Looking to spruce up your porch with a personal touch? DIY planters are a simple and creative way to add charm, color, and style to your outdoor space. From upcycled treasures to handmade containers, these ideas offer something for every porch size and aesthetic. Each one is easy to customize using items you may already have. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, here are 22 porch planter ideas you can make yourself.
1. Turn Wooden Crates into Garden Charmers
Upcycle old fruit or wine crates into rustic garden boxes with loads of character. Sand the surfaces to smooth out rough edges and apply a fresh stain or color. Drill small holes on the bottom to allow water to drain easily. Fill each crate with rich soil suited to your chosen plants. Add flowers, herbs, or small shrubs to bring the display to life. Arrange the crates in tiers or side-by-side for a welcoming entryway.
2. Build a Tiered Ladder Garden
A wooden step ladder makes a charming vertical garden centerpiece. Paint it a color that pops or matches your home’s trim. Use each step as a shelf for a pot or planter of your choice. Mix plant types for a rich blend of textures and heights. Herbs, cascading flowers, and succulents all thrive here. Place it in a sunny corner to show off your creative flair.
3. Fill Galvanized Tubs with Flower Power
Galvanized tubs are sturdy and give off a cozy farmhouse feel. Choose tubs in different sizes to create depth and dimension. Add planting mix and arrange vibrant flowers with complementary colors. Incorporate foliage like ferns or ornamental grasses for contrast. Group the tubs on one side of the porch or flank your steps with them. The result is a bold, cheerful burst of greenery.
4. Hang a Trio of Blooming Baskets
Hanging baskets create instant vertical interest for your porch. Use three in matching or complementary colors and stagger their heights. Choose plants that spill gracefully over the edges like ivy or fuchsia. Keep them evenly spaced to avoid crowding and encourage even growth. Water regularly since hanging containers dry out quickly. This setup adds a soft and inviting touch to your entrance.
5. Craft Modern Concrete Container Gardens
Concrete planters offer a sleek, modern option for porch decor. Use plastic bins or boxes as molds and pour quick-set concrete inside. After curing, smooth the edges and remove the mold. Choose hardy plants like succulents or ornamental grasses for a minimalist vibe. Their neutral tone lets greenery take center stage. Group them in sets for a sculptural effect.
6. Line Up Whimsical Rain Boot Planters
Turn colorful old rain boots into quirky and cheerful planters. Rinse them clean and drill small drainage holes in the bottom. Add potting mix and plant with vibrant annuals or herbs. Their height works well for porch steps or corners. Bright colors add personality and a playful mood. Kids especially love helping with this fun DIY idea.
7. Design Custom Painted Terra Cotta Pots
Transform plain clay pots into charming porch pieces with a splash of paint. Use patterns, names, or seasonal motifs for a personal touch. Seal with outdoor varnish to protect your design. Fill them with herbs, blooms, or ornamental grasses. Place them in clusters or as accents beside your door. They’re a budget-friendly way to show off your style.
8. Add a Window Box for Vertical Beauty
Window boxes help bring greenery up to eye level and soften railings or walls. Secure brackets and choose a box long enough for visual impact. Mix in trailing plants and flowering annuals for volume. Add slow-release fertilizer to keep plants fed. Water often since shallow boxes dry quickly. They’re perfect for adding curb appeal in compact areas.
9. Make an Old Chair Bloom Again
An old chair becomes a standout planter with a few tweaks. Remove the seat and insert a plastic liner or shallow container. Paint or distress the frame for extra charm. Fill with cheerful flowers or trailing ivy. Tuck it into a cozy porch corner for a vintage touch. It’s a smart way to recycle furniture into garden art.
10. Lean a Pallet for Rustic Wall Planting
Wood pallets make great vertical planters with minimal tools. Sand the wood and add planting pockets or mounted pots. Fill with herbs, succulents, or trailing greens. Lean the pallet securely against a wall or railing. It’s a compact solution for growing plants in small spaces. Add labels or signs for extra personality.
