Skip to main content
EVENT TRACKER
Keep track of rescheduled, canceled industry events with our COVID-affected event tracker - Powered by Snap Finance
Close
Sister Publication Links
  • Rubber & Plastics News
  • European Rubber Journal
tb-logo
Subscribe
  • Login
  • Register
  • Subscribe
  • News
    • OPINION
    • CORONAVIRUS
    • AUTO INDUSTRY
    • BUSINESS/FINANCIAL
    • COMMERCIAL TIRE
    • FACTORY FIXES
    • GOVERNMENT & LAW
    • INTERNATIONAL
    • MOTOR SPORTS
    • NEW PRODUCTS
    • RETAIL TIRES
    • SERVICE ZONE
    • SEMA/AAPEX
    • SMALL BUSINESS
    • TIRE MAKERS
    • SPONSORED CONTENT
    • Tire Cologne canceled; rescheduled until 2022
      New round of Paycheck Protection Program funding opens
      Vaccine may usher sense of normalcy
      Cover-up: More retailers requiring face masks to curb COVID
    • Icahn Auto trims fiscal 2020 operating loss despite 14% lower sales
      Oshkosh unit gets contract for new USPS local delivery vehicle
      Sumitomo adds treadwear-detection to 'Sensor Core' toolkit
      New Porsche 911 GT3 to feature Michelin fitment
    • Icahn Auto trims fiscal 2020 operating loss despite 14% lower sales
      Oshkosh unit gets contract for new USPS local delivery vehicle
      Yokohama sets ambitious goals through 2023
      Conti recalling 94,000 Conti-, General-, Barum-brand LT/SUV tires
    • TravelCenters plans 6 TA Express sites in California in 2021
      Carlisle TyrFil broadens recycling technology options
      U.K. retreader Vaculug to promote tread rubber supplier Vipal
      TMC moves spring conference online, sets trade show for September
    • Oshkosh unit gets contract for new USPS local delivery vehicle
      Conti recalling 94,000 Conti-, General-, Barum-brand LT/SUV tires
      Cooper expands recall of Cooper, Mastercraft grand-touring tires
      DOT issues 13 tire plant ID codes in 2020
    • Yokohama sets ambitious goals through 2023
      OK Tire secures exclusivity for Blackhawk tire brand
      U.K. retreader Vaculug to promote tread rubber supplier Vipal
      Execs: Goodyear acquisition of Cooper will benefit dealers
    • Bridgestone World Solar Challenge canceled due to pandemic restrictions
      Pirelli, Goodyear ink sedan racing series contracts in Canada, Europe
      Goodyear extends partnership with Nürburgring race circuit
      BFG to support ATV/UTV racers in WORCS series
    • Michelin launching ‘eco-responsible' performance tire for sporty EVs
      Martins Industries launches products in 3 categories
      Carlisle TyrFil broadens recycling technology options
      New McLaren supercar incorporates Pirelli's Cyber Tyre system
    • Icahn Auto trims fiscal 2020 operating loss despite 14% lower sales
      Cooper recalling 430,000+ whitewall LT tires in multiple brands
      OK Tire secures exclusivity for Blackhawk tire brand
      NPW hires Switzer as national sales manager
    • Automotive Lift Institute introduces Check360 inspection, label
      Martins Industries launches products in 3 categories
      Marinucci: Effective road test may eliminate issues
      Our View: Shops must alter ways to attract, retain talent
    • SEMA scholarships and loan forgiveness now available
      WTC hosting webinar Jan. 20 on load-capacity standards
      Denver's Brian Sump named AAPEX Shop Owner of the Year
      DUB, TIS Wheels founder Myles Kovacs is SEMA Person of the Year
    • Trade groups oppose minimum wage increase proposal
      New stimulus package fixes PPP loan confusion
      Vaccine may usher sense of normalcy
      2020 Review: PPP loans give boost to small businesses
    • Michelin launching ‘eco-responsible' performance tire for sporty EVs
      Goodyear, Cooper deal creates tire production synergies
      Goodyear promotes Helsel to senior VP, global operations role
      Tire dealers see possibilities in Goodyear, Cooper deal
    • Sponsored By Yokohama Tire Company
      7 questions to ask consumers when they need tires for a crossover SUV
      Sponsored By Yokohama Tire Company
      Stocking Tires for Crossover SUVs
      Sponsored By AppointmentPlus
      Three Important Lessons Learned for the Tire Business During a Pandemic
      Sponsored By Yokohama Tire Company
      7 questions to ask consumers when they need tires for a crossover SUV
  • SHOP FLOOR
    • BALANCING
    • DEMOUNTING
    • SAFETY
    • TIRE REPAIR
    • TPMS
    • TRAINING
    • VEHICLE LIFTING
    • WHEEL TORQUE
    • Video: Balancing Tire
      Safety tips for wheel balancing
      An introduction to wheel balancing
      Wheel weights: Balancing form with function
    • Video: Demounting
      Tire changer types, tips and trends
      How to clear rim rust and corrosion
      An introduction to demounting, mounting and inflation
    • Video: Safety
      Customers
      Considerations for shop safety policies
      Introduction: Creating a culture of safety
    • Video: Tire Repair
      Essential tools, materials and equipment for tire repair
      An introduction to tire repair
      How to properly patch a puncture
    • Video: TMPS Service
      The life-saving work of TPMS
      An introduction to TPMS service
      The importance of proper relearn procedures
    • Video: Training
      Internship ideas to attract tech talent
      Choosing the right auto service tech school
      Intro: Finding and training technicians
    • Video:Vehicle Lifting
      The gravity of proper lift points
      Safety essentials when using jack stands
      An introduction to lifts and lift safety
    • Video: Wheel Torque
      The importance of torque specifications
      Introduction to proper wheel installation
      Torque check and recheck recommendations
  • Multimedia
    • VIDEOS
    • PHOTOS
    • PODCASTS
  • Events
    • ASK THE EXPERT
    • LIVESTREAMS
    • WEBINARS
    • SEMA LIVESTREAMS
  • Data
    • DATA STORE
  • Resources
    • DIRECTORY
    • CLASSIFIEDS
  • ADVERTISE
  • DIGITAL EDITION
  • Awards
    • Tire Dealer Humanitarian Award
MENU
Breadcrumb
  1. Home
  2. News
July 08, 2013 02:00 AM

