Using a bathtub as a planter is a unique and creative way to repurpose an old fixture and add a whimsical touch to your garden. When choosing plants for a bathtub planter, consider factors like sunlight exposure, available space, and your preferences. Here are some ideas for plants to grow in a bathtub:
Water garden: Turn your bathtub into a mini water garden by adding aquatic plants like water lilies, lotus, water hyacinth, and pickerel weed. You can also include submerged plants like anacharis and hornwort, and marginal plants like irises or cattails. Make sure to provide the proper water depth and circulation for the chosen plants.
Perennial flowers: Create a perennial flower bed in your bathtub, featuring plants like hostas, daylilies, echinacea, or lavender. These plants will provide color and interest year after year.
Annual flowers: Plant a mix of colorful annual flowers, such as petunias, marigolds, zinnias, or impatiens, to create a vibrant and eye-catching display.
Container vegetable garden: Use the bathtub to grow compact vegetable varieties like cherry tomatoes, lettuce, radishes, or dwarf peppers. Ensure adequate drainage and sunlight for the chosen vegetables.
Herbs: Create a bathtub herb garden by planting a variety of herbs like basil, parsley, thyme, rosemary, and oregano. This can be a convenient and compact way to grow herbs for cooking or garnishing.
Succulents: Plant an assortment of succulents like sedum, echeveria, or sempervivum to create a low-maintenance and drought-tolerant bathtub planter.
Ferns and shade-loving plants: If your bathtub is in a shaded area, consider planting a variety of ferns, like maidenhair fern or Boston fern, along with other shade-loving plants like heuchera, astilbe, or hellebores.
Before planting in a bathtub, make sure to create proper drainage by drilling holes in the bottom or by adding a layer of gravel or pebbles. Fill the bathtub with a high-quality potting mix and ensure that the plants receive adequate water and nutrients. Regular maintenance, such as watering, pruning, or pest control, will help keep your bathtub planter healthy and thriving.
