Ready to give your plants a home that’s just as pretty as they are? These DIY planter ideas are fun, simple, and perfect for summer.
No fancy tools or big budgets needed—just a little creativity and a free afternoon. Each one comes with an easy way to make it feel totally unique and full of personality.
Time to get those hands a little dirty and let your plants show off in style!
1. Painted Terracotta Pots
Plain terracotta pots transform into stunning decor with just a coat of paint and your imagination. Use acrylic paint for vibrant designs or chalk paint for a vintage look. Geometric patterns work wonderfully for beginners.
Try color blocking or ombre effects for modern appeal. Seal your masterpiece with clear spray sealer to protect against water damage and ensure your artwork lasts through the seasons.
2. Mason Jar Herb Garden
Those extra mason jars in your pantry can become charming homes for fresh herbs. Mount them on a wooden board with metal clamps for an instant kitchen garden that saves counter space.
Label each jar with chalkboard paint tags or etched glass. Remember to add small rocks at the bottom for drainage before adding soil, as mason jars don’t have drainage holes.
3. Concrete Geometric Planters
Mixing concrete has never been so rewarding! Create modern geometric planters using silicone molds or by fashioning your own from plastic containers and cardboard.
Add a pop of color by painting portions with metallic or neon paint. For an industrial-chic look, leave them raw but sand the edges smooth for a professional finish that won’t scratch surfaces.
4. Macramé Plant Hangers
Channel your inner bohemian with knotted macramé hangers that showcase trailing plants beautifully. All you need is cotton rope and basic knotting techniques that are easier than they look.
Customize with wooden beads or dip-dye the ends for a colorful twist. Varying the lengths creates visual interest when you group multiple hangers together near a sunny window.
5. Upcycled Tin Can Planters
Give food cans a second life instead of tossing them in the recycling bin. Remove labels, sand rough edges, and punch drainage holes before painting with rust-resistant outdoor paint.
Create patterns using tape for clean lines or try decoupage with decorative napkins. Arrange different sizes in a cluster for a charming vignette that costs almost nothing to create.
6. Wooden Crate Vertical Garden
Wooden crates mounted on a fence or wall create an impressive vertical garden with minimal effort. Line with landscape fabric before adding soil to prevent dirt from falling through the slats.
Stain or paint the crates in coordinating colors for a cohesive look. Plant cascading flowers in the top crates and herbs in the lower ones for both beauty and function in one stunning display.
7. Log Planter
Fallen tree branches become naturally beautiful planters with just a few power tools. Hollow out the center with a drill and chisel, creating a deep enough cavity for plant roots and soil.
Seal the inside with waterproof sealant to prevent rotting. The natural bark exterior adds organic texture to your space while housing ferns or succulents in eco-friendly style.
8. Teacup Succulent Gardens
Vintage teacups from thrift stores make adorable homes for mini succulents. Their shallow depth is perfect for these low-maintenance plants that don’t need deep roots.
Add a layer of activated charcoal before the soil to keep things fresh. Display on saucers or arrange several in a vintage wooden drawer for a whimsical collection that brings charm to any tabletop.
9. Wine Bottle Planters
Empty wine bottles transform into sleek modern planters with a glass cutter and some sandpaper. Cut horizontally for traditional planters or vertically for hanging designs.
Smooth all edges thoroughly for safety. The green or amber glass creates a beautiful filtered light effect when placed near windows, making these perfect for small herbs or water-rooted cuttings.
10. Hanging Coconut Shell Planters
Coconut shells provide natural, biodegradable planters with tropical flair. After enjoying the coconut meat, clean the shells thoroughly and drill drainage holes in the bottom.
Attach strong jute rope through three equidistant holes near the rim for hanging. These lightweight planters work beautifully with air plants, small ferns, or trailing vines that complement their exotic appearance.
11. Cinderblock Garden
Humble cinderblocks become architectural garden features when stacked creatively. Their holes provide perfect planting pockets for succulents or colorful annuals.
Paint them in bright colors or leave them natural for an industrial look. Arrange in steps, zigzags or straight lines to create boundaries for garden beds while adding vertical planting space.
12. Hanging Shoe Organizer Garden
Fabric shoe organizers hang easily on fences or balcony railings, creating instant vertical gardens. Each pocket holds enough soil for herbs, strawberries, or flowers in small spaces.
Poke drainage holes in each pocket bottom with a hot needle. Choose a dark-colored organizer that won’t show dirt stains and will absorb heat for plants that love warm soil.
13. Painted Rock Planters
Smooth, flat rocks from your garden become charming mini planters with a little creativity. Hollow out a depression with a drill, then smooth the cavity with sandpaper for tiny succulents.
Paint whimsical designs on the exterior—ladybugs, geometric patterns, or even faces. These pocket-sized gardens make perfect gifts or desk accessories that bring nature indoors in the smallest spaces.
14. Hanging Basket Chandelier
Wire hanging baskets transform into dramatic plant chandeliers with a bit of imagination. Connect multiple baskets at different heights using chains or strong wire to create tiers.
Line with moss before adding soil and cascading flowers. Hang in a corner with good light for a stunning focal point that draws the eye upward and maximizes your growing space.
15. Book Planter
Old hardcover books become conversation-starting planters with a few clever cuts. Hollow out the pages using a craft knife, leaving about an inch border around the edges.
Seal the interior cavity with waterproof glue or plastic liner before adding soil. Choose drought-tolerant plants like succulents that need minimal watering to protect the book’s structure over time.
16. Colorful Rain Boot Planters
Outgrown or leaky rain boots get a cheerful second life as garden planters. Drill drainage holes in the soles before filling with potting mix.
Kids’ boots work perfectly for small flowers while adult sizes can handle larger plants. Arrange in pairs or mix different colored boots for a playful garden accent that brightens rainy days.
17. Rope-Wrapped Plastic Planters
Transform ordinary plastic pots into designer-looking planters with sisal or jute rope and hot glue. Start at the bottom and work your way up, gluing as you go.
Add interest by alternating rope colors or incorporating braided sections. This simple technique adds texture and warmth to inexpensive containers while hiding any cracks or faded areas.