How do I make a tire planter out of scrap tires?

  • Tweet
  • Share
  • Share
  • Email
  • More
    Print

    — Tire Business reporter Jennifer Karpus grabbed this question and rolled with it: "Since I started my position at Tire Business, I have had to go to my local tire/automotive aftermarket repair shop twice. The first time I walked in, I had the print edition of Tire Business in hand as I gathered up what I needed from the car before leaving it overnight. "The man behind the counter looked at me and asked, 'You read Tire Business? That's not the normal reading material for a woman in her 20s.' So you could imagine the look on another employee's face the second time I visited the shop and asked to keep my old tires for a project. "All across social media, I have seen beautiful tire planters. What a great way to help the environment by reusing tires that normally might get tossed in a dump. Making one also gave me an opportunity to try out my 'green thumb.' "I decided to start with two planters because I am really not that crafty of an individual and did not want to bite off more than I could chew. So here are the steps for making a tire planter: Getting the tires "The clerk told me I could take as many scrap tires as I wanted to make tire planters, so I grabbed two of my old tires and headed home. "After realizing that my process was going to involve cutting the tire with a knife and turning it inside out, I enlisted the help of my boyfriend, Doug, because not only am I not the 'craftiest' person, but I am also very accident prone. I am NOT saying a woman could not do this herself—but how else would I be able to take photos of the project? Prepping the tire "There is a simpler way to make a tire planter—just paint it and plop some dirt in it and plant whatever you want. However, making it fancier requires a few more steps. "Make sure to wash the tire so it's easier for the paint to adhere. Then mark up the tire so you know where to cut. You can make any kind of design you want. We basically drew half circles all the way around the bead of the tire using a paint marker and an old wonton soup container. Cutting "My boyfriend opted to use a box-cutter knife to do the cutting. It is harder to cut toward the inside of the tire—by the bead—because the rubber is thicker. You will cut this all in one piece because the bead part of the tire can become a base for the tire planter. When the cut portion comes out, it sort of looks like something a little kid might draw—with little sun beams coming out. Flipping "This is where things can start to get a little tricky. You need to flip the tire inside out so that the tread is on the inside and the nice flat surface is on the outside—where you will eventually paint. "The first tire we flipped one inside out, it was done on a nice, hot day. That made it much easier to manipulate the rubber—rather than when we tried it for the second tire on a rainy day. We waited until a nicer day but still had trouble flipping the second one. Ultimately, we decided to cut the bead part out on the bottom, too, so that it was easily 'flippable.' Painting "Once everything is flipped and ready to go, it's time to make it your own! We opted to use spray paint, figuring it would be easier. I have seen some awesome tire planters, though, that are intricately designed to the minutest detail. Since I did the majority of the painting, I went with one that was hot pink and bright green, then made one light blue with yellow polka dots. "Things to note about the paint: Use non-toxic paint—you will be planting things in there so you want to give them a fighting chance; use a primer, keeping in mind the same concept as when you are painting dark walls—if you want the colors you are choosing to show up on the tire, then you need a primer coat; and choose light colors—black tires absorb sunlight, so they can get really hot, which is not good for the plants that will be growing in them. Finishing touches "Once the paint dries, you can get your tire planter settled in for its new home. I have a courtyard area at home where I have put my two tire planters. I planted hot and bell peppers in one and parsley and basil in the other. Keep checking out Tire Business' Facebook page to see how they turn out! Already have tire planters? Post them to Tire Business' Facebook wall. — Have questions for Ms. Karpus? Call her at 330-865-6143 or email [email protected] More of a visual learner? Check out Tire Business' Facebook page for a photo gallery.

