[LiteraryLark]

My dad got a new bbq for Valentine's Day (which I thought was the sweetest thing my mom could give him) and now his old webster bbq is sitting on the back porch. So I got to thinking...hey! Let's put plants in there and repurpose the bbq into a mini garden!



Trust me, my dad's webster bbq is his favorite toy (alongside his camaro) and if I'm correct he's had his for 15+ years, which is why I believe we shouldn't just toss it. I got the okay from my parents, so now is time to DIY.

First off, I need ideas for hardy plants that won't die. My mom and I kill all of our plants, so we need plant ideas that won't die within a week (or month). I am thinking succulents...they're the only plants that have only died occasionally on us (yes...we've killed succulents). I am hoping there are plants that are prettier than succulents that won't die on us? Would a dwarf fruit tree, herbs, or veggies survive in a webster bbq?

Second, how do I clean the bbq out so that it's safe for the plants to be put in?

Any other ideas on how to beautify my Dad's old webster BBQ? I welcome pictures!

I am not one to ask about plants but I love the idea and i think it is great... do you have holes drilled in the bottom to let the air out so it won't rust? That is one thing i would do if you leave it outside in the rain and i don't know the temperatures there. I love the idea. People here some have taken an old toilet and put it in the garden with tomatoes growing out of it. some like it others find it offensive. I love your idea! tc

[eskielover]

I wouldn't worry much about the clean out. I assume some lava rocks in the bottom I would dump out in a pile & set aside with any ash. Clean it out best as you can & I would spray paint inside with a rust resistant sealer. You might also want to drill several drainage holes in the bottom.

Then I would put the rock back in the bottom, get planter mix with fertilizer initially in it & I would mix any ashes into that. Put it on top of the rocks & fill to about 2-3 inches below the top of the BBQ & ready to plant. The holes in the bottom of the BBQ & the rock create drainage for the plants....critical for healthy plants.

Succulents work good but use sandier potting mix for them. Usually potting mixes in the nursery specify what plants they are for. I would still mix in any ash....just adds more nutrients & no reason to waste.

[hopeless2015]

I'm a plant killer myself but I LOVE this idea!!

Sent from my XT1058 using Tapatalk

Have you thought about a theme? Were it mine, I'd plant herbs. Just a thought.

[eskielover]

Oops..sorry about the double post....dang iPad was being weird when I was posting.

[fishin fool]

Any chance of you painting a scene of some short on the outside ?
Or maybe a nice design rather than just a solid color.

[LiteraryLark]

Originally Posted by fishin fool

Any chance of you painting a scene of some short on the outside ?
Or maybe a nice design rather than just a solid color.

My parents want it the original color.

We are not buying plants but transplanting our succulents that are going too big for their pots. Then if we need more plants we'll do so.

[LiteraryLark]

I'm thinking of taking the grate from the BBQ and the triangle metal part that held the three legs together and use them against the fence to hang plants off of.

Would that work if I got one of those flower basket with hooks and what kind of plants should I get?

[eskielover]

I like what they call "million bells"....they look like tiny petunias & come is all different colors & shades....can mix the colors in one basket or keep all the same color together. I've seen huge baskets already made up. I also like to throw in some kind of little white flowers to look like a bouquet with baby's breath.

[gayleggg]

What a wonderful idea. I'm sure you will all enjoy it once it's finished. I don't know anything about plants but just wanted to let you know I thought it was a good idea.

[notz]

Super idea! I've had a Weber Smokey Joe Kettle grill for close to 30 years! It's the one I use when I want to use charcoal briquettes. I have used the lid of an old propane grill as a planter in the garden as well as using old boots I wore out!

My main suggestion is to go to your local Lowe's (my favorite place!) and ask for the garden specialist and ask the same questions so you can get plants specific for your area. I'd definitely use the "moisture retentive" potting soil as keeping a container moist is a concern as they will dry out faster than the ground. Know where it's location in the yard is going to be in regard to light exposure, full sun or shade.

When I do planters I like a little height in the middle or back side down to trailing on the sides or in the front. Good luck with it and please post pictures!

[LiteraryLark]

Repurposing my dad's old bbq was a SUCCESS!!! Dismantling it was easier than I thought it'd be...everything popped right off. I cleaned the inside and outsides of the main container and the lid with simple green, a washcloth, and for the insides I used a cleaner's bristle brush. The soil was the toughest part, I took a bucket, filled it up, and then dumped it in. It hurt my back, and I know I'll be sore if I don't go in the hot tub. I was concerned that there wouldn't be enough soil for the big container and the lid, but there was a perfect amount for both and that was very rewarding and relieving not to go back to Home Depot and figure out how much soil I'd need. The most frustrating part was transplanting. I've never done transplanting before and not sure what the results would be. I desperately tried to get a plant loose and then it flung out into the air with leaves falling everywhere. I was P.O.'d I thought I killed the plant, sent a frustrated text to my mom to let her do it. I was so angry...I thought it'd be easy and I really hoped my parents would come home and it would be all finished. I cooled down for a moment, went back out to the plant and see what was left of it. I noticed the root was all there and I asked my mom with a photo of the plant to see if I had done it right. I did. YAY!!! That got me confident enough to tackle the biggest plant we had to transplant...It took some wiggling and determination, but I got it off in one piece and I was so proud of myself. The planting was easy, but I have concerns about the lid as most of the plants in the lid stood out a little bit and I am afraid there would be no room for the roots to go. But I know nothing about plants, and I am hoping they survive.

My parents are home!!!! Going to show off my hard work. I am so pleased with myself and I hope they like it.

[LiteraryLark]

They were both very pleased with it.

[eskielover]

Good work...looks great. Glad they were pleased too.