5 Easy DIY Planters You Can Make from Household Items

Transform Tin Cans into Chic DIY Planters

One of the simplest ways to craft stylish DIY planters is by repurposing empty tin cans. These everyday items are incredibly versatile and ideal for growing herbs, succulents, or small flowers. Start by removing the label and cleaning the can thoroughly. Use a hammer and nail to add drainage holes at the bottom.

Paint the exterior with weatherproof spray paint or wrap it in twine, burlap, or fabric for a rustic or modern look. Hang them on a wooden board, arrange them on a windowsill, or group them in a centerpiece. Tin can planters are a budget-friendly, eco-conscious solution for upcycling kitchen waste into functional garden decor.

Use Mason Jars for Rustic Charm

Mason jars are a DIY favorite—and for good reason. They bring instant rustic elegance and are perfect for creating small indoor DIY planters. Fill the bottom with pebbles for drainage, then add potting soil and a plant like basil, thyme, or succulents. These jars work well in kitchens or on sunny windowsills.

To elevate their appeal, wrap them with wire to hang from a wall or mount them on a wooden board for a vertical herb garden. You can also paint or frost the glass for a unique finish. Mason jar planters combine function and farmhouse style while making use of common household items.

Turn Old Boots into Whimsical DIY Planters

Don’t toss out those old rubber boots—turn them into one-of-a-kind DIY planters. Their built-in structure makes them ideal for holding soil, and their quirky shape adds personality to porches and garden beds. Drill a few holes in the soles for drainage, fill them with soil, and plant vibrant annuals or cascading greenery.

You can keep the original color for a playful touch or repaint them with bold designs or chalkboard paint for a customizable look. Line multiple pairs along a fence or use a single boot as a garden conversation piece. Boot planters are a creative way to bring character and sustainability to your garden setup.

Recycle Tea Tins for Compact Plant Displays

Tea tins, with their sturdy build and decorative finishes, make charming DIY planters for small plants and succulents. Clean the tins thoroughly and use a nail or drill to add drainage holes. Line the base with small stones, then fill with potting mix suited to your plant of choice.

Display them on shelves, window ledges, or grouped on a tray for a curated mini garden. You can also coordinate tins by brand or color scheme to create an aesthetic arrangement. Tea tins are excellent for low-maintenance plants and make wonderful gifts when paired with handwritten plant care tags.

Repurpose Colanders for Vintage Appeal

Old metal or plastic colanders offer excellent drainage and vintage style—making them perfect for creative DIY planters. Their perforated bottoms eliminate the need for drilling, and their bowl shape provides ample space for root systems. Line the inside with coconut fiber or landscape fabric to retain soil, then fill with your favorite flowers or herbs.

Set colanders on tables or hang them with chains for a suspended planter look. You can also paint them in pastel tones or metallic finishes to match your decor. Colander planters blend retro flair with garden function, adding playful charm to any outdoor space.

Craft Hanging DIY Planters from Plastic Bottles

Plastic bottles are among the most accessible materials for creating DIY planters, and they’re incredibly versatile. Cut them in half horizontally to make a simple tabletop planter, or slice out a side section and turn them into hanging planters with some string and holes for suspension. Always puncture drainage holes in the base before adding soil.

Decorate the bottles with paint, washi tape, or fabric scraps to suit your space. Hang them from fences, balcony railings, or a DIY trellis for a vertical garden. This project reduces waste while offering a creative outlet that both kids and adults can enjoy.

Convert Coffee Mugs into Mini Indoor Planters

Old coffee mugs make excellent DIY planters for small indoor plants, succulents, or even starting herbs from seed. Their compact size and solid base make them ideal for countertops, windowsills, or office desks. While most mugs lack drainage holes, you can add a gravel layer at the bottom to protect roots from waterlogging.

Mix and match mugs for an eclectic display or coordinate them for a uniform look. Add chalkboard labels for a personalized touch, or glue them to wooden planks for a quirky wall-mounted garden. Repurposing mugs is a great way to give chipped or mismatched sets new life.

Style Upcycled Drawers into Tiered Planter Boxes

Old dresser drawers are perfect for building multi-layered DIY planters that make a bold statement in any garden or patio. Stack drawers at different angles for a cascading effect, or line them up horizontally for a more structured planter bed. Drill drainage holes, paint or stain the wood, and line them with plastic or landscape fabric before adding soil.

Plant a mix of trailing flowers, foliage, and edible herbs for a lush, layered effect. This is an ideal weekend project that turns bulky furniture waste into functional garden decor with serious visual appeal. Upcycled drawers add charm and volume to your outdoor space with minimal expense.

Make Terrariums from Old Glassware

Repurposing unused glassware—like vases, fishbowls, or even light bulbs—into terrariums is a stylish way to create self-contained DIY planters. These glass vessels are perfect for housing succulents, moss, or air plants in decorative arrangements. Add pebbles, activated charcoal, and soil in layers before introducing your plants.

Terrariums work well indoors, especially in rooms with indirect light. Their low-maintenance nature makes them a favorite for offices and modern home decor. Embellish them with natural elements like bark, stones, or shells for a curated look. Glass terrariums offer a sophisticated, eco-friendly twist on indoor plant styling.

Design Book Planters for Unique Conversation Pieces

Book lovers can turn old, damaged hardcovers into charming DIY planters. Choose a thick book and hollow out the center of its pages with a craft knife. Line the cavity with plastic or foil to protect the paper, then add a shallow layer of soil and a small succulent or cactus.

