Creating your own planters is an excellent way to add a personal touch to your indoor and outdoor spaces. DIY planters allow you to customize the size, style, and materials to fit your aesthetic while also saving money. Plus, gardening itself is a therapeutic activity that can bring a lot of joy and beauty to your home. Whether you’re an experienced gardener or a beginner looking to try your hand at creating planters, these easy DIY projects will help you transform your space.

In this article, we’ll explore a variety of simple and creative planter ideas you can make for both indoor and outdoor use. From upcycled materials to simple techniques, you’ll find a project that fits your style and skill level.

1. Upcycled Containers for Planters

1.1 Using Old Cans or Bottles

If you have empty cans or glass bottles lying around, they can easily be transformed into charming planters with minimal effort. The best part? You’re recycling materials you already have!

How to Do It: Clean your cans or bottles thoroughly, and make sure there are no sharp edges on metal cans. For a rustic look, you can paint them with a distressed finish or wrap them with twine or rope for a boho vibe.
Pro Tip: For drainage, simply poke a few holes in the bottom of the cans or bottles using a hammer and nail.

1.2 Upcycling Wooden Crates

Old wooden crates are perfect for creating larger planters that add a rustic touch to your garden or balcony. Plus, they’re easy to move around if you need to rearrange.

How to Do It: Stack two or three crates for a multi-level planter, or leave them as-is for a single box. You can paint them to match your outdoor decor or leave them unfinished for a more natural look.
Pro Tip: Line the inside with landscape fabric to keep soil in place and prevent water leakage.

2. Terracotta Pot Planters

2.1 Classic Terracotta Planters

Terracotta pots are one of the most popular and affordable planter options. These classic pots are not only easy to find but are perfect for DIY decorating projects.

How to Do It: You can paint, decoupage, or even use stencils to personalize plain terracotta pots. For a chic look, consider using a geometric design or soft pastel colors.
Pro Tip: Add a layer of pebbles or broken terracotta pieces at the bottom of the pot to improve drainage.

2.2 Stacked Terracotta Planters

Create a vertical garden using a stack of terracotta pots. This method is great for growing herbs or small plants and can save space in small gardens.

How to Do It: Stack the pots in a pyramid shape, securing them with a sturdy dowel or pole that runs through the center. Fill each pot with soil and plants of your choice.
Pro Tip: To prevent the pots from toppling over, make sure the base pot is larger and more stable than the others.

3. Concrete Planters for a Modern Look

3.1 DIY Concrete Planters

Concrete planters give your space a sleek, industrial vibe. While they might seem difficult to make, DIY concrete planters are surprisingly easy to create with just a few simple supplies.

How to Do It: Combine concrete mix with water and pour it into a mold (you can use old plastic containers, Tupperware, or even a cardboard box). Insert another smaller container into the mold to create the hollow space for planting. Let the concrete dry and set before removing the molds.
Pro Tip: Add texture by stamping designs into the wet concrete or by using different molds to create interesting shapes.

3.2 Concrete and Fiber Cement Combo Planters

For a more sophisticated look, combine concrete with fiber cement to create planters that are both durable and stylish.

How to Do It: After making a concrete planter, coat it with a layer of fiber cement. This gives the planter a smoother, more polished finish and adds extra durability.
Pro Tip: Sand the surface of the planter to create a sleek, smooth finish. Add a coat of sealant to protect the surface from the elements if using outdoors.

4. Hanging Planters for Vertical Gardens

4.1 Macramé Hanging Planters

Macramé hanging planters have made a comeback in recent years, offering a bohemian look to any space. They’re perfect for hanging small plants indoors or outdoors.

How to Do It: Use macramé cord to knot together a net-style holder for your plant pots. You can adjust the length of the hanging cords to create different levels of plants for a cascading effect.
Pro Tip: Use terracotta or ceramic pots for a vintage feel, and hang them near windows to give your plants plenty of sunlight.

4.2 DIY Floating Planters Using Recycled Materials

Create floating planters using materials like old wood, netting, or even plastic bottles. These planters can be suspended in the air or hung on a wall to maximize vertical space.

How to Do It: Cut an old plastic bottle in half, add some string or twine, and secure the plant to the hanging part. You can also create a shelf-style planter with recycled wood, allowing plants to hang freely in a minimalist design.
Pro Tip: Use lightweight plants such as ferns or ivy to prevent the floating planters from being weighed down.

5. Fabric Planters for Flexibility

5.1 Felt Planters for Modern, Stylish Containers

Felt planters are an affordable and trendy way to house your plants. These soft, flexible containers are perfect for smaller plants or indoor spaces. Felt is breathable, allowing your plants to thrive without becoming too moist.

