DIY Planter Projects to Add Greenery to Your Space

by

Adding greenery to your home not only enhances its aesthetic appeal but also creates a calming, fresh, and vibrant environment. But why settle for store-bought planters when you can make your own unique creations? DIY planter projects are a fun, creative, and budget-friendly way to personalize your space while showcasing your plants in style. With a little imagination and a few materials, you can craft planters that suit your home’s decor and add a personal touch to your greenery.

Here are some DIY planter projects to inspire your green thumb and elevate your space with natural beauty.

1. Upcycled Tin Can Planters

Turn empty tin cans into charming planters that add a rustic, industrial, or colorful vibe to your space. These planters are versatile and perfect for small plants like succulents or herbs.

What You’ll Need:

  • Clean tin cans (varying sizes work great)
  • Acrylic paint or spray paint
  • Paintbrushes
  • Hammer and nail (to create drainage holes)
  • Twine, ribbon, or stickers for decoration (optional)

How to Make It:

  1. Clean and remove any labels from the cans.
  2. Use a hammer and nail to carefully punch drainage holes at the bottom.
  3. Paint the cans in your desired color or pattern. Let them dry completely.
  4. Wrap twine or ribbon around the cans for added charm.
  5. Add soil and your favorite plants.

Pro Tip:

Group several tin can planters together on a windowsill for a cohesive display.

2. Hanging Macrame Planters

Macrame planters are a stylish way to elevate your greenery—literally! These hanging planters add a boho-chic vibe to any room and save floor or shelf space.

What You’ll Need:

  • Cotton macrame cord or twine
  • Scissors
  • A small pot or jar
  • A hook or dowel for hanging

How to Make It:

  1. Cut several equal lengths of cord (6–8 pieces) and tie them together at one end.
  2. Separate the cords into pairs and tie knots about 3–4 inches from the base knot.
  3. Continue knotting the cords to create a net-like structure for your planter.
  4. Place your plant pot in the center and secure it by tying the remaining cords at the top.
  5. Hang the planter from a hook or dowel.

Pro Tip:

Experiment with different knot styles to create unique macrame patterns.

3. Wooden Crate Planters

Transform an old wooden crate into a rustic planter that works indoors or outdoors. Perfect for larger plants or as a centerpiece for multiple smaller pots.

What You’ll Need:

  • Wooden crate (reclaimed or store-bought)
  • Sandpaper
  • Wood stain or paint
  • Plastic liner (optional)
  • Small pots or soil for direct planting

How to Make It:

  1. Sand the crate to remove rough edges and splinters.
  2. Stain or paint the crate in your desired color. Let it dry.
  3. Line the inside with plastic if you plan to plant directly in the crate.
  4. Add potted plants, or fill with soil and plant directly.

Pro Tip:

Label the front of the crate with stencils or chalkboard paint to identify your plants.

4. Mason Jar Herb Planter

Mason jars make adorable, space-saving planters for herbs in your kitchen. They’re perfect for small spaces and keep fresh herbs within arm’s reach while cooking.

What You’ll Need:

  • Mason jars
  • Small pebbles or gravel (for drainage)
  • Potting soil
  • Herb seeds or small herb plants
  • Twine or labels for customization

How to Make It:

  1. Add a layer of pebbles to the bottom of each jar for drainage.
  2. Fill the jars with potting soil, leaving about an inch of space at the top.
  3. Plant your herb seeds or small herb plants in the soil.
  4. Decorate the jars with twine, labels, or paint for a personalized touch.

Pro Tip:

Line up multiple jars on a kitchen windowsill for a practical and attractive herb garden.

5. Painted Terracotta Pots

Terracotta pots are a classic choice for plants, but you can make them unique by painting or decorating them to suit your style.

What You’ll Need:

  • Terracotta pots
  • Acrylic paint or spray paint
  • Paintbrushes or sponges
  • Painter’s tape (for clean lines)
  • Sealant (optional)

How to Make It:

  1. Clean the pots to remove any dirt or debris.
  2. Use painter’s tape to create patterns like stripes, chevrons, or geometric designs.
  3. Paint the pots in your chosen colors and let them dry.
  4. Apply a sealant for added durability, especially if using outdoors.
  5. Add soil and plants.

Pro Tip:

Metallic gold or silver accents look particularly luxe on painted terracotta pots.

6. Concrete Planters

DIY concrete planters are modern, durable, and surprisingly easy to make. They’re ideal for succulents, cacti, or other small plants.

