How to Make a Bicycle Planter in 5 Easy Steps

Last Updated on December 10, 2025 by teamobn

Do you have an old bicycle sitting in your garage or shed? Instead of throwing it away, you can turn it into a beautiful bicycle planter that adds height, color, and charm to your garden or patio.

A bicycle planter is simply an old bike used as a stand for baskets or containers filled with plants. It is a fun DIY project, a great way to reuse something you already own, and a real conversation starter in any outdoor space.

Quick Guide: How to Make a Bicycle Planter

If you just want the short version, here are the basic steps.

1. Clean and stabilize the bike
2. Attach baskets at the front and back
3. Line the baskets and add potting mix
4. Plant flowers, herbs, or trailing plants
5. Decorate the bike and place it in the right spot

Below you will find detailed instructions, plant suggestions, design themes, and answers to common questions.

Advantages of a Bicycle Planter

Creating a bicycle planter comes with several benefits.

• Versatile style
  • You can make the bicycle planter look vintage, modern, coastal, bohemian, or playful simply by changing the paint, baskets, and plants you use.
• Creative garden decor
  • You can choose the colors, plants, and decorations that fit your style. No two bicycle planters need to look the same.
• Eco-friendly upcycling
  • Instead of sending an old bicycle to landfill, you give it a new purpose and reduce waste.
• Cost-effective project
  • You can often find an old bike at home, a thrift store, or a garage sale. Add a few baskets and plants, and you have a unique feature without spending a lot.
• Vertical gardening in small spaces
  • The bike frame and baskets create height, which is perfect for small yards, patios, or balconies where ground space is limited.
• Portable planter
  • Unlike a fixed garden bed, you can move the bicycle planter to another spot if you change your layout or if the light changes with the seasons.
• Fun DIY activity
  • This is a simple project that older children and teens can help with. It makes a good weekend or holiday activity for families.

An Amazing Bicycle Planter in 5 Easy Steps

This bicycle planter is a very easy project. You can have one done in less than an hour. You can even ask your kids to help out. It will be a great bonding activity with the family.

Materials You Will Need

You can adjust this list to match what you already have at home, but these basics make the project easier.

Main materials

• Old bicycle (any style, such as cruiser, mountain bike, or kids bike)
• 2 baskets or containers, one for the front and one for the back
• Plastic grocery bags or coco liners to line the baskets
• General purpose potting mix
• Plants of your choice
• Moss, such as sphagnum or decorative Spanish moss
• Wire, strong string, or zip ties to hold baskets in place
• Support for the bike, such as a wall, fence, stakes, or heavy stones

Helpful tools

• Cloth or sponge for cleaning the bike
• Scissors
• Pliers or wire cutters
• Small hand trowel for planting

You do not need special carpentry skills. If you can use basic hand tools, you can make a bicycle planter.

How to Make a Bicycle Planter: Step-by-Step Instructions

Repurposing an old bicycle into a charming planter is a creative and eco-friendly way to add character to your garden or outdoor space. With just a few simple materials and some creativity, you can transform an unused bike into a whimsical garden feature that will delight visitors and passersby. Follow these five easy steps to create your own bicycle planter:

Step 1: Prepare and Clean the Bicycle

• Bring the bike to a flat working area.
• Brush off dust, mud, and cobwebs with a cloth or sponge. If there is loose rust, gently scrub it off.
• Light rust is fine and can even add a vintage look.
• If you want a fresh look, you can paint the frame in a bright color and let it dry completely before you continue.

A clean, stable bike is easier to work with and looks better in your garden.

Step 2: Prepare the baskets

• Place a plastic grocery bag or coco liner inside each basket.
• If you use plastic, poke several small holes in the bottom so water can drain out. This stops roots from rotting.
• Fill each basket about two thirds full with potting mix.
• Gently press the soil down so it is firm but not packed hard.

Lining the baskets helps keep the soil in place and protects metal or wicker from constant moisture.

