How To Turn a Feeding Trough Into a Planter (2024 Guide)

Transforming an animal feeding trough into a stylish planter is a creative way to add curb appeal to your home. This DIY project combines rustic charm with practical gardening to create an eye-catching focal point for your outdoor space. In this article, we’ll explore how to turn a feeding trough into a planter, following the expert guidance of This Old House landscaping contractor Jenn Nawada.

*Unless otherwise noted, prices in this article reflect an average of prices that our team found from hardware stores like Lowes and Home Depot, and on Amazon.com.

Tools and Materials

To transform your animal feeding trough into a planter, you’ll need the following tools and materials:

• Galvanized steel animal feeding trough
• Cedar planks
• Non-biodegradable packing peanuts or upside-down plastic planters
• Landscape fabric
• Window screen
• Garden soil
• Plants and flowers (choose plants and flowers for your location and climate)
• Drill/driver
• Utility knife
• Hand cultivator
• Garden hose

Choosing the Right Trough

You can find feeding troughs at livestock supply stores or farm equipment retailers. Nawada uses a galvanized steel animal feeding trough purchased from Tractor Supply Company. When selecting a feeding trough for your planter project, consider these aspects:

• Size: Choose a trough that fits your desired space and planting needs
• Material: Galvanized steel is durable and weather-resistant for outdoor use
• Depth: Ensure the trough is deep enough to accommodate your chosen plants’ root systems

How To Turn a Feeding Trough Into a Planter

Follow our guide to turn an animal feeding trough into a planter using expert guidance from Nawada.

Prepare the Trough for Planting

Before you can start planting, you’ll need to create drainage holes, position the planter, and add a protective layer to the trough to ensure proper drainage and prepare it for its new role as a planter. 

1. Flip the trough upside down on a stable surface.
2. Use a drill with a metal bit to create drainage holes in the bottom of the trough. Having proper drainage will prevent your plants from sitting in waterlogged soil, which can lead to root rot.
3. Space the holes approximately 6 inches apart to allow for adequate water flow.
4. Choose a location for your new planter that receives appropriate sunlight and is accessible for maintenance.
5. Place cedar planks or other rot-resistant wood underneath the trough to elevate it slightly. This elevation will improve drainage and help protect the surface beneath the planter.
6. Cut a piece of window screen to fit the bottom of the trough. This will prevent soil from clogging the drainage holes.
7. Place the screen over the drainage holes before adding soil. This barrier will allow water to pass through while keeping the soil in place.

Fill the Trough

Next, fill the trough with a lightweight base and add soil. Follow these steps:

1. Fill the bottom third of the trough with non-biodegradable packing peanuts.
2. Cover the packing peanuts with a layer of landscape fabric to separate them from the soil. If packing peanuts are unavailable or not preferred, you can use upside-down plastic planters to fill the void at the bottom of the trough. This prevents the planter from becoming too heavy to move and improves water drainage.
3. Choose a high-quality, nutrient-rich garden soil mix.
4. Fill the remaining space in the trough with the soil, leaving enough room at the top for your plants.

Select and Arrange Plants

The plants you choose will depend on your climate, sun exposure, and personal preferences. Also, select a mix of plant heights and textures to add visual interest and create a balanced look. In the video, Nawada uses tall arborvitae as screening plants for the back, colorful lantana as cascading plants for the middle, and low-growing liriope for variety and texture. 

Follow these planting tips when arranging your planter:

• Arrange taller plants at the back of the trough.
• Place cascading plants near the edges to soften the planter’s lines.
• Fill in gaps with medium-height plants for a full, lush appearance.
• When planting, gently loosen the roots with a hand cultivator to encourage growth in the new soil. 

Maintaining Your Trough Planter

You will need to water, fertilize, and prune regularly to help your plants thrive throughout the season.

Watering

Consistent watering is necessary for plant health, but be mindful not to overwater.

• Water thoroughly after planting.
• Monitor soil moisture regularly, especially during hot or dry periods.
• Make sure water drains properly through the holes you created.

Fertilizing

Fertilizing regularly provides essential nutrients for growth and flowering.

• Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer appropriate for your chosen plants.
• Apply fertilizer according to package instructions, typically every three to four weeks during the growing season.

Pruning and Deadheading

Routine maintenance promotes growth and keeps your trough looking neat.

• Regularly remove dead or yellowing leaves.
• Trim back overgrown plants to maintain the desired shape of your planter.
• Deadhead flowering plants to encourage continuous blooming.

Planting Strategy: Seasonal Considerations

Depending on your climate, you may need to adjust your planting strategy seasonally.

Warm Climates

With proper care and plant selection, your trough planter can potentially last year-round in areas with mild winters. Choose plants that can withstand the local climate and thrive throughout the year.

Cold Climates

For regions with harsh winters, consider using the trough as an annual planter. You can replace plants each spring with new seasonal varieties or choose cold-hardy perennials that can withstand freezing temperatures. Hearty plants are more likely to survive frost and temperature fluctuations.

Considerations for Different Zones

Depending on your geographic location, there are distinct considerations that might impact your planting strategy:

• Arid climates: Choose drought-resistant plants such as succulents and native species that require minimal watering.
• Rainy climates: Keep drainage in mind and choose plants that tolerate wet conditions.
• Windy locations: Employ windbreaks or select sturdy plants that can withstand strong winds.

Customizing Your Trough Planter

Personalized touches to make your trough planter a standout feature in your outdoor space. Consider incorporating the following enhancements into your trough planter:

• Paint the exterior of the trough to match your home’s color scheme.
• Create a herb garden for easy access to fresh culinary herbs.
• Use multiple troughs of different sizes for a tiered garden effect.
• Add decorative elements such as stones or garden sculptures.
• Experiment with varying arrangements and seasonal displays.
• Integrate solar-powered lights to illuminate the planter at night.

• Create a themed garden, such as a butterfly garden with nectar-rich plants or a sensory garden with fragrant herbs.
• Add vertical structures such as trellises or stakes for climbing plants.

Our Conclusion

Whether you are looking to add a focal point to your garden or enjoy DIY gardening projects, a converted feeding trough planter can create an eye-catching focal point and boost your home’s curb appeal. Select plants and flowers that suit your location and climate, and use a mix of plant heights and textures for variation and to create a balanced look.

Expert assistance was provided by Nawada Landscape Design.