If you have a couple of old tyres sitting in the shed or tucked behind the garage they will make a great tire planter! This is one of those projects that is a great way to reuse leftover “junk”.
Fun tire planter ideas are messy, creative, budget friendly, and honestly perfect for getting kids involved. It is a great summer project for both home gardens, balconies, preschools or even playgrounds!
Below are 26 fun tire planter ideas that are easy to create, kid friendly, and genuinely look good once planted up. Each idea explains why it works, what to plant, and includes simple DIY steps so you can jump straight in.
1. Bright Rainbow Tyre Planter
This is one of those fun tyre planter ideas that kids naturally gravitate toward because it feels like painting a giant canvas. Bright colors catch the eye, help define garden zones, and turn a simple tyre into a cheerful focal point.
I love using this near play areas or patios where kids spend time.
What really works here is the flexibility. You can go full rainbow, pastel shades, or let each child paint their own section.
What to plant
- Marigolds
- Petunias
- Alyssum
DIY steps
- Clean the tire thoroughly with soapy water and let it dry.
- Place the tire where you want it or lay it flat on cardboard.
- Paint with outdoor acrylic or masonry paint in rainbow sections.
- Allow to dry completely, then add a second coat if needed.
- Line the base with landscape fabric if placing on soil.
- Fill with compost and plant your flowers evenly spaced.
2. Animal Face Tyre Planter
Turn a tyre into a friendly animal character that kids can help design.
Animal themed fun tyre planter ideas work beautifully in family gardens because they tell a story.
Adding eyes, ears, and simple features makes the planter feel alive, which helps kids connect emotionally to the plants they are growing.
What to plant
- Trailing lobelia
- Ivy
- Nasturtiums
DIY steps
- Clean and dry the tyre.
- Paint the base color of the animal and let it dry.
- Add eyes, nose, and mouth with smaller brushes.
- Attach cardboard or foam ears using outdoor glue.
- Place the tyre flat and line the inside if needed.
- Fill with compost and plant trailing plants for a fun effect.
3. Stacked Tyre Flower Tower
Create height and drama using stacked tyres in the garden.
Stacking tyres adds vertical interest, which is especially helpful in smaller gardens.
Visually, towers break up flat garden layouts and make planting feel more intentional.
The stacked structure also allows you to plant different colors or textures at each level.
What to plant
- Geraniums
- Begonias
- Coleus
DIY steps
- Clean three to four tyres thoroughly.
- Paint each tyre or leave them natural.
- Stack the tyres securely where they will stay.
- Line each tyre opening with fabric if needed.
- Fill gradually with compost as you stack.
- Plant flowers at each level, spacing evenly.
4. Ladybug Tyre Planter
A classic garden favorite that always feels cheerful.
Ladybugs are instantly recognizable and are super fun!
Red and black provide strong contrast, which helps this planter stand out even from a distance.
If you love conservation then this idea is also a great way to introduce beneficial insects into garden conversations.
What to plant
- Pansies
- Violas
- Daisies
DIY steps
- Wash and dry the tyre.
- Paint the entire tyre red and let dry.
- Add black spots and a simple face.
- Seal with outdoor varnish if desired.
- Place flat in a sunny spot.
- Fill with compost and plant flowers.
5. Hanging Tyre Swing Planter
A tyre that floats brings instant movement to the garden.
Hanging planters draw the eye upward, which makes gardens feel larger.
It also keeps plants off the ground, which helps with pests and adds variety to planting heights.
Visually, hanging tyres work best when kept simple. Neutral colors or single tones let the plants do the talking. I love placing these near fences or trees where they can sway safely.
What to plant
- Trailing petunias
- Verbena
- Bacopa
DIY steps
- Drill drainage holes in the bottom of the tyre.
- Paint if desired and allow to dry.
- Attach strong rope or chain evenly.
- Hang securely from a sturdy branch or hook.
- Line the inside with fabric.
- Add compost and plant trailing flowers.
6. Fairy Garden Tyre Planter
Create a tiny world kids can decorate and change.
Kids love adding little houses, stones, and figures, and the tyre provides a defined boundary for creativity.
It also keeps everything contained and manageable.
This is the kind of planter kids check every day.
What to plant
- Moss
- Baby tears
- Mini ferns
DIY steps
- Clean the tyre and paint in earthy tones.
- Place flat in a sheltered spot.
- Fill with compost mixed with sand.
- Plant small greenery evenly.
- Add fairy accessories and stones.
- Water gently to avoid disturbance.
7. Chalkboard Tyre Planter
Let kids draw messages that change with the seasons.
Using chalkboard paint turns a tyre into an interactive surface. This fun tyre planter idea works because it combines creativity with gardening.
Kids can write plant names, draw flowers, or leave little notes.
