Earth Day is an important chance for us to reexamine our wasteful habits and reevaluate our disposable lifestyles. While we may not be able to single-handedly tackle climate change or instantaneously reduce the amount of plastics in our oceans, we can each take our own small steps toward less wasteful ways of living. To get in the spirit of the occasion, we’d like to share one of our favorite ways to repurpose any old enamelware taking up space in your kitchen. With just a few tools and a little elbow grease you can transform those neglected dishes into beautiful, functional planters to hold all of your favorite May flowers.


Supplies Needed:

  1. Power Drill
  2. Drill Bit the size you want the drainage holes to be
  3. Center Punch
  4. Safety Glasses
  5. Gloves
  6. Clamp
  7. Dust Mask
  8. Enamelware item to be used

Step 1:



Safety glasses MUST be worn for this project. When drilling through enamelware and steel, sharp fragments can be sent flying. These fragments could potentially cause severe damage to your eyes.

Start by selecting where you want the drainage hole(s) to be. Depending on your plant’s needs for water drainage, you can add more holes as you see fit.

Once you’ve selected where you want the hole(s) to be created – use your center punch and your hammer to create an indent(s) on the surface of the enamelware. This will help guide your drill bit directly on the spot you have chosen and will also prevent your drill from slipping and potentially causing you injury.

Step 2:



After you have made your indent(s), find a clear and smooth work space where you can clamp your container down. Choose a work space that is lower than your waist height. This will allow you to shift your weight downwards, giving you more control of your power drill. You will also need your gloves to protect your hands from sharp pieces of enamel or steel.

Step 3:



Now that your container is securely clamped to your work space – add a few drops of Multi-Purpose lubricating oil to the spot(s) where you are drilling, or to the end of the drill bit. This reduces the friction, and makes drilling your holes much easier. It also prevents heat buildup – which can dull your drill bit.

You are now ready to drill your holes. Drill directly down into the indents you made, using caution that you do not drill all the way through into your work space surface.

Step 4:

Start planting!



Tip: You may notice some jagged edges around your drainage holes or “burrs.” If this is bothersome, you can use a de-burring tool or a file drill bit to smooth the jagged edges. If you do not have either of these tools, find a drill bit that is slightly larger than the diameter of the hole(s) you just drilled. Wearing gloves, twist the larger drill bit by hand over the hole and gently grind away any jagged edges.