How to Do It: Purchase pre-made felt planters, or create your own by sewing felt together into the shape of a bag. You can use fabric glue to seal the edges.
Pro Tip: Felt planters are available in various colors, so you can select a shade that matches your interior design.

5.2 DIY Fabric Planter Bags

Fabric planter bags are another versatile option that can be used both indoors and outdoors. These are especially great for growing herbs or vegetables.

How to Do It: Use heavy-duty fabric like canvas, and sew together a bag that can hold soil and plants. You can create several of these to arrange in a row or on a shelf.
Pro Tip: Choose fabric with a waterproof lining for extra durability, especially if you plan on using the planters outdoors.

6. Wooden Planters for a Rustic Look

6.1 Reclaimed Wood Planters

If you have old wooden pallets or leftover wood lying around, you can use them to create rustic wooden planters. This is a great way to repurpose materials and create eco-friendly decor.

How to Do It: Cut your wooden pallets into smaller pieces and nail them together to form a box. Sand the wood for a smoother finish and add a coat of paint or stain if desired.
Pro Tip: Line the inside with landscaping fabric to prevent soil from falling through the cracks.

6.2 Wooden Crate Planters

Wooden crates are an excellent DIY project for creating a simple and functional planter. These crates can hold multiple plants and are easy to personalize.

How to Do It: Use an old wooden crate, and either leave it as-is for a rustic look or paint it to match your space. Drill holes in the bottom for proper drainage.
Pro Tip: If using crates outdoors, make sure to treat the wood to protect it from the elements.

7. Indoor Planters with Decorative Accents

7.1 Decorative Ceramic Pots

Ceramic planters come in many shapes, sizes, and colors. You can find sleek, modern pots or hand-painted ones with intricate patterns for a more personalized touch. Use ceramic pots to add beauty and elegance to any room.

How to Do It: You can paint and decorate plain ceramic pots with acrylic paints or ceramic markers. If you prefer a more minimalist look, leave them as they are or add a simple geometric design.
Pro Tip: Choose a pot that complements your furniture or room’s color palette for a cohesive look.

7.2 Customized Wooden Planters

Wooden planters can be customized to match your interior decor style. Paint or stencil them with your favorite patterns, or carve your own designs into the surface for a truly unique piece.

How to Do It: Use unfinished wooden planters and decorate them with your favorite designs. Use stencils for easy geometric patterns or paint with bright colors for a cheerful look.
Pro Tip: Seal your wooden planters with a waterproof varnish to ensure they last longer, especially if used outdoors.

8. Conclusion

Creating your own DIY planters is a fun and creative way to bring life to your indoor and outdoor spaces. Whether you’re repurposing old materials or creating something from scratch, the possibilities are endless. Not only will you save money, but you’ll also have the satisfaction of knowing that you put your personal touch into your home decor.

FAQ

1. Can I use plastic containers for planters?

Yes, plastic containers are great for planters. Just ensure they have proper drainage by drilling holes in the bottom. You can also paint or decorate plastic containers for a more stylish look.

2. How do I prevent water from leaking out of my DIY planters?

You can line the inside of your DIY planters with plastic or landscape fabric to prevent water from leaking through. For wooden planters, you can also apply a waterproof sealant.

3. What are some low-maintenance plants for DIY planters?

Succulents, cacti, and herbs like basil or mint are great low-maintenance options for DIY planters. They require minimal watering and thrive in small spaces.

4. Can I make a planter from an old shoe or boot?

Yes, old shoes or boots can be repurposed into fun planters. Just ensure they have drainage holes, and you can create unique planters that add personality to your space.

5. How do I care for plants in DIY planters?

Make sure your plants get the right amount of sunlight, water them appropriately, and provide proper drainage. Ensure that the planter is not too large or too small for the plant’s root system.

6. What materials should I avoid when making planters?

Avoid using materials that can rot quickly, like untreated wood, or materials that don’t allow for drainage, like non-porous plastic containers.

7. How can I decorate my planters?

You can decorate your planters by painting them, adding stencils, using washi tape, wrapping them in twine, or even decoupaging them with fabric or paper.

8. Are fabric planters good for outdoor use?

Yes, fabric planters can be used outdoors. Just make sure to choose durable, weather-resistant fabrics and add a layer of protection to prevent them from getting damaged by the elements.

9. Can I grow vegetables in DIY planters?

Absolutely! Many vegetables such as tomatoes, lettuce, and peppers can thrive in DIY planters. Just ensure your planter is large enough to accommodate the plant’s root system.

10. How do I choose the right size planter for my plant?

Choose a planter that is slightly larger than the plant’s current pot to allow for growth. Avoid choosing a planter that is too large, as this can lead to overwatering and root rot.

Easy DIY Planters for Indoor and Outdoor Spaces