Skip to Content

Grilling the Plants for Earth Day

Sharing is caring!

Do you all know that Εarth Day is this month?  Yes, that one day in the year where we try to do something good for the earth. I am so excited to be sharing this special project with you today.  Let’s Grill the plants!

Μήπως γνωρίζετε ότι η Ημέρα της Γης πλησιαζει;   Ναι,  μια μέρα του χρόνου, όπου προσπαθούμε να κάνουμε κάτι καλό για τη γη. Είμαι τόσο ενθουσιασμένη που μοιράζομαι αυτό το έργο μαζί σας σήμερα.  Ας ψήσουμε τα φυτά!

Using a grill as a planter , Grilling the plants for Earth Day www.theboondocksblog.com
But  let’s start from the beginning shall we?  What is Earth Day?  Well, according to wikipedia…​


​Earth Day is an annual event, celebrated on April 22, on which day events worldwide are held to demonstrate support for environmental protection. It was first celebrated in 1970, and is now coordinated globally by the Earth Day Network,
 and celebrated in more than 193 countries each year.

​I am not going to plant any trees, that is hubby’s specialty.  Instead I’m going to salvage something from my basement and give it a new life.  I’ve gone to the basement many times before and repurposed things. I found this box containing pieces of a barbecue grill.  
Αλλά ας ξεκινήσουμε από την αρχή; Τι είναι η Ημέρα της Γης; Λοιπόν, σύμφωνα με την Wikipedia …Η Ημέρα της Γης είναι ένα ετήσιο γεγονός, που γιορτάζεται στις 22 Απριλίου, κατά την οποία γεγονότα σε όλο τον κόσμο την ημέρα που πραγματοποιούνται για να υποστηρίξουν την προστασία του περιβάλλοντος.  Δεν πρόκειται να φυτέψω  δέντρα, που είναι η ειδικότητά του συζύγου. Αντ ‘αυτού θα διασώσω κάτι από το υπόγειό μου και θα του δώσω μια νέα ζωή. Βεβαίως αυτό το έχω ξανακάνει.  Βρήκα αυτό το κουτί που περιείχε  κομμάτια μιας ψησταριάς.
Before, Using a grill as a planter , Grilling the plants for Earth Day www.theboondocksblog.com
I immediately set to work and painted it with chalk paint, because that is what you do when you see something ugly. In my haste to get started I didn’t get a  before picture but you see from the box what it looked like. 

Αμέσως άρχισα να το βάφω με μπογιά κιμωλίας, επειδή αυτό κάνετε όταν βλέπετε κάτι άσχημο.

Painting the grill with Chalk Paint, Grilling the plants for Earth Day www.theboondocksblog.com
After 2 more coats it looked like this, I added silver grey to the ridges.

Δυο στρώσεις μετά έμοιαζε έτσι, έχω προσθέσει ασημί γκρι στη μέση.

Painting the grill with chalk paint , Grilling the plants for Earth Day www.theboondocksblog.com
I added grey dabs of color and then with a dry cloth, wiped them off. 

Πρόσθεσα γκρι σταγόνες χρώματος και στη συνέχεια με ένα στεγνό πανί τις σκούπισα.

adding highlights, Grilling the plants for Earth Day www.theboondocksblog.com
 A little wax and I was done. 

Λίγο κερί και τελείωσα.

Adding wax, Grilling the plants for Earth Day www.theboondocksblog.com
I had painted part of the inside in a sloppy haphazard sort of way. I also added rocks for drainage.

Είχα βάψει ένα μέρος από μέσα. Πρόσθεσα επίσης πέτρες για αποστράγγιση.

rocks for drainage in a planter made from a grill, Grilling the plants for Earth Day www.theboondocksblog.com
These are not trees but they are the best I can do.  After all I’m famous for my brown thumb.

Αυτά δεν είναι δέντρα, αλλά είναι το καλύτερο που μπορώ να κάνω. Είπαμε εγώ δεν τα πάω καλά με τα φυτά!

plants to be planted in grill , Grilling the plants for Earth Day www.theboondocksblog.com
It looks like a spaceship with those legs! Certainly no one else will have such an unusual planter on their balcony.