    Letter
    to the
    Editor

    Do you have an opinion about this story? Do you have some thoughts you'd like to share with our readers? Tire Business would love to hear from you. Email your letter to Editor Don Detore at [email protected].

    SIGN UP FOR NEWSLETTERS
    EMAIL ADDRESS

    Please enter a valid email address.

    Please enter your email address.

    Please verify captcha.

    Please select at least one newsletter to subscribe.

    Newsletter Center

    Staying current is easy with Tire Business delivered straight to your inbox.

    SUBSCRIBE TODAY

    Subscribe to Tire Business

    SUBSCRIBE
    Connect with Us
    • Facebook
    • LinkedIn
    • Twitter
    • RSS

    Our Mission

    Tire Business is an award-winning publication dedicated to providing the latest news, data and insights into the tire and automotive service industries.

    tb-logo
    Reader Services
    • Contact Us
    • About Us
    • Site Map
    • Industry Sites
    • Order Reprints
    • Customer Service: 877-320-1716
    Partner Sites
    • Rubber & Plastics News
    • European Rubber Journal
    • Automotive News
    • Plastics News
    • Plastics News China
    • Urethanes Technology
    RESOURCES
    • Advertise
    • Privacy Policy
    • Privacy Request
    • Terms of Service
    • Media Guide
    • Editorial Calendar
    • Classified Rates
    • Digital Edition
    • Careers
    • Ad Choices Ad Choices
    Copyright © 1996-2021. Crain Communications, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
    • News
      • OPINION
      • CORONAVIRUS
      • AUTO INDUSTRY
      • BUSINESS/FINANCIAL
      • COMMERCIAL TIRE
      • FACTORY FIXES
      • GOVERNMENT & LAW
      • INTERNATIONAL
      • MOTOR SPORTS
      • NEW PRODUCTS
      • RETAIL TIRES
      • SERVICE ZONE
      • SEMA/AAPEX
      • SMALL BUSINESS
      • TIRE MAKERS
      • SPONSORED CONTENT
    • SHOP FLOOR
      • BALANCING
      • DEMOUNTING
      • SAFETY
      • TIRE REPAIR
      • TPMS
      • TRAINING
      • VEHICLE LIFTING
      • WHEEL TORQUE
    • Multimedia
      • VIDEOS
      • PHOTOS
      • PODCASTS
    • Events
      • ASK THE EXPERT
      • LIVESTREAMS
      • WEBINARS
      • SEMA LIVESTREAMS
    • Data
      • DATA STORE
    • Resources
      • DIRECTORY
      • CLASSIFIEDS
    • ADVERTISE
    • DIGITAL EDITION
    • Awards
      • Tire Dealer Humanitarian Award