Repurpose contraptions for use in your garden

By Natasha Lovato

We’re all in this together, especially since we are all about to roll out of quarantine with recycling bins full of craft beer cans and bottles. Some might even walk out of quarantine with a green thumb. Regardless, here are some gardening ideas anyone can enjoy while repurposing Colorado craft beer cans, bottles and barrels. In addition to supporting craft breweries, you can also support local nurseries.

Beer Bottle Watering Globe

Grab an empty beer bottle, fill it with water, stick the bottle upside down into a large potted plant and the water will release slowly as the plant needs it. This is an easy way to create a porch garden that is low maintenance and will look healthy and happy throughout the summer. Refill the bottle when it empties and enjoy the fruits of your labor, literally. We used a large ceramic pot with a jalapeno and strawberry plant from The Plant Garage and a repurposed Prost Brewing Co. pilsner bottle.

PC themerrythought.com.jpeg — Photo: themerrythought.com

Beer Can Planters

Pick out your favorite empty beer cans and use a can opener to remove the top while being careful to avoid the sharp edges. Fill the cans with potting soil, leaving room to place a succulent. Do this to as many cans of beer as you like to add a little Colorado-centric flare to your quarantine scene. You can pick out your favorite can art from the Pick 6 section at Molly’s Spirits and succulents from Southwest Gardens just blocks away.

Craft IPA Pickles

Whether you’ve grown your own or picked up a couple cucumbers from the store, you can use your favorite IPA to put that cucumber to delicious use as craft IPA pickles.

You will need:

2 regular-sized cucumbers
1 large jar with a sealable lid (we used an empty Tahini jar.)
1 tablespoon of salt
1 tablespoon of fresh dill
1 tablespoon of pickling spice
3 cloves of skinned garlic
1 cup of white or cider vinegar
1 cup of hoppy beer

PC Natasha Lovato.jpg — Photo: Natasha Lovato

Cut your cucumbers into spears or chips and place them in a bowl. Pour the pickling spice, dill and garlic into your jar. Combine the vinegar and beer into a small pot, bringing it to a boil before lowering it to a simmer. Pour in the salt and stir until it is dissolved. Turn off the heat and let the brine mixture cool before pouring it into the jar, leaving about an inch of space from the top before adding the cucumbers. Place your craft beer pickles in the fridge for 24 hours and enjoy.

Beer Barrel Planters

Some Colorado craft breweries like Copper Kettle Brewing Co. are selling their spent barrels for the perfect landscaping opportunity. You can pick up half barrels for $30 and full barrels for $50 from Copper Kettle. City Floral Garden Center is nearby and features a large arrangement of flowers to bring your landscaping dreams to life.