Book planters are great decorative items for desks, bookshelves, or coffee tables. Use vintage covers for a nostalgic feel or personalize with hand-painted titles. Just be sure to pick plants that don’t require deep root systems. These planters turn forgotten tomes into one-of-a-kind displays that combine art, literature, and horticulture.

Turn Light Bulbs into Air Plant Ornaments

Used incandescent light bulbs can be transformed into stunning DIY planters for air plants. Carefully remove the filament and interior parts, rinse the glass, and leave the bulb hollow. Air plants don’t require soil, making them the perfect choice for these delicate glass displays.

Hang the bulbs with twine or wire from a driftwood branch, a curtain rod, or a ceiling hook to create an airy, modern plant chandelier. Add decorative sand, moss, or tiny stones to anchor the base. These unique ornaments serve as elegant, space-saving planters with a contemporary twist.

Use Egg Cartons for Seed Starting Planters

Cardboard or paper egg cartons are ideal for starting seeds and make excellent temporary DIY planters. Cut off the lid and poke drainage holes in each cell. Fill with seed-starting mix, plant your seeds, and water gently. Label the rows to track what you’ve sown.

Once seedlings are strong enough, cut apart the cells and transplant them directly into your garden—carton and all. The biodegradable material breaks down naturally, feeding the soil as it decomposes. Egg carton planters are cost-effective and sustainable, especially for early-season propagation or teaching kids about plant growth.

Create Hanging Baskets from Woven Bags

Reusable woven shopping bags or market totes can be easily converted into hanging DIY planters. Their breathable fabric allows for drainage, and the built-in handles make mounting simple. Line the interior with plastic or landscape fabric to retain soil while still letting excess water escape.

Hang these bags from fences, balcony railings, or porch hooks. Fill them with herbs, ferns, or trailing flowers to create lush, vertical displays. Coordinate bag colors with your outdoor decor for a personalized look. Woven bag planters bring both style and sustainability to any garden or patio.

Repurpose Paint Cans into Bold Planters

Empty metal paint cans are perfect candidates for bold, industrial-style DIY planters. Clean the interior thoroughly and punch drainage holes at the base. Their clean, cylindrical shape complements modern and minimalist aesthetics.

Paint the exterior in solid colors, patterns, or chalkboard paint for labeling herbs and plant types. Attach a handle for easy moving or mounting, and cluster several cans together for a uniform display. Paint can planters are durable, versatile, and surprisingly chic when styled with intention.

Use Milk Jugs as Hanging or Wall Planters

Plastic milk jugs offer a practical, upcycled solution for hanging or mounted DIY planters. Cut off the top third at an angle, keeping the handle intact for easy hanging. Poke drainage holes in the bottom, then fill with soil and plant your desired flowers or greens.

Hang them on hooks, nails, or fences, or attach them to a board for a grid-style vertical garden. Decorate with paint or adhesive paper to match your theme. Milk jug planters are light, easy to handle, and a fantastic way to reduce plastic waste while greening your surroundings.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best household items to turn into DIY planters?

Great household items for DIY planters include tin cans, mason jars, old boots, tea tins, and coffee mugs. You can also use drawers, light bulbs, egg cartons, colanders, and even plastic bottles. These everyday objects are often overlooked but provide creative shapes, built-in drainage, or unique textures. Choose containers based on your plant’s needs and aesthetic preferences. Make sure each item is clean, structurally sound, and has drainage holes or a layer of rocks to prevent root rot. With a little imagination, almost anything in your home can become a charming and functional DIY planter.

Do DIY planters need drainage holes?

Yes, most DIY planters benefit greatly from having drainage holes. Proper drainage prevents water from collecting at the bottom of the container, which can lead to root rot, mold, and plant stress. If your upcycled item doesn’t have holes—like mugs, jars, or tins—either drill a few into the base or add a drainage layer using pebbles, gravel, or activated charcoal. For plants like succulents or cacti, drainage is especially important. Ensuring that water flows freely from your DIY planter keeps your plants healthy and makes the project more successful in the long run.

Can I make DIY planters suitable for outdoor use?

Absolutely! Many DIY planters made from household items are perfect for outdoor use. Choose durable materials like metal cans, wooden drawers, rubber boots, or thick plastic containers. Make sure they’re weatherproof or treated to resist rain and sun exposure. For wooden items, apply a sealant to prevent rot. Include proper drainage and select plants suited for your local climate. Colanders, hanging bags, and paint cans work especially well outdoors. With a little weatherproofing and thoughtful plant selection, your DIY planters can thrive on porches, patios, balconies, and gardens throughout the seasons.

How can I decorate my DIY planters?

You can decorate DIY planters using paint, fabric, twine, decoupage, or stencils. Chalkboard paint allows for fun labeling, while wrapping with burlap or rope adds a rustic touch. Spray painting creates a smooth, modern finish. Decorative stones, stickers, or even pressed flowers can personalize the surface. Match the decor to your space—whether that’s minimalist, farmhouse, boho, or industrial. Just be sure to use weather-resistant materials if your planter will be outside. The creative process is as fun as the planting, and customizing your DIY planters adds personality and charm to any green space.

What plants work best in small DIY planters?

Small DIY planters are ideal for herbs, succulents, cacti, and miniature flowering plants. Herbs like basil, mint, thyme, and chives thrive in compact containers with good light. Succulents and cacti need less water and grow slowly, making them perfect for tins, mugs, or jars. You can also start seeds in egg cartons or tea tins before transplanting. Choose plants with shallow root systems and moderate growth habits to prevent overcrowding. Small planters not only save space but also let you showcase a collection of plants in a creative, stylish, and eco-friendly way.