13+ Creative Water Trough Planter Ideas

If you’re looking for a unique and stylish way to showcase your green thumb, why not transform a humble water trough into a stunning planter? Water trough planters not only look fantastic, but they’re also practical and durable for any garden space.

1. The Seasonal Switch

A seasonal water trough planter transitioning with the time of year.
A seasonal water trough planter transitioning with the time of year.

Change your trough’s content with the seasons, from spring bulbs to fall mums. It’s a simple way to keep your garden fresh and exciting throughout the year.

Give these a look:

  • Spring Bulb Mix Pack: Brighten your garden this spring with a colorful bulb pack. Easy and rewarding to plant!
  • Fall Flower Mums: Revitalize your trough with fall mums. Enjoy vibrant, long-lasting autumn colors in your garden.
  • Planting Soil for Planters: Ensure optimal growth with high-quality planter soil. Perfect for seasonal planting transitions.

2. The Fragrant Retreat

A fragrant garden oasis in a water trough.
A fragrant garden oasis in a water trough.

Create a fragrant oasis by filling your trough with scented plants like jasmine and honeysuckle. It’s a sensory delight that transforms your garden into a sweet-scented retreat.

A few suggestions:

  • Honeysuckle Plant Seeds: Grow your own fragrant retreat with these easy-to-plant honeysuckle seeds. Perfect for any garden.
  • Jasmine Plant Seeds: Transform your space with the sweet scent of jasmine. Ideal for a refreshing garden atmosphere.
  • Galvanized Steel Planter: Enhance your garden’s aesthetics with this durable, rustic steel planter. A perfect fit for any decor.

3. The Rustic Herb Haven

A rustic water trough herb garden on a patio.
A rustic water trough herb garden on a patio.

For a rustic charm, fill your water trough with a variety of aromatic herbs like basil, thyme, and rosemary. I love how the earthy tones of the trough complement the vibrant greens of the herbs, making it a delightful centerpiece for any patio.

May just do the trick:

  • Galvanized Metal Water Trough Planter: Add rustic charm to your patio with this durable and stylish galvanized metal water trough planter.
  • Organic Herb Seed Kit: Grow fresh basil, thyme, and rosemary with this easy-to-use organic herb seed kit.
  • Herb Planter Soil Mix: Enhance your herb growth with nutrient-rich soil designed for vibrant and healthy plants.

4. The Cottage Garden

A cottage garden in a water trough planter.
A cottage garden in a water trough planter.

Embrace a cottage garden vibe by planting a mix of wildflowers and cottage plants. This playful, colorful look feels like a slice of English countryside right in your backyard.

You might give these a try:

  • Wildflower Seed Mix: Brighten your garden with a vibrant wildflower mix, perfect for creating a cottage garden vibe.
  • Rustic Water Trough Planter: Enhance your garden’s charm with a rustic water trough planter for a vintage touch.
  • Cottage Garden Plant Collection: Cultivate a picturesque scene with a curated collection of cottage garden plants.

5. Succulent Showcase

A succulent-filled water trough planter.
A succulent-filled water trough planter.

Fill your trough with a variety of succulents for a low-maintenance, drought-resistant garden feature. I find succulents perfect for adding texture and interest without needing constant attention.

Might be a good match:

  • Mixed Succulent Plant Collection: Enhance your garden’s charm with a versatile set of vibrant succulents. Perfect for any planter.
  • Organic Cactus Mix Soil: Ensure thriving succulents with nutrient-rich soil tailored for optimal drainage and root health.
  • Decorative Pebble Mulch: Add a stylish finish to your planter with decorative pebbles that help retain moisture.

6. The Color Burst

A colorful statement planter in a garden.
A colorful statement planter in a garden.

Paint your trough in vibrant colors to create a bold statement piece, then fill it with equally colorful blooms. It’s a fun way to inject personality and flair into your outdoor space.

These products might help:

  • Outdoor Acrylic Paint Set: Transform your trough with vibrant paint colors, making it a bold outdoor statement piece.
  • Colorful Blooming Flower Seeds: Add a splash of color with versatile flower seeds perfect for any planter or garden.
  • Rust-Oleum Spray Paint: Use durable spray paint to easily refresh your planter with a vivid, lasting finish.

7. The Fairy Garden

A whimsical fairy garden in a water trough.
A whimsical fairy garden in a water trough.

Create an enchanting fairy garden by planting miniature plants and adding whimsical decorations. This setup has always been a hit with the kids and adds a touch of magic to any garden.