It also keeps the planter feeling fresh since the design can change weekly.
What to plant
- Herbs like basil or parsley
- Lettuce
- Flowers with bright blooms
DIY steps
- Clean and dry the tyre.
- Paint with chalkboard paint.
- Allow to cure fully.
- Place in chosen location.
- Fill with compost.
- Plant and decorate with chalk drawings.
8. Bug Hotel Tyre Planter
Combining planting with bug habitats makes this one of the most educational fun tyre planter ideas.
Filling gaps with sticks, pinecones, and bamboo teaches kids about ecosystems. It also supports beneficial insects.
Visually, it adds texture and interest, especially in wildlife-friendly gardens. It works best when paired with pollinator plants.
It turns planting into a learning experience.
What to plant
- Lavender
- Calendula
- Wildflowers
DIY steps
- Place the tyre upright.
- Secure it so it will not roll.
- Fill half with compost and plants.
- Fill remaining space with natural materials.
- Water plants carefully.
- Observe visiting insects together.
9. Painted Number Tyre Planter
Perfect for learning and organizing garden spaces.
Numbers help kids recognize patterns and sequences. This fun tyre planter idea works well for vegetable patches or themed areas.
From a practical angle, numbered planters help with plant rotation or spacing lessons.
It is simple, but very effective.
What to plant
- Strawberries
- Radishes
- Spinach
DIY steps
- Clean and paint the tyre.
- Add large painted numbers.
- Place flat or slightly raised.
- Line the inside if needed.
- Fill with compost.
- Plant evenly.
10. Sunflower Tyre Planter
Make the planter part of the flower.
Painting sunflower petals around the tyre creates a cheerful illusion.
This fun tyre planter idea feels bold and joyful, especially when paired with tall plants growing from the center.
What to plant
- Dwarf sunflowers
- Zinnias
DIY steps
- Paint the tyre yellow with petal details.
- Let dry fully.
- Place in a sunny location.
- Fill with compost.
- Sow seeds or plant starts.
- Water regularly.
11. Emoji Face Tyre Planter
Modern and funny, especially for older kids.
Emoji designs feel current and relatable. This fun tyre planter idea lets kids express emotions through design while learning to care for plants. Simple shapes keep it visually clean.
It works well in patios or teen friendly spaces.
What to plant
- Succulents
- Compact flowers
DIY steps
- Clean and paint the tyre yellow.
- Add facial features.
- Seal with outdoor varnish.
- Place flat.
- Add compost.
- Plant and water lightly.
12. Butterfly Garden Tyre Planter
Invite movement and color into the garden with a butterfly-themed planter.
Bright colors attract both butterflies and guests will love it!
It will add softness and motion to the space.
What to plant
- Buddleia
- Verbena
- Milkweed
DIY steps
- Paint the tyre with butterfly colors.
- Add simple wing shapes.
- Let dry.
- Place in sun.
- Fill with compost.
- Plant nectar rich flowers.
13. Storybook Character Tyre Planter
Bring favorite characters outdoors.
Story inspired planters help kids connect books with nature.
This fun tyre planter idea encourages imaginative play while gardening.
It works best near reading nooks or play areas.
What to plant
- Bright annual flowers
DIY steps
- Choose a simple character.
- Paint the tyre accordingly.
- Allow to dry.
- Place flat.
- Add compost.
- Plant colorful blooms.
14. Herb Wheel Tyre Planter
Herbs are perfect for tyre planters because they stay contained.
This tire planter is great for back patios or near kitchens where you can pop out easily and cut some fresh herbs.
It will smell amazing in warm weather.
What to plant
- Chives
- Mint
- Thyme
DIY steps
- Clean the tyre.
- Leave natural or paint lightly.
- Place in sun.
- Fill with compost.
- Plant herbs spaced apart.
- Water regularly.
15. Tractor Tyre Mini Garden
Great for kids who love machines.
Painting tyres to resemble tractor wheels makes gardening relatable.
This fun tyre planter idea works well in rural or themed gardens. It feels sturdy and playful.
What to plant
- Cornflowers
- Sunflowers
DIY steps
- Paint tyre dark grey.
- Add simple wheel details.
- Place flat.
- Fill with compost.
- Plant seeds.
- Water consistently.
16. Polka Dot Tyre Planter
Simple, cheerful, and timeless.
Polka dots are easy for kids to paint and look great from a distance. This fun tyre planter idea works with almost any garden style. It adds pattern without complexity.
It feels playful but not messy.
What to plant
- Petunias
- Impatiens
DIY steps
- Paint tyre base color.
- Add polka dots.
- Let dry.
- Place flat.
- Fill with compost.
- Plant flowers.
17. Raised Veggie Tyre Bed
Tyres raise plants slightly off the ground, which helps with drainage and accessibility.