Step 3: Stabilize and position the bicycle

A bicycle planter looks best when it is safe and steady.

• Choose the final location now, if possible. This avoids moving it when the baskets are full and heavy.
• Lean the bike against a fence, wall, or sturdy post.
• If it still feels unsteady, push two metal or wooden stakes into the ground on one or both sides of the frame, then tie the bike to the stakes with wire or strong string.
• You can also place heavy stones or bricks near the wheels to help keep it in place.

The bike should not rock or wobble easily. This protects both the plants and anyone walking nearby.

Step 4: Attach the baskets to the bike

Now you are ready to connect the baskets you prepared.

• Place one basket at the front of the bike, near the handlebars. It can rest in a front rack if there is one, or you can attach it directly to the handlebars or frame.
• Place the second basket at the back of the bike, such as above the rear wheel or on a rear rack, if the bike has one.
• Use wire, zip ties, or strong string to fasten each basket securely to the frame. Wrap the wire through the basket and around a solid part of the bike, then twist it tight with pliers.
• Check that both baskets feel firm and balanced. They should not swing or tip when you gently shake them.

Make sure the weight is as even as you can manage from front to back and side to side.

Step 5: Plant, decorate, and enjoy

• Remove plants from their nursery pots and loosen the roots gently with your fingers.
• Place taller or upright plants toward the center or back of each basket.
• Add trailing plants near the edges so they can hang down over the sides.
• Fill in gaps with smaller, low growing plants, then top up with potting mix as needed.
• Press the soil lightly and water the plants until the soil is moist all the way through.
• Cover the exposed soil surface with moss for a softer, finished look and to help hold moisture.
• Add simple decorations, such as ribbons on the handlebars, a small sign, or a string of weather safe bunting.

Step back and take a look. Adjust the bike angle or plant positions until you are happy with the way your DIY bicycle planter looks.

Click on any image to start the lightbox display. Use your Esc key to close the lightbox.

Thank you to Our Fairfield Home and Garden for sharing tips and strategies on how to make a bicycle planter.

Best Plants for a Bicycle Planter

The right plants make your bicycle planter look full, colorful, and healthy. Always match plants to your local climate and the amount of sun the bike will receive.

Plants for Sunny Spots

Choose these if your bicycle planter will be in direct sun for most of the day.

• Petunias
• Geraniums
• Marigolds
• Calibrachoa (also called million bells)
• Trailing verbena
• Small daisies or osteospermum

These flowers give bright color and can handle warm, sunny conditions with regular watering.

Plants for Part Shade

If the bike will sit under a tree, near a wall, or in a spot with morning sun and afternoon shade, try these.

• Impatiens
• Begonias
• Coleus (for colorful foliage)
• Ferns
• Lobelia

These plants prefer softer light and can still give strong color and texture.

Low Maintenance Plants

If you want less work, or your climate is hot and dry, consider tougher plants.

• Succulents (such as sedum or echeveria)
• Herbs like thyme, oregano, or chives
• Hardy trailing plants such as ivy or creeping jenny

Succulents and many herbs need less frequent watering, especially if the baskets drain well.

Simple Planting Tips

• Put plants with similar water and light needs in the same basket.
• Use at least one trailing plant on each side so it can spill over the basket edge.
• Mix upright plants (for height) with trailing plants (for flow) and low, full plants (to fill gaps).

Themes for Your Bicycle Planter

You can give your bicycle planter a clear style by choosing colors, baskets, and plants that match one simple theme. Here are some ideas.

1. Vintage Garden

• Use an old or classic style bike with a worn frame.
• Keep or add wicker baskets.
• Choose cottage style flowers, such as daisies, lavender, geraniums, and sweet alyssum.
• Add touches like burlap bows, an old metal watering can, or a small wooden sign.

This style works well in traditional gardens and older homes.

2. Urban Oasis

• Pick a simple bike in black, white, or metallic paint.
• Use wire baskets or modern looking metal containers.
• Plant succulents, ornamental grasses, and hardy foliage plants for a clean look.
• Add accents like concrete pots or simple metal lanterns nearby.

