Reuse an old trough as a planter.
Like any equipment found on a farm, metal, plastic and even ceramic water troughs will eventually no longer function well for their intended purpose. Or maybe they are no longer needed. Instead of having a trough just lying around as junk or going to a landfill, reuse it instead, whether or not it can still hold water.
Planter
Troughs still in usable condition can get a new life as a planter. Hairline cracks that preclude use as a water source won't stop the trough from being a planter. Drill holes into the bottom, position it in an appropriate location and fill it three-fourths full with soil. Plant your flowers or herbs.
Water Feature
Occasionally, a rancher will buy a new trough or sell all his livestock. Savvy humans can turn a whole, slightly used trough into the liner of a pond or water feature. If a hairline crack exists in the trough, apply a sealant to the crack.
Storage
After cleaning the trough with a mixture of bleach and water and wiping away any lingering moisture, it can act as a storage container for indoor items or boost valuable items off a floor. A gardener can even make compost in a plastic or metal trough or stockpile dirt, stone and mulch in the large, weatherproof tub.
Furniture
Many troughs are rectangular. With a little know-how, troughs can get a new life as furniture. Add a lid and pillows for an attractive outdoor storage bench. Create a wooden a back section to make a chair from the trough.
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