The following ideas for the old bathtub will prove to you once again that you can always conjure up something creatively new from old things and in this case they are raised beds, garden ponds and even garden furniture.
What can you do with an old bathtub?
Depending on the condition, there are differentProjects with an old bathtubpossible, which we would like to introduce to you.
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A raised bed for flowers and vegetables
How about decorating the bathtub with flowers?Decorate the garden? In principle, you get nothing more than a raised bed, just with a particularly interesting look. The easiest thing would be to fill the tub with soil and then plant (don't forget a generous drainage layer), but the amount of soil that would be necessary would be quite expensive. That's why an influencer came up with something different:
- First add a layer of leaves to the tub.
- Distribute old cardboard boxes over it. This can also be boxes of delivered food such as pizza or burgers, for example. The only important thing is that they are made of paper (cardboard) and do not contain any plastic (e.g. foil and foil coating).
- Spread cardboard or wrapping paper over it and pierce everything with a pitchfork to create drainage and avoid waterlogging.
- Next comes a layer of compost.
- Then spread wood chips over the compost.
- Top with a layer of soil (30 to 50 cm). More is usually not necessary, as most potted plants do not develop deeper roots. For this reason, it makes no sense to invest in more potting soil.
- Plant any plants you like. Both ornamental and vegetable plants are suitable and could also be used for normal pots.
- You can protect the planted flowers from heat and dryness with a layer of mulch.
Use an old bathtub in the garden as a pond
Yes, that is actually possible. And not only aquatic plants can be used, but even fish can swim in your pond. A small fountain also supplies them with additional oxygen so that they feel really good. The aquatic plants also fulfill this task in addition to their use as algae fighters.
Danger:Before you get to work, you should check whether the bathtub is still sufficiently intact and waterproof!
The location is important. In the blazing sun, this small model would heat up too quickly, especially if the tub is above ground and not sunk into the ground. However, the aquatic plants still need enough light, so you are making the right decision with partial shade as a location. Those tooDepth plays an important role.
A small swamp landscape would also be a great idea as an alternative to the classic pond. Then you can even use carnivorous plants and the arrangement just looks super exotic and interesting.
Which plants are suitable?
- For the shallower areas (up to 10 cm): loosestrife, frog spoon, marsh marigold, marsh forget-me-not
- For the deeper areas: small cattails, the swamp iris
Interesting:Did you know that there are also edible pond plants? Yes, really! So if you value a decorative kitchen garden, you can include your mini pond. Then plant the watercress or water mint in the tub.
If you choose to bury the tub, consider adding exit options for animals. Hedgehogs, mice and even cats could fall into the water and drown if they can't get out.
How to properly fertilize your aquatic plantsfind out here.
For storing potted plants
Instead of randomly distributing the overwintered potted plants on the terrace and in the garden, you could simply display them (or some of them) in a bathtub. For this purpose, choose taller plant species that ideally also have striking flowers: hydrangeas, calla lilies, hibiscus, oleanders and the like are, for example, a good idea.
The whole thing not only has a decorative effect, but also proves to be quite useful during the summer heat. The tub walls shield the sun to a certain extent and the foliage of the individual plants, which are now closer together, also cast shadows. This means that the potting soil in the pot does not dry out as quickly.
The bathtub can also serve as an oversized planter where you can add some water to help the plants grow themselves the amount they need. This saves casting time. Or vice versa: Leave the drain open and excess water can drain out at any time (this is especially recommended if the tub is not under a roof and could fill up due to rain.
You can see another example of this decoration idea in the cover photo.
Original garden furniture
An easy way to convert a bathtub into a piece of furniture would be to simply place a wider board on the edges. You already get a storage space and this waya cool coffee table. This table will look particularly effective if you first plant it with suitable plants (depending on where the coffee table will be located).
Are you somewhat handy or do you know someone who can help you cut the tub apart (not possible with every type of tub!)? Then you can make two chairs and a small table with a glass top. The surfaces can be easily painted and refreshed and you know that the shape of a bathtub is quite comfortable (otherwise some people wouldn't spend hours bathing).
Bathing in the garden
Use the old bathtub outside for what it is also used for inside: for bathing! Thepractical garden showersare no longer a novelty and can be found in more and more home gardens. So why not set up a tub for bathing too? However, you need a water connection and of course a privacy screen.
Ideas for a privacy screencan be found here.
But even if you don't have space for a pool, this idea can provide the necessary refreshment. Simply fill the bathtub with cold water. You can't swim in it, but at least it will cool you down.
Cover photo: Olena Kondratenko/Shutterstock
