Gardener’s Genius Hack: Using A Kiddie Pool As A Flower Bed

Kiddie pools have been an affordable way to stay cool during the summer since the mid-1920s. However, that’s hardly all they can do.

Whether you have one somewhere buried in the house, hoping to be useful again, or can pick one up at the closest discount store, these classic cold-water pools can serve an unexpectedly gorgeous purpose for those looking for a new place to plant flowers.

That’s right, this kiddie pool flower bed hack is a great way to ditch expensive planter beds and create a cute and unique DIY flower bed that will be a complete treat for any flower fan.

Here’s what you need to know to get started!

1. Choose your kiddie pool

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Every part of this hack should be fun, including choosing which kiddie pool will be your new flower bed. Have fun and pick a pattern you enjoy!

Whether you have a theme in mind or absolutely no preference, it’s time to grab the nearest one to get started. They only cost about $7 or less. While it’s okay if there are some imperfections, avoid one that’s damaged.

2. Stock up on garden soil

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This part can be as simple or complex as you want. For your soil, you’ll want some outdoor potting soil, extra points if it’s specifically blended for flowers.

Ensure your soil is deep enough to plant your flowers. You can eyeball it or start with three 50-pound bags for about $10 each.

3. Add some drainage holes

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While you want the kiddie pools that you sit in to hold every drop of cool refreshing water, you don’t want that for your garden bed. One of the fastest ways to ruin flowers is to drown their roots.

So, you’ll need to either drill or cut some drainage holes in the kiddie pool, so water can filter out when you water your beautiful future flowers. Make sure your holes aren’t too big or too small and that you space them out evenly around the pool.

4. Figure out where you want your kiddie pool garden bed to go

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Once you fill your garden bed with soil, you will not want to try moving it. So, it’s best to find the ideal spot ahead of time and think about which flowers you plan to add.

Most flowers enjoy a spot with a lot of indirect sunlight, but be sure to read up on which ones you end up planting.

5. Pick out your flowers

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For many, this is the best part! Picking your flowers can be so exciting because there are endless possibilities of varieties and colors to select from.

Pro tip: Make sure to look at how big your flower plants can get and if they’ll have enough room to thrive. For instance, you may wanna go with marigolds over sunflowers for this mission, as sunflowers will get way too tall and may topple your pool bed.

6. Fill up your kiddie pool flower bed

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Now, it’s time to put everything together. As you add the soil, add water to create a cake batter-like texture.

Once all of your soil is evenly distributed in the kiddie pool, it’s planting time. Remember to allow a good amount of space between flower plants, as they’ll each need room for new growth. Give them a good watering after they’re in the pool.

7. Make sure your drainage holes are working

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You never want to see water filling the pool when you water it. This is the time to ensure your kiddie pool is now a flower bed.

If excess water comes from the pool’s drainage holes, allowing the soil to dry between waterings, you’ve done your job.

8. Decorate!

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There’s nothing like those delectable finishing touches that bring things to the next level. So, while it’s totally not required, we recommend adding some decorations to your kiddie pool flower bed.

You may want to add some garden gnomes, ceramic frogs, or anything else that comes to mind. This is the time to really get into it if you have a theme that you’re looking to go all-in on.

9. You can add more than just flowers

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We realize that not everyone is a flower person. Fortunately, other plants, including herbs and succulents, would be happy in your kiddie pool flower bed.

An herb garden is great for cooking and saves so much money on herbs that are typically pricey at the store. Plus, some herbs grow gorgeous flowers, giving the gardener the best of both worlds.

10. Show off your kiddie pool garden bed

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Whether it’s a photo for Instagram or a video for your plant-lover friends, there’s nothing like showing off the lovely DIY project that you just rocked. This is especially rewarding as you see your plants grow over time.

Don’t get discouraged if the plants struggle

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It can be so discouraging when we see our plants not doing well, but don’t give up if you see your plants struggling. Remember, some flowers are annual and others are perennials, meaning that some aren’t meant to bloom all year long while others are. So, your flowers may be dormant — not dead!

However, if one or more plants do not fare so well, you can get new ones and try again. Gardening isn’t magic, and sometimes, it’s all about trial and error. Learn what your plants like and don’t like, and go from there. You got this!

Let us know in the comments if you made your own kiddie pool garden bed. If so, we’d love to see what your masterpiece looks like!

Last Updated on July 26, 2024 by Sarah Kester