but it’s a sustainable way to reduce waste and connect with neighbors.
This post has shown you how to find cheap pots and containers!
Whether you are starting a container garden or looking for ways to become more sustainable, you can do it for cheap or free with a little creativity. No matter where you live, there are local resources to take advantage of in a business near you!
