Grow Plants with These Easy To Make DIY Planters

Creating a beautiful home garden doesn’t always require fancy pots or expensive supplies. You can create charming planters using items you already have on hand. DIY planters not only save money but are also a great way to recycle household items and add a personal touch to your green space. Have you thought of recycling items to make planters, but didn’t know where to start? Here are 5 of the simplest and creative planter ideas to get you started. I’ve also included a few tips to make them safe, attractive, and long-lasting so you can grow plants to create a lovely green oasis.

1. Tin can planters

Empty tin cans—who doesn’t have them at home? They make excellent upcycled planters for small plants. Clean the cans thoroughly and use a hammer and nail or a drill to make drainage holes at the bottom. Don’t skip this step as it’s essential to prevent root rot. You can paint them in bright colours or wrap them in jute rope for a rustic look. For extra safety, sand down any sharp edges around the rim.

Tip for durability: Coat the exterior with clear varnish or weather-resistant spray paint to protect against rust, especially if you plan to place them outdoors.

Best for: Herbs like basil and mint, or low-maintenance succulents.

2. Old shoe or boot planters

Don’t throw away your old shoes or boots—turn them into quirky planters! Rain boots or rubber shoes with thick soles make for both fun and functional additions to the garden. Make a few holes at the bottom or add pebbles to help with drainage, and fill them with potting soil.

Style idea: Arrange a few different shoes together to create a whimsical “shoe garden” near your doorstep or balcony.

Safety tip: Ensure the footwear is stable and won’t tip over easily, especially in windy weather.

Great for: Ferns, jade plants, or hardy perennials.

3. Plastic bottle planters

Do you have plastic bottles that you don’t want to send to the landfill? They are perfect for vertical or hanging gardens. Cut a large opening on one side of a 1 or 2-litre bottle, poke small holes at the bottom for drainage, and use twine or rope to create a hanging loop. Keep them plain, paint them with acrylics, or wrap them in fabric for a more decorative finish.

Safety tip: Always smooth out any sharp cut edges with sandpaper or seal with tape to avoid injury.

Best plants: Money plant, ivy, spider plant, or even strawberries plants for a sunny balcony.

4. Teacup or mug planters

Are you holding on to chipped or mismatched teacups because they hold a memory? You can turn them into charming planters for desks, windowsills, or kitchen counters. If it doesn’t have a drainage hole, layer with small stones before adding soil to prevent water from sitting at the roots.

Design tip: Group several different cups together on a tray for an eclectic display. Choose cups with delicate patterns or bold colours to match your décor.

Plant ideas: Cacti, succulents, or air plants, which require minimal watering.

5. Wooden crate or drawer planters

Don’t throw out old drawers or wooden crates. They can be transformed into rustic garden boxes. Line the interior with a plastic sheet or landscape fabric to prevent wood rot and help retain moisture. Drill a few drainage holes through the base before filling with soil.

Durability tip: Sand the wood smooth and coat it with weatherproof paint or a wood sealant to protect it from rain and sun.

Ideal for: Herbs, flowering plants, or leafy greens like lettuce and spinach.

DIY planters are a fun way to make your home or balcony garden more sustainable, creative, and personalised. All it takes is some time and creativity to transform everyday household items into planters that make your garden eco-friendly and full of life and colour.