Making cheap garden planters can be done in several creative ways. One of the simplest is to repurpose household items like buckets, baskets, old tires, tin cans, or even cardboard boxes. You can even use items like cereal boxes, plastic containers, and old furniture for unique planters.
To create a planter, simply decide on the container size and shape you want, line it with a waterproof material like plastic or plastic bags, and fill it with potting soil. If you’re using baskets, you can keep them as they are and put some stones, wood chips, or gravel at the bottom for drainage.
For buckets and other larger items, drill a hole in the bottom to allow water to drain.
PPaint and decorate the containers as you wish for added style and interest. Finally, choose your plants and transfer them to the planter. Make sure to place the plants