Μοιάζει με ένα διαστημόπλοιο με αυτά τα πόδια! Σίγουρα κανείς άλλος δεν θα έχει μια τέτοια ασυνήθιστη γλάστρα στο μπαλκόνι τους.

Using a grill as a planter , Grilling the plants for Earth Day www.theboondocksblog.com
Disclosure: The items below are affiliate links and link to Amazon.com. If you purchase any of these products through the links, I receive a small commission, that way I can continue to provide you with lovely content.  There is no extra charge to you for purchasing through my affiliate links.
Using a grill as a planter , Grilling the plants for Earth Day www.theboondocksblog.com
Using a grill as a planter , Grilling the plants for Earth Day www.theboondocksblog.com
Using a grill as a planter , Grilling the plants for Earth Day www.theboondocksblog.com
Using a grill as a planter , Grilling the plants for Earth Day www.theboondocksblog.com
Using a grill as a planter , Grilling the plants for Earth Day www.theboondocksblog.com
Using a grill as a planter , Grilling the plants for Earth Day www.theboondocksblog.com
Is this a good repurpose or what?  I was able to save an old grill which would have otherwise ended up in the landfill and I actually made a feeble attempt at planting my own herbs and  plants. Not so bad for a brown thumb.  Of course we should try to honor the earth every day, not just on April 22.  I hope with my projects here I can inspire you to do just that. 

You can also see  three other projects I got out of this grill below.

Είναι αυτή μια καλή επαναπροσδιόριση; Έσωσα μια παλιά σχάρα, η οποία άλλως θα κατέληγε στα σκουπίδια και έκανα μια αδύναμη προσπάθεια να φυτέψω δικά  μου βότανα και φυτά. Όχι και τόσο άσχημα για μια που ειναι τσακωμένη με τα φυτά. Φυσικά θα πρέπει να προσπαθήσουμε να τιμήσουμε τη γη κάθε μέρα, όχι μόνο στις 22 Απριλίου. Ελπίζω με τα έργα μου εδώ να σας εμπνεύσω για να κάνετε ακριβώς αυτό.

Using a grill as a planter , #repurposes #containergarden #upcycles #newusesforgrill #grillmakeover Grilling the plants for Earth Day www.theboondocksblog.com
If you like what you see, share it with your friends, or save it on Pinterest. If you really like what you see subscribe to my blog and get my adventures twice a week in your mailbox.

Αν σας αρέσει αυτό που βλέπετε, να το μοιραστείτε με τους φίλους σας, ή να το αποθηκεύσετε στο Pinterest. Επισεις μπορείτε  να εγγραφείτε στο blog μου και να λαμβάνετε τις περιπέτειες  μου δύο φορές την εβδομάδα στο e-mail σας.
Picture
The Repurposed Barbecue Grill Series:
<< Shopping in Greece           HOME                    Sweet Inspiration Link Party #3 >>

This blog is for entertainment purposes only; my DIY tutorials are not professional advice. Read my full disclaimer here.

I love it when I get your comments and I will reply to each and every one of them. ​
Μ ‘αρέσει όταν παίρνω τα σχόλιά σας και θα απαντήσω σε καθένα από αυτά.

  1. Mistie says:

    This is great! I love random things as planters… old boots to bbq grills. Very creative and roomy for all those plants. Looks like your brown thumb has got a little green touch to it. 😉

    • Mary says:

      I don’t know about that Mistie, it’s still not to late for me to kill them off. But I keep on trying nevertheless.

  2. Vanessa D says:

    I’m never passing by one of these little barbecues again – it’s like a perfect little MCM style planter!

  3. This is an amazing idea. We just got rid of an old grill..Wish I had seen your post earlier!

    • Mary says:

      If you look hard enough you can always come up with a repurpose. Maybe you’ll find one at a yard sale! Thanks for dropping by!

  4. Such a lovely project — and you’re making me even more eager to get outside and do some planting. Still too cold here! Soon, I hope!

  5. Pat says:

    This is a great way of upcycling! I currently only use our old BBQ as a stand for a bird house, I think I might steel your idea 🙂

  6. Nice planter. I like using the unusual for garden/planting decor also.. this is a good idea. 🙂

  7. Julie says:

    What a fun upcycle Mary, much better than leaving it unused or worse in landfill. I’m sure your plants will do great just don’t forget to water then…but not too much!!