This makes them perfect for growing veggies. It is a great way to grow vegetables in small spaces without needing many supplies.
What to plant
- Lettuce
- Spinach
- Carrots
DIY steps
- Place tyre flat.
- Line interior.
- Fill with compost.
- Sow seeds.
- Water gently.
- Thin seedlings as needed.
18. Bee Friendly Tyre Planter
Support pollinators in a fun way.
Bee themed planters start important conversations. This fun tyre planter idea pairs well with yellow and black designs. It also supports garden health.
Kids learn while planting.
What to plant
- Lavender
- Borage
DIY steps
- Paint tyre yellow.
- Add black stripes.
- Dry fully.
- Place in sun.
- Fill with compost.
- Plant bee friendly flowers.
19. Nautical Tire Planter
Perfect for coastal or beach themed gardens.
Blue and white colors feel calm and fresh. This fun tyre planter idea works well near patios. It adds a relaxed vibe.
It feels like summer.
What to plant
- Grasses
- White flowers
DIY steps
- Paint tyre blue and white.
- Dry thoroughly.
- Place flat.
- Fill with compost.
- Plant.
- Water regularly.
20. Vertical Fence Tyre Planter
Great for small gardens.
Mounting tyres vertically saves space and adds interest. This fun tyre planter idea turns fences into features. It also makes watering easy.
Perfect for compact areas.
What to plant
- Strawberries
- Trailing flowers
DIY steps
- Secure tyre to fence.
- Line interior.
- Fill with compost.
- Plant.
- Water carefully.
- Check stability.
21. Glow Paint Tyre Planter
A magical evening surprise.
Glow paint adds nighttime interest. This fun tyre planter idea feels special and playful. It also helps kids see their work after dark.
It feels like a secret garden.
What to plant
- White flowers
- Silver foliage
DIY steps
- Paint tyre with glow paint accents.
- Let dry.
- Place flat.
- Fill with compost.
- Plant.
- Enjoy at night.
22. Balcony Bistro Tire Planter
Turn a single tire into a polished balcony planter that feels intentional, calm, and surprisingly stylish.
By keeping the colour palette neutral and the planting purposeful, the tyre stops looking like a recycled object and starts to feel like a modern container.
On balconies, visual clutter shows up quickly, so a low, contained planter with clean lines helps ground th
e space without overwhelming it.
The circular shape naturally softens harsh balcony lines, especially concrete or metal railings, and it pairs beautifully with a small café table or chair.
It also works well because tyres insulate soil, which helps keep roots protected from temperature swings common on exposed balconies.
What to plant
- Lavender (compact varieties)
- Dwarf rosemary or thyme
- Ornamental grasses
- Trailing ivy or creeping jenny for soft edges
DIY steps
- Clean the tyre thoroughly and allow it to dry completely.
- Paint the tyre in a neutral tone like soft white, warm grey, charcoal, or muted terracotta using outdoor paint.
- Once dry, place a sturdy circular wooden board or thick plastic tray underneath to protect the balcony floor.
- Line the inside of the tyre with landscape fabric, leaving drainage space at the bottom.
- Fill with lightweight potting compost suitable for containers.
- Plant one central feature plant and add trailing plants around the edges for balance.
- Water lightly and position where it gets appropriate sunlight for your plant choice.
23. Alphabet Tyre Planter
Learning through planting.
Letters help kids connect language with nature. This fun tyre planter idea works well in schools or home gardens. It feels educational without being formal.
DIY steps
- Paint tyre.
- Add large letters.
- Dry.
- Place flat.
- Fill with compost.
- Plant.
24. Mosaic Tile Tire Planter
Add texture and sparkle.
Mosaic designs feel artistic. This fun tyre planter idea introduces patterns and patience. It also looks beautiful in sunlight.
What to plant
- Succulents
- Low flowers
DIY steps
- Glue tiles to tyre.
- Allow to set.
- Grout if needed.
- Place flat.
- Fill with compost.
- Plant carefully.
25. Weather Theme Tire Planter
Sun, clouds, or rainbows.
Weather themes encourage creativity. This fun tyre planter idea sparks conversations about seasons. It also looks playful year round.
What to plant
- Seasonal flowers
DIY steps
- Paint weather design.
- Dry fully.
- Place flat.
- Fill with compost.
- Plant.
- Water.
26. Friendship Tire Planter
Each child decorates one side.
This is one of the most meaningful fun tyre planter ideas. Shared projects build connection. The finished planter tells a story.
It becomes a memory piece.
What to plant
- Mixed flowers
DIY steps
- Divide tyre into sections.
- Let each child paint their area.
- Dry completely.
- Place flat.
- Fill with compost.
- Plant together.
