The ultimate reuse: How to make a planter from a sneaker

It may be tempting to toss odoriferous sneakers into the garbage, but spare the landfill and reuse one or both, as a planter for small succulents. You can toss any sneaker made from synthetic materials into a lingerie bag or pillowcase knotted at the top and wash it with cold water on the washing machine's delicate cycle. The sneakers do not have to be high-tops, but the higher the ankle, the more soil the sneaker holds, which is beneficial to the plants.

Treat the shoe planter as you would a plastic or ceramic planter. Water the plant as needed, but place the shoe on a surface impervious to water to catch moisture that might leak out of holes or tears. If you see water overflowing from the sides, then you've overwatered the plants.

Materials
- Canvas high-top sneaker
- River rocks
- Measuring cup
- Potting soil
- Small trowel
- Small succulents

1. Fold over the top of the sneaker, if necessary. Pour 1 cup of rocks into the shoe, keeping most of them in the heel.

2. Add potting soil on top of the rocks until it reaches 1/2 inch below the top of the ankle.

3. Transplant one or two succulents into the soil in the shoe.

4. Place the shoe planter in a location that gets plenty of sunlight.