    • Mary says:

      Julie I am too busy on the blog or painting furniture to worry about the plants. They have to be tough to survive on my balcony!

  8. Brilliant Mary, absolutely brilliant!!! I would not have known it was a grill…amazing makeover!! So beautiful as a planter!!!

    • Mary says:

      Michelle, I tried to use every single part of that old grill. I think there was only one little piece left. Breathing new life into junk!!

  9. I think it’s absolutely adorable and a fabulous upcycle! Thank you so much for sharing with us at #SustainableSundays and I look forward to seeing what you share with us this week.

  10. What a great use for an old grill! I love it. Thanks for inviting me to the Simple Inspirations link party, Mary!

  11. I love weird and wonderful planters and this one definitely ranks as one of the best. Super idea Mary and I bet Mother Nature approves

  12. Wow, this is amazing!!! I love it. Such a brilliant re-use!

    • Mary says:

      Sarah-Eliza I couldn’t bear to throw it away and it looked so sad just wasting away in the basement. Thank Goodness one of my freinds decided to get us all to do Earth Day projects.

  13. Such a great repurpose! I would never have thought of this. As always, love having you at Welcome Home Wednesdays!

    • Mary says:

      Why thank you Crystal. Let’s see how long those plants hold up for! 😉

  14. Oh, I gave my parents one of these old charcoal grills. Maybe I should see if they really are using it or if I could repurpose it like this. Really cute project.

    • Mary says:

      Rebecca I hope you can find it. It is such a versatile idea. Some one suggested hanging up earings on it.

  15. Mary, this is a GENIUS use of an old grill! So clever!
    I’ve featured you in this weekend’s upcoming DIY Salvaged Junk 376. Thanks for linking up! 🙂

  16. Shirley Wood says:

    Love this. It is always fun to repurpose and upcycle especially when it comes out this great. This post will be Featured at the next Merry Monday party. We love your creativity.

  17. Hello Mary, this is adorable! I always wonder how you come up with sooo many good repurpose ideas! This is great as eventually all grills get worn out ~ really fun idea as a small planter.
    Happy gardening this spring,
    Hugs,
    Barb 🙂

    • Mary says:

      Thanks Barbara. This one came about because I was determined to find a use for this old grill… no matter what!!

  18. Nikki Gwin says:

    I was so intrigued by the title of your post that I just HAD to come see what in the world you might be up to. I was suitably impressed when I got here! That is a great idea and it will look fabulous when the plants fill it up.
    🙂 gwingal

    • Mary says:

      I was determined to use every part of that grill Nikki. It’s amazing how the outdoors lends itself to these projects.

  19. What a great idea! I have a wheel-less wheelbarrow that could use the same kind of makeover you’ve shown here. Great tutorial!

    • Mary says:

      Yes Audra that would work perfectly and it would make a great addition to any garden.

  20. Teodora says:

    Such a great idea! I have already re-purposed a bath tub and a drum barrel and I may have an unused barbecue grill somewhere waiting its turn :).

  21. I never even thought of this, what a great idea! Yes, chalk paint makes everything better:) Thanks for sharing at Vintage Charm. xo Kathleen|Our Hopeful Home

  22. Rhonda says:

    I love the upcycle of the grill. It’s perfect for displaying summer plants/flowers. Thanks for sharing on Sunday’s Best.

  23. What a great makeover! I had no idea earth day was celebrated in so many countries. That is awesome
    Thanks for sharing at #HomeMattersParty

  24. What a great way of thinking outside of the box. Very creative!

    • Mary says:

      Thank you Melissa I was determined to use that grill to the last part.. well, almost! 🙂

  25. Leanna says:

    Hi Mary. Hope your having a good week. Cute makeover for the little barbeque. We have a large fire burner that I want to do something similar with but were are still much too cold to be outside. Spring is so late, but your pretty project makes me hopeful I can get to mine eventually. Love it.

    • Mary says:

      I hope that spring will show up soon in your area Leanna. We are being threatened with summer already. I actually managed to use almost all the parts of that grill.

  26. AmberJane says:

    I would have never thought of using an old grill but it is a great idea Mary

    • Mary says:

      Thank you Amber. It is holding up very well, looking like it belongs in a Jetson’s cartoon.

