Vintage Chicken Feeder Succulent Garden

A cute way to repurpose a vintage chicken feeder is to upcycle it as a little succulent plants! Most succulents don’t need deep soil to survive, so metal chicken feeders are a great way to combine vintage charm and natural greenery in your home decor.

I found this antique chicken feeder at a flea market and as soon as I saw it, I knew I wanted to use it somewhere in my home. The metal was in great condition without any rusting or pocket marks and the lettering was still in great condition. I have several backyard chickens, so anything that combines vintage and chicken always catches my eye. I l also loved the vintage promotional lettering embossed on the side.

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vintage chicken feeder used as a planter

My chicken feeder had some gaps where the metal came together, so water would run through those cracks when the plants are watered. If you’re keeping your succulent plant inside, it’s important to spray the inside with Rustoleum LeakSeal. This seals the gaps so water doesn’t run through and ruin the surface it’s sitting on. If it’s going to be used outdoors or on a surface that can have water on it, then you can skip this step.

spray flex seal inside metal to make into a planter

In order to plant the succulents in conditions where they can survive and thrive, you’ll want to make sure to follow a couple of tricks that help succulents grow. Here are my tips for how to plant succulents.

how to plant succulents in vintage containers

In short, you should put a layer of pea gravel on the bottom of the planter, then add cactus potting soil. Plant the succulents in this and then add a layer a pea gravel on top.

plant succulents in antique chicken feeder

Succulents do not like to have their roots sit in water, so it’s important to only water them when the soil is dry. Also, because this planter doesn’t have drainage holes, you want to water with only a small amount of water at a time.

succulent planter ideas to reuse metal vintage chicken feeder

It’s ideal to plant succulents in a container with drainage holes, but I have planted many succulent plants in containers without drainage and they have lived for years! Succulents are are hardy little plants – just be sure not to overwater them!

succulents planted in a metal vintage chicken feeder for home decor
Jenny at Refresh Living (dev.refreshliving.com)

Post by Jenny Leads

Jenny is the voice behind Refresh Living. She has a passion for helping people to create a home they love without spending a lot of money.

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18 Comments

  1. Another great repurposing project! I love this succulent planter! Thanks for sharing at my Creative Ways Link Party!
    Blessings,
    Nici

    1. Thanks! It definitely gives it a rustic look, but since it was in such good condition, I had no problem plopping it right in the middle of the kitchen table!

  2. Love it! I adore succulents and I love the rustic look of the planter. Found you on Creative Ways link party 🙂

    1. Me too, it’s those little things, like plants that don’t die even if you don’t water them, that make life a little easier.

    1. Thanks, Lauren! I’m not so good at it either, but succulents are a little easier than some other plants. That being said, I’ve still killed quite a few…