Before you toss that empty milk jug in the bin, take a second look. With just a little creativity and a pair of scissors, that humble plastic container can turn into something surprisingly handy (and even beautiful) for your garden.
Instead of sending them to the landfill, these jugs can be reused to help you water, plant, protect, or decorate all without spending extra money.
Upcycling milk jugs is a smart way to stretch your resources, reduce waste, and have fun crafting something practical. From whimsical garden art to clever planting hacks, these 15 ideas are as functional as they are fun.
Best of all, each project is beginner-friendly and requires little more than what you already have at home. Ready to turn your trash into garden treasure?
#1 Milk Jug Bird Feeder
Image Credits: Bekah Louis
Invite feathered friends into your garden with a simple DIY bird feeder. Cut a window into each side of a clean jug, fill it with birdseed, and hang it with string from a branch or hook.
The handle makes it easy to suspend, while the wide base provides room for birds to perch. Paint it if you’d like to add a pop of color. This feeder is cheap, cheerful, and gives you front-row seats to nature.
#2 Soil/ Compost Scoop
Image Credits: Ruralsprout
Need a quick scoop for soil or compost? Cut the bottom off a milk jug at an angle, and you’ve got yourself a handy little shovel.
The handle fits perfectly in your hand, and the angled cut makes it easier to scoop and pour. It’s especially helpful when filling pots or seed trays. Plus, you can rinse it clean and reuse it over and over.
#3 Milk jug Winter Sowing
Image Credits: Gardeningknowhow
Turn milk jugs into mini greenhouses for winter sowing. Cut them nearly in half, leaving a hinge at the back. Add potting soil and seeds, tape the jug closed, and place it outside.
The translucent plastic traps warmth while letting in sunlight, creating a cozy micro-climate. It’s a clever way to start your garden early, even when it’s still cold out.
#4 Milk Jug Watering Can
Image Credits: Twitter
Poke a few holes in the milk jug cap and fill it with water. Tilt it over your plants for a gentle rain-like sprinkle that won’t harm delicate seedlings.
It’s lightweight, easy to refill, and perfect for kids who want to help out in the garden. You can even decorate it to make watering time more fun.
#5 Protect Your Young Plants From Frost
Image Credits: Familyhandyman
Protect young plants from unexpected cold snaps by covering them with a milk jug cloche. Cut off the bottom, remove the cap for ventilation, and place it over your seedlings.
The jug traps warmth and shields your plants from wind and frost. It’s a lifesaver in early spring when the weather can be unpredictable.
#6 A Beautiful Lady Face With Unique Hair From Vine Plant
Image Credits: Twitter
Give your garden a touch of personality with this whimsical planter. Draw a face on the front of a jug and plant a trailing vine on top, and soon it looks like your lady has fabulous leafy hair!
It’s a fun weekend craft that doubles as playful garden decor. Use outdoor paint for durability and hang it where it can smile at guests.
#7 Hanging Strawberry Planter
Image Credits: Scott Bell
Create vertical growing space for strawberries by cutting planting holes into the sides of a milk jug. Fill with soil, tuck in your strawberry starts, and hang it where it gets good sunlight.
The upright design keeps berries off the ground and easy to pick. It’s a sweet solution for small-space gardeners.
#8 A Herb Pot
Image Credits: Balconygardenweb
Repurpose milk jugs into small herb pots for your kitchen window or patio. Just slice off the top, add drainage holes, and fill with soil and your favorite herbs.
Basil, mint, and parsley all grow beautifully this way. Label each one for easy identification and rotate them to catch the best sun.
#9 Herb Windowsill Garden
Image Credits: Homishome
Line up several milk jugs with the tops cut off to create a simple windowsill garden. Choose herbs with compact growth, like thyme or chives.
They’ll thrive in the sunlight, and you’ll have fresh flavors at your fingertips every day. Don’t forget to add a tray underneath to catch drips.
#10 Sowing Seed
Image Credits: Goodshomedesign
Cut a slit in the cap of a milk jug and use it as a controlled seed dispenser. It’s great for sowing small seeds like lettuce or carrots without overdoing it.
You just shake gently and watch the seeds fall through evenly. It’s a neat trick that gives you better spacing and less waste.
#11 Vertical Milk Jug Garden
Image Credits: Stylefemale
Slice planting holes into the sides of several jugs and stack them on a frame or hang them in rows on a wall. Add soil and your choice of herbs, flowers, or succulents.
This vertical garden saves space and adds greenery to fences or bare corners. It’s a fantastic way to make use of vertical surfaces in tight spots.
#12 A Milk Jug Shovel
Image Credits: Tinkerlab
This little tool may not look fancy, but it works wonders in soft soil. Cut out a scoop shape from the side of a jug, using the handle for grip.
It’s ideal for transferring potting mix or digging in raised beds. Keep one near your gardening bench for quick tasks.
#13 Lovely Pig Pots To Grow Your Flowers
Image Credits: Artesanatopassoapassoja
Add a dose of charm to your garden with these adorable pig pots. Paint your jugs pink, glue on ears, and draw a snout, then plant flowers or trailing vines on top.
Kids especially love helping with this project, and the final result is irresistibly cute. It’s garden fun with a quirky twist.
#14 Totem Pole
Image Credits: Instructables
Stack milk jugs and decorate each one as a different face, animal, or pattern to create a backyard totem pole. This project sparks creativity and adds bold personality to your outdoor space.
Secure them on a dowel or rod for stability. It’s a great group activity and a true conversation starter.
#15 Colorful Elephants Strolling
Image Credits: Sunhatsandwellieboots
Cut and shape milk jugs into playful elephants, complete with painted ears and googly eyes. These colorful creatures make delightful garden guardians or decor for a kid-friendly yard.
Use waterproof paint and place them in flower beds, near a sandbox, or around your garden path. They’re fun, easy to make, and always bring smiles.