  27. Jewell Martin says:

    I love your grill planter. You have the lid. Maybe you could make a birdbath out of it for your patio. Glue the vent and any other holes with waterproof glue. Paint it to match or coordinate with the planter. Find a tiny table, a tomato cage, or something else from your basement to hold the birdbath. Add a reflecting ball glued to the center. (I have found iridescent and mirrored-look plastic balls in the toy dept.) Add only about three inches of water. If the birds don’t come, dump the water and add a pound of shiny marbles or stones. Best wishes!

    • Mary says:

      Jewell that is such a sweet idea. If I had a yard I would definitely try your idea but as it is I only have a balcony. Maybe I could try it at the farm, the birds certainly would flock there. Thanks for visiting!

  28. Sylvia D. says:

    Mary, I hope the herbs grow wonderfully! Have a great week. Sylvia D.

    • Mary says:

      Thank you so much Sylvia. I certainly hope so too, if I can overcome that brown thumb of mine.

  29. Katrin says:

    Well, you do something nice for the Earth all the time, by recycling “trash” into something beautiful! And these “grilled” plants look lovely! It’s a great repurpose Mary and to me it looks like a modern, contemporary planter! So cool! I wish I’d find an old BBQ somewhere!

    • Mary says:

      Aww thanks Katrin. It all started from necessity but now I look on it as a challenge. It is so much fun to do. Good luck with finding an old grill.

  30. Carol says:

    I love waiting to see your next ideas, Mary! This one was totally unexpected, love it!

    • Mary says:

      Thanks Carol, I have to try and confuse you all. I don’t want to be too predictable.

  31. Stella Lee says:

    This would be perfect for a succulent garden. I just love the shape!

  32. Jacki says:

    Succulents are one of the most useful plants – they don’t mind having their feet cramped by planting with little soil, or no watering. They still look fabulous, even with neglect as a care system. Definitely plant succulents!

    • Mary says:

      Jacki thank you so much for that info. Youmust have figured out that I have a brown thumb. I’m going to visit you and get some info.

  33. Michele says:

    It always feels good to recycle something and save the planet while making something useful. I am planning to start an herb garden, just haven’t figured out where to put it yet!

    • Mary says:

      It certainly does Michele. I am so happy when Iook around the hoouse and see it full of repurposed old things that were nelected.

  34. Laura says:

    Mary- that is a wonderful project and makeover .
    It is the perfect choice for an Earth Day linky party.
    Thank you for being at Thoughts of Home on Thursday.
    We are so glad you are here.
    Laura
    White Spray Paint

  35. Pili says:

    Mary, you are honoring Earth day! Two important things here, you repurposed that grill into a unique planter, and you gave your plants a new place to grow. Wonderful idea! You know what? I used to have a BBQ like yours, I have to check if we still have it or the hubby got rid of it because it was falling apart… I will check out tomorrow, fingers crossed!

    • Mary says:

      I hope you can find one too Pili. It is incredibly sturdy because I put the rocks on the bottom and it has weight. Otherwise I risked having it fall over by the wind on the balcony.

  36. Krista says:

    I didn’t realize that Earth Day was a global thing. That is so awesome. You do such wonderful things with chalk paint. I have to find something to use it on this summer. The grill/planter came out beautiful. Not alien, more retro looking like from the 60’s.

    • Mary says:

      Yes Krista it is global. But I try to be earth friendly all the time. And you know this because you see all my crazy projects.

  37. I love the spaceship planter. It looks so MCM. It is a great Earth Day project. Happy Earth Day.

    • Mary says:

      You are so right Debra. MCM it is. It reminded me of that spaceship from the show “Lost in Space”. Am I dating myself here?

  38. Celeste says:

    This is a super cute use for an old grill. It turned out fantastic, and it even has holes on the bottom like it’s meant to be! I don’t think my husband would be so thrilled if I did this to his grill, though, haha. 😉

    • Mary says:

      It was meant to be a planter all along, the manufacturer just got mixed up! “wink”

  39. Keri says:

    Mary, what a fantastic repurposing idea!!!! I love that you were able to take an old grill and reuse it!! Your basement is filled with treasures. The planter you made is very cool. Great save!!