This style is a good fit for small city yards and patios.

3. Bohemian Retreat

• Use a colorful bike or paint the frame in bright shades.
• Choose woven baskets, macrame plant holders, or mixed containers.
• Fill them with a mix of bold flowers, lush foliage, and trailing vines.
• Add details such as ribbons, beads, dreamcatchers, or patterned fabric.

This style creates a relaxed, creative corner in your garden.

4. Coastal Escape

• Choose a beach cruiser or paint the bike in white, blue, or soft sea colors.
• Use seagrass baskets or natural woven containers.
• Plant succulents, dune grasses, and simple white or blue flowers.
• Decorate with shells, small pieces of driftwood, and lanterns.

This style is perfect for coastal homes or anyone who loves the seaside mood.

5. Garden Tea Party

• Pick a vintage style bike with a front basket.
• Use delicate baskets lined with lace or light fabric.
• Plant roses, peonies, pansies, or other soft, romantic flowers.
• Add a few old teapots or teacups filled with small plants to complete the scene.

This style is ideal for cottage gardens or special events, such as small garden parties.

The Wrap Up

A bicycle planter is a simple project that turns an old bike into a unique garden feature. By cleaning and stabilizing the bike, attaching baskets, lining them, adding good soil, and choosing the right plants, you create a beautiful vertical planter that adds charm to any outdoor space.

You can match the design to your personal taste, from vintage and romantic to clean and modern. The project is affordable, family friendly, and a smart way to reuse something you already have.

With a little time and creativity, your bicycle planter can become one of the most loved spots in your yard, patio, or balcony.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What materials do you need to make a bicycle planter?

To make a bicycle planter, you will need an old bicycle, two baskets (or containers) to hold the plants, moss (such as sphagnum or decorative Spanish moss), potted plants of your choice, plastic grocery bags to line the baskets, ribbons for decoration, and anything that would support the bike, such as wires or stakes.

2. Do you need any special tools or skills to make a bicycle planter?

While basic tools like scissors, pliers, and wire cutters may be helpful, you don’t necessarily need specialized tools to make a bicycle planter. The process mainly involves arranging and securing the components onto the bike, which can be done with simple hand tools and a bit of creativity.

3. How do you choose the right plants for your bicycle planter?

When selecting plants for your bicycle planter, consider factors such as sunlight exposure, climate, and aesthetic preferences. Choose plants that thrive in your local climate and require similar care conditions. Additionally, consider the size and shape of the baskets and ensure that the plants you choose fit comfortably within them.

4. Can you use any type of bicycle to make a planter?

Yes, you can use almost any type of bicycle to make a planter. Old or unused bicycles, regardless of style or condition, can be repurposed into charming planters. Whether it’s a vintage cruiser, mountain bike, or children’s bike, the possibilities are endless. Choose a bike that appeals to you and fits the overall aesthetic you want to achieve.

5. How do you prepare the bikes and baskets for planting?

Start by cleaning and inspecting the bike to ensure it’s in good condition for planting. Remove any rust or debris, and make any necessary repairs or adjustments. Line the baskets with plastic grocery bags to prevent soil from leaking out. Fill the baskets with potting soil and add moss to help retain moisture and provide a decorative touch.

6. How do you secure the baskets to the bike?

Use wires, zip ties, or other secure fasteners to attach the baskets to the bike frame. Make sure the baskets are firmly secured and evenly balanced to prevent them from shifting or falling off while in use. You may need to adjust the positioning of the baskets to achieve the desired look and stability.

7. How do you care for your bicycle planter once it’s assembled?

Regular maintenance of your bicycle planter involves watering the plants as needed, pruning any overgrowth, and monitoring for signs of pests or disease. Additionally, check the stability of the baskets and bike periodically to ensure everything remains securely in place. With proper care, your bicycle planter can continue to thrive and beautify your outdoor space for seasons to come.