11. Stack Upcycled Drawers for Layers of Color
Stack old drawers to build a tiered garden box with vintage flair. Secure each one at an angle for stability and drainage. Paint in bright colors or leave them rustic. Use for herbs, marigolds, or lettuce. Place the tower on your porch for height and character. It’s a fun way to reuse furniture parts.
12. Use Baskets as Porch-Friendly Planters
Wicker or woven baskets offer lightweight and textural appeal. Line them with plastic or coconut liner to retain soil. Use shallow-rooted plants like pansies, herbs, or ferns. Set them on steps or tables or hang from rails. Their natural material blends beautifully with porch decor. Rotate seasonally for fresh displays year-round.
13. Style a Vintage Birdcage Garden
Old birdcages make whimsical holders for plants. Remove the bottom or place a liner inside. Fill with moss, trailing vines, or fairy garden touches. Hang from a hook or display on a table. Try wrapping fairy lights around it for a magical glow. It’s a romantic and creative planter idea.
14. Display Your House Number with Planters
Combine style and function with a planter address display. Paint numbers onto large pots or stencil them for precision. Fill the planters with bold, contrasting plants. Place near your front steps for visibility and charm. It makes your home easier to spot and adds curb appeal. Guests will love the personal touch.
15. Repurpose a Tool Caddy into a Mini Herb Garden
A wooden toolbox or caddy is great for a compact herb garden. Either line the inside or set small pots inside it. Grow kitchen essentials like basil, thyme, or mint. Label each plant for convenience. Keep it close to your door for easy harvesting. It’s rustic, handy, and smells amazing.
16. Transform an Old Suitcase into a Planter
A vintage suitcase adds quirky charm when turned into a planter. Drill drainage holes and line with plastic sheeting. Add soil and vibrant flowers or trailing vines. Keep the lid open for a layered look. Place on a stand to elevate and protect it. It’s ideal for flea market finds or attic treasures.
17. Build a Vertical Gutter Garden Wall
Use old rain gutters to create a slim vertical garden. Cut to length and attach to wood backing or a fence. Add small drainage holes and fill with shallow-rooted plants. Great for lettuce, herbs, or petunias. Paint the gutters for a modern or rustic style. It’s a clever use of space on narrow porches.
18. Brighten the Porch with Painted Tin Cans
Tin cans are perfect for cheerful, budget-conscious planters. Clean and paint in fun colors or patterns. Poke holes in the bottom for drainage. Attach to wood or hang with rope for a vertical display. Fill with compact blooms like violas or moss rose. They’re fun for kids to help decorate too.
19. Stack a Tower of Blooming Baskets
Create a vertical garden by stacking baskets in a tower. Use sturdy rods or a frame to hold them in place. Plant a variety of flowers, herbs, or even strawberries. Mix textures and colors to create drama. It’s a showstopper piece for any porch corner. Add a solar light on top for nighttime charm.
20. Hang Mason Jars for a Rustic Garden Touch
Mason jars make sweet planters when mounted creatively. Attach with hose clamps to a board or hang with wire. Fill with pebbles, soil, and tiny plants or herbs. Great for decorating walls or narrow spaces. Paint the lids or use colored glass for a pop. They’re simple, charming, and space-efficient.
21. Use a Tree Stump as a Natural Pedestal
Turn a stump into a rustic stand for your porch planters. Choose a flat, level surface for stability. Stack one or more pots for vertical interest. Pair it with ferns or woodland flowers for harmony. The texture and height add visual weight. It’s nature-inspired DIY decor at its finest.
22. Fill Metal Buckets with Garden Goodness
Metal buckets bring vintage farmhouse charm to any space. Drill holes for drainage and layer gravel and soil. Use for daisies, geraniums, or trailing petunias. Group in odd numbers for balance. Over time, the metal ages into a lovely patina. They’re durable, versatile, and full of character.
Bring Your Porch to Life
With a little creativity and a few supplies, your porch can become a blooming showcase of style. These planter ideas suit any skill level and budget. From rustic crates to sleek concrete, there’s a container for everyone. Repurpose old items, paint personal touches, and try new arrangements. You’ll not only enhance your entryway but enjoy the process too. Now’s the perfect time to grab some plants and make your porch shine!
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