    • Mary says:

      That grill came up from the basement a few months ago and has been sitting in my hallway so it was about time to do this one. I still have other pieces to it… to be continued…

  40. Love the grill planter, Mary! What a unique idea and way to enjoy a variety of lovely plants! So many of my favorites including a purple one!

    • Mary says:

      Thanks Gail, it was about time I got some use out of it. I knew you’d like the purple one.

  41. Millie says:

    so cute! love the way the grilling worked out 🙂 When I saw the title I was like huh? lol Totally awesome and love your ‘spaceship’!

  42. Well dang, just last week while moving my daughter we took their old charcoal girl (almost identical to yours) to the recycle station. I would have definitely done this for their new patio! Very clever idea Mary, love it!

    • Mary says:

      That’s too bad Marie. You should always try to look at something twice before getting rid of it. I would have gotten rid of it too about a year ago but now I have a new brain!

  43. I was laughing so much with your tittle but it came out a perfect post! I have a black thumb so I loved all the links! For those “plant killers” like myself I linked my lentils!

    • Mary says:

      Haha! Katerina it is a never ending battle with those plants. Let’s hope they stay alive for a while at least. Thanks for joining us.

  44. Wow how cool is that Mary! You come up with lots of amazing things from your basement. Your planter is lovely. I seen one recently made from a large glass globe and the base of a lamp that I’ve been wanting to try. I have the globe I just need a sturdy lamp base. Can I come look in your basement LOL. Thanks for sharing your lovely planter and I hope your herbs do well. 😊

    • Mary says:

      Why thank you LInda. I would love for you to visit my basement anytime at all. I really like your idea a glass globe… hummm.. now you’ve got me thinking. Let’s keep those fingers crossed for the herbs. 🙂

  45. Kim says:

    What a great idea, Mary! I love it! Truly creative and a very neat recycle!

  46. Marilyn says:

    I love planting in planters! Great repurpose. Thank you so much for linking at #OverTheMoon! I look forward to seeing what you share every week. Please come back for #ThursdayFavoriteThings or the #RecipeShareParty and get YUMMED. Don’t forget to comment your link #’s so I can be sure to visit and get a chance to be featured!
    Pinned and shared.

    • Mary says:

      Marilyn this was a natural progression once Earth Day was established I knew I would use this grill for that purpose.

  47. Emily says:

    Very clever idea! And I love the spaceship-esque results! So fun! Thanks for linking up with Merry Monday this week.

  48. This is just adorable, Mary! Pinning to our Features & Favorites! Thank you for sharing @Vintage Charm!

  49. That is TOO cool, Mary!

  50. Love what you did with the grill! I belong to the brown thumb club too! happy Earth Day!

  51. What an awesome way to re-purpose and old grill! I love your thoughts behind it for Earth Day. Even though it’s not a tree it’s just as good because it’s reusing what you have and starting up a new plant!

    • Mary says:

      Exactly Brooke. That’s what my blog is all about repurposing old things and of course lots of photos. Thanks for the compliment.

  52. What a fantastic upcycle Mary! Thank you for joining Thoughts of Home on Thursday. This post truly delighted me.

    • Mary says:

      Laura I love it too. A good save of that old grill, But I still have other parts that I can repurpose.. stay tuned.

  53. Debbie says:

    Hi Mary, what a clever idea for an old barbecue! You make everything look so easy. I hope your plants last, I love fresh herbs, but am a hopeless gardener myself… However my oregano and Rosemary have lasted the winter.
    xx

    • Mary says:

      Cross your fingers Debbie, let’s hope they survive. Right now we are having some major winds around here strong enough to throw bricks off a table.

  54. Laurie says:

    Mary, You never cease to amaze me! What you find in your basement and what you create with it is so fun! Love this idea! Pinned and shared 🙂 Thank you so much for sharing with us at Snickerdoodle Sunday!

    • Mary says:

      Thank goodness for that basement Laurie, because I don’t have any flea markets or yard sales so that will have to suffice.

  55. That’s awesome Mary. The 1/2 grill reminds me of an old globe or something. Pretty smart idea. 🙂
    Thanks for joining Thoughts of Home. We love having you.

    • Mary says:

      Y ou’re absolutely right Stacey. I was actually thinking of turning it into a light fixture, but then this Earth Day project came along as so we have this instead.

Comments are closed.