Gotten on the shoe – Upcycling with rubber boots

The rubber boots have become too small? They’ve stretched out, and your foot keeps slipping out? Or do they have a hole? Then, the rubber boots are definitely not meant for the trash can, but for the plants!

Rubber boots are perfect for an upcycling project. This trend is very popular right now and fits perfectly with urban gardening. From the old rubber boots, you can quickly create a cool planter for your balcony and more.

Whether it's size 28 or size 48, there's a perfect plant for every shoe. In this case, there's also a matching rubber boot for every plant—well, almost every plant. An oak tree will outgrow the rubber boot faster than a child. However, an oak tree is not suitable for urban gardening on a balcony, so smaller plants definitely work better in the rubber boot. That said, the plant's size should actually match the size of the rubber boot. A large petunia doesn’t fit well in a baby shoe, and delicate forget-me-nots look lost in a size 48.

Rubber boots often come with lining, which keeps feet warm in winter but isn't very nutritious for plants. So, the lining must be removed, which is usually easy to cut out. Rubber boots without lining don't require special preparation. However, you can personalize them by painting or decorating them, according to your taste. Waterproof paint is ideal, as the rubber boots will be outdoors and exposed to the elements. Alternatively, after painting, you can spray them with a clear coat to protect the color from wind and weather.

To ensure the plants feel at home in the rubber boots, the boots need to be filled with soil. Simple potting soil works well for this. Holes in the rubber boots aren't a problem, but you'll need to be careful when watering to avoid washing soil out through the larger holes. Once the rubber boots are filled with soil, it's time for the plants to move in. Fresh herbs or salads are also great options for planting, and they make a perfect addition to urban gardening on the balcony, just as much as blooming flowers.