What You’ll Need:

  • Quick-drying concrete mix
  • Water
  • Two containers (one large and one smaller for shaping)
  • Cooking spray or petroleum jelly
  • Sandpaper

How to Make It:

  1. Mix the concrete according to the package instructions.
  2. Spray the inside of the larger container and the outside of the smaller container with cooking spray.
  3. Pour the concrete into the larger container, then press the smaller container into the center to create the planter shape.
  4. Let it dry for 24–48 hours before removing the containers.
  5. Sand any rough edges and add a plant.

Pro Tip:

Add pigment to the concrete mix for a colored planter or press decorative elements (like pebbles) into the surface before it dries.

7. Pallet Planters

Reclaimed wooden pallets are incredibly versatile and can be turned into vertical planters for small spaces like balconies or patios.

What You’ll Need:

  • Wooden pallet
  • Sandpaper
  • Paint or wood stain
  • Plastic pots or fabric liners
  • Screws or nails

How to Make It:

  1. Sand and paint or stain the pallet for a finished look.
  2. Attach pots or liners to the slats using screws or nails.
  3. Fill the pots or liners with soil and plants.
  4. Lean the pallet against a wall or secure it upright.

Pro Tip:

Plant a mix of flowers, succulents, and herbs for a colorful and functional vertical garden.

8. Teacup Planters

Give old teacups new life by turning them into charming planters for small plants or succulents. They’re perfect for desks, shelves, or windowsills.

What You’ll Need:

  • Vintage or mismatched teacups
  • Small pebbles or gravel
  • Potting soil
  • Succulents or small plants

How to Make It:

  1. Add a layer of pebbles to the bottom of the teacup for drainage.
  2. Fill with potting soil and gently plant your succulent or small plant.
  3. Wipe the edges clean and display.

Pro Tip:

Pair several teacup planters together for a whimsical collection.

9. Wine Cork Magnets

Tiny plants like air plants or succulents can be displayed in wine corks turned into fridge magnets for a playful touch.

What You’ll Need:

  • Wine corks
  • Small magnets
  • Hot glue gun
  • Knife or drill
  • Small air plants or moss

How to Make It:

  1. Use a knife or drill to hollow out the center of the cork.
  2. Glue a magnet to the back of the cork.
  3. Add a small air plant or moss to the hollowed-out section.
  4. Attach the magnets to your fridge or any magnetic surface.

Pro Tip:

Paint or decorate the corks for a pop of color.

10. Book Planters

Old, hardcover books can be repurposed into quirky and creative planters for small plants. They’re great conversation pieces for your coffee table or bookshelf.

What You’ll Need:

  • An old hardcover book
  • Utility knife
  • Plastic liner
  • Hot glue
  • Soil and a small plant

How to Make It:

  1. Open the book and trace a rectangle on the pages to mark where the plant will go.
  2. Use a utility knife to hollow out the pages to create a shallow space.
  3. Line the hollowed-out section with plastic to protect the pages.
  4. Add soil and your plant.

Pro Tip:

Seal the edges of the book with glue to keep it intact.

FAQs

1. What are the easiest DIY planters for beginners?

Tin cans, mason jars, and painted terracotta pots are beginner-friendly and require minimal tools or expertise.

2. Can I use non-traditional items as planters?

Absolutely! Items like teacups, crates, or old books can all be repurposed into unique planters.

3. Do DIY planters need drainage holes?

Yes! Most plants require drainage holes to prevent overwatering. If your planter doesn’t have one, add a layer of pebbles for drainage.

4. What plants work best for DIY planters?

Succulents, herbs, and small houseplants like pothos or spider plants are ideal for DIY planters.

5. Can I make planters without spending money?

Yes! Use items you already have at home, like tin cans, jars, or leftover wood, for budget-friendly planters.

6. How do I waterproof DIY planters?

Use a plastic liner or apply a waterproof sealant to protect materials like wood or books.

7. Can I customize planters to match my decor?

Definitely! Paint, stain, or decorate your planters to fit your style and color scheme.

8. How do I care for plants in unconventional planters?

Make sure they receive adequate light and water, and be mindful of drainage to avoid overwatering.

9. Are air plants good for DIY projects?

Yes! Air plants are low-maintenance and don’t require soil, making them perfect for unique planter designs.

10. Can I make planters for outdoor use?

Of course! Use weather-resistant materials like concrete, treated wood, or metal for outdoor planters.

With these DIY planter projects, you can add greenery to your space in creative and stylish ways while reflecting your personal style. So grab your tools, get crafty, and let your green thumb shine!

Leave a Comment