Some ideas to consider:

  • Miniature Fairy Garden Houses: Inspire children’s imagination with whimsical fairy houses that bring magic to your garden setup.
  • Tiny Garden Figurines Set: Add charm with these adorable figurines, perfect for creating a delightful fairy tale scene.
  • Fairy Garden Accessories Kit: Enhance your garden’s charm with accessories, transforming it into a magical fairyland.

8. Edible Flower Display

An edible flower garden in a water trough planter.
An edible flower garden in a water trough planter.

Combine beauty and utility by planting edible flowers such as nasturtiums and pansies. This not only decorates your space but also provides a tasty addition to salads and desserts.

Consider these options:

  • Edible Flower Seed Mix: Enhance your garden with vibrant, edible flowers ideal for salads and garnishes. Start planting today!
  • Galvanized Steel Water Trough Planter: Transform your space with a durable, rustic planter perfect for showcasing beautiful edible flowers.
  • Organic Potting Soil for Vegetables and Flowers: Use quality organic soil to ensure healthy growth for your edible garden plants and flowers.

9. The Mobile Planter

A mobile water trough planter on a patio.
A mobile water trough planter on a patio.

Add wheels to your trough for a movable garden that can follow the sun or shade as needed. This flexibility is perfect for those of us who love to rearrange our garden setup regularly.

Possibly handy products:

  • Heavy-Duty Caster Wheels: Enhance mobility by attaching these heavy-duty caster wheels, making your planter easy to move.
  • Galvanized Steel Planter Trough: Choose a durable galvanized steel trough for long-lasting outdoor use in any weather.
  • Non-Slip Wheel Locks: Add security with non-slip wheel locks, ensuring your mobile planter stays in place as needed.

10. The Veggie Delight

A vegetable garden thriving in a water trough planter.
A vegetable garden thriving in a water trough planter.

Transform your trough into a productive vegetable garden by planting a mix of lettuce, tomatoes, and peppers. With easy access and reduced back strain, it’s a win-win for urban gardeners like me!

Products that could assist:

  • Galvanized Metal Water Trough Planter: Elevate your gardening with a durable trough planter, perfect for urban vegetable enthusiasts.
  • Organic Vegetable Seed Kit: Start your veggie garden with a diverse seed kit, crafted for a bountiful harvest.
  • Adjustable Garden Kneeler and Seat: Enjoy planting in comfort with this ergonomic kneeler and seat, reducing back strain.

11. Vertical Climbing Frame

A vertical climbing garden with a trellis.
A vertical climbing garden with a trellis.

Attach a trellis to your trough and grow climbing plants like sweet peas or beans. This not only saves space but also creates a lovely vertical element in your garden.

Items that may come in handy:

  • Wooden Garden Trellis: Elevate your garden with a durable wooden trellis, perfect for supporting climbing plants.
  • Metal Plant Support Frame: Enhance your planter with a sturdy metal frame, ideal for vigorous climbing plants.
  • Decorative Garden Obelisk: Add vertical interest to your garden with a stylish obelisk, perfect for sweet peas.

12. Eco-Friendly Rain Catcher

A water trough repurposed as a rainwater collector.
A water trough repurposed as a rainwater collector.

Repurpose a trough as a rainwater collector, helping to sustainably water your garden. It’s a practical solution that reduces your water bill and supports an eco-friendly lifestyle.

Maybe worth checking out:

  • Rainwater Diverter Kit: Easily channel rainwater into your trough for sustainable gardening. Save water and reduce bills.
  • Heavy Duty Water Storage Barrel: Store ample rainwater to keep your garden lush and thriving all season long.
  • Flexible Downspout Extender: Direct water flow efficiently to your trough with an adjustable downspout extender. Ideal for any setup.

13. Edible Hedge

An edible hedge using water trough planters.
An edible hedge using water trough planters.

Plant berry bushes or dwarf fruit trees in your trough to create a functional and delicious hedge. I’ve enjoyed freshly picked berries from mine, making every garden visit a treat.

A few things you might like:

  • Berry Bush Seedlings: Plant these robust berry bushes to create a beautiful and fruitful garden hedge easily.
  • Dwarf Fruit Tree Saplings: Add charm to your garden with dwarf fruit trees offering flavor and great aesthetics.
  • Galvanized Steel Trough Planter: Use this durable planter to elevate your garden’s functionality with style and ease.

Text: Joyce Peterson