Grow a large or small garden with these planter ideas
It is that time of year and creating a backyard oasis can be as simple as adding a few new planters to your space. Don’t overspend on outdoor planters from stores and create your own DIY planters.
Whether you need a large space to grow vegetables or simple small painted pots for succulents, this list has a planter idea for you.
What can you use instead of a pot as a planter?
- Wheelbarrow
- Recyclables (check out the fun family-friendly ideas)
- Buckets
- Old wooden gutter
- Wood shims to create a box
- Leftover cedar wood
- Pallet wood
- Logs
- An old wagon
- Concrete
- Grow bags
- K-cups make great seed starters

But don’t discount what you can create with painted terracotta pots. We absolutely love the ones on this list and sometimes they are super simple to complete.
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Now if you are looking at these planters and don’t feel you have a green thumb, you may want to check out these tips for when it comes to planting from Remodelholic.
Creative DIY Garden Planter Ideas
Whether you are looking for a place to grow flowers or vegetables, these are some amazing gardening container ideas to try. Enjoy being creative and using your green thumb!
DIY Wooden Planter Ideas
Here are 10 DIY wooden garden planters from raised garden boxes to small wooden planters made out of wood shims. Spend an hour or whole weekend making these projects for your backyard.
How to Build Your Own DIY Vertical Garden Wall
How beautiful is this diy planter? We love how the terracotta pots act like artwork framed by the wood. Because it is vertical I am sure this planter would fit in many backyards.
How To Build DIY Raised Garden Boxes & Beds
Create these large cedar planter boxes to grow the garden of your dreams. From herbs to veggies you will love having these raised garden boxes in your backyard.
How to Make A Beautiful Wooden Hanging Plant Stand In 30 Minutes!
If you love hanging planters, but really don't have anywhere to hang them from you will want to check out this wooden DIY plant stand.
DIY Hanging Planter, Boho House Plant Hanger
We love this simple and fun boho planter. We love all DIY projects that reuse things you already have (even the trees in your yard).
Wood Shim Planter Box: a DIY that's easy enough to tackle!
If you don't like power tools, this DIY wood project is for you. Use wood shims to create this simple planter box idea.
Pallet Wood Planter
This unique wooden planter is the perfect way to display succulents. We love the multi-tiered look and it seems like a pretty simple woodworking project to build.
How to Build a Bee Garden from a Wood Pallet
Create this cute vertical garden planter out of an old pallet. Not only are you helping the bees, but giving yourself a great place to plant those flowers.
Display Your Plants with This Hanging Rope Shelf
We love this simple and easy rope hanging planter idea. You could build this shelf in one weekend and have your plants ready to grow!
Wooden DIY Planter Box
We love projects that use leftover material and no one wants to waste expensive cedarwood. This small planter idea is the perfect use to create something beautiful with your leftover wood.
Log Raised Beds: A Free Raised Bed Solution
Improve the quality of your soil and use wood you may already have to create these log-lined raised beds.
Painted Flower Pot Idea
There are so many fun ways you can change a simple terracotta pot into a centerpiece for your flowers and herbs. We love these 6 small planter ideas.
Easy DIY Herb Garden Planter Idea
These super cute and easy DIY planters are an easy way to grow those herbs this summer. We love the simplicity and are suckers for wooden chalkboard labels!
Faux Chalkboard Herb Pots: plant your herbs in these cute terracotta pots!
Instead of attaching labels, why not just paint terracotta pots a fun color and add a small swipe of chalkboard paint. Super easy DIY painted pot idea that anyone can do.
Make Easy DIY Marbled Pots With Spray Paint To Showcase Those Plants
We just love these faux marbled planters. Who wouldn't want to display their plants in these beautiful pots? Not to mention, no one will know how cheaply you were able to create this marbled paint pattern using spray paint.
DIY African Mud Cloth Painted Planter
Using a paint pen (these are our favorites) and a simple terracotta planter, you are able to create amazing designs for a fraction of the cost. Repeat lines and patterns to create a modern look (just don't try to be too perfect as the imperfect is what makes the designs).
DIY Concrete Planter
Get the whole family involved in creating these planter ideas. We love the rustic look and feel of these fun concrete forms.
Buffalo Plaid Painted Pots (with video tutorial)
Okay, so I think we all need to stock up on terracotta pots (little or big). These painted planter ideas are endless and can really add a special touch to your home or outdoor space.
Repurposed Planters
Using items you already have to help create your garden can save you money and be helpful for the environment. We love these creative and unique repurposed planters.
Old Wooden Gutter Repurposed As a Planter
We love a good repurposed project and using this old wooden gutter as a planter sure fits the bill. So look around your home and see what you have that could be used as a DIY planter.
Create a Vintage Wagon Garden Planter in 30 Minutes
Have your kids grown up and you have an old wagon lying around? Check out the fun way you can turn an old wagon into a DIY planter! This is an amazing option for your front porch or deck!
DIY Upcycled Milk Jug Planters
The whole family can get involved in creating their own milk jug planter idea. Even using different markers or paint to personalize these DIY planters. This sounds like a fun activity on our next sunny Spring day.
Vegetables you can Grow in Bags
Don't have space, but really want some fresh herbs or vegetables. Who would have thought you could use grow bags as a DIY planter. For the price of these bags, it might be worth just trying for fun!
DIY Tipped Wheelbarrow Planter
Don't trash that old wheelbarrow! Use it as a fun DIY planter idea. You just might have to treat it with outdoor paint that will help stop rust first.
DIY Monster Planters: A Recycled Masterpiece
Teach your children about recycling and repurposing items while creating a new tiny DIY planter. The kids will love watching the "hair" grow!
Reuse K-Cups for Your Garden
Use your old K-cups to help start your garden. Get those organic seeds growing by starting to reuse what you already have at home.
Bonus Planter Ideas
So as always, as soon as we publish a list of our favorite things we end up making more or finding more awesome ideas!
Easy Painted Flower Pot Ideas You Can Do Right Now
All you need is a little acrylic paint and terracotta pots to create these fun and EASY painted pot designs. No artistic license needed.
Follow us on Pinterest, Youtube or Facebook for more DIY inspiration!
Christine
Wednesday 31st of March 2021
I am all about gardening on budget so I love this ideas! Great list and so inspiring.
Erin
Friday 2nd of April 2021
Hi Christine. I am glad you love some of these budget-friendly gardening ideas. I hope your garden turns out great!
Louise O'Boyle
Wednesday 31st of March 2021
I absolutely love your ideas. Like many people in my neighbourhood I've started some gardening to enjoy some wonderful flowers and vegetables in summer. I love the idea of building your own planter boxes. I'll be giving this a go!
Erin
Friday 2nd of April 2021
Hi Louise. We absolutely love our DIY raised garden boxes. Our daughter is super excited to get planting this year!
Dara @The Roots of Home
Wednesday 17th of March 2021
So many great ideas! Thanks for sharing my wooden gutter repurposed as a planter. I'm pinning this for future reference!
Erin
Wednesday 17th of March 2021
Thanks, Dara. We love all the awesome planter ideas for gardeners and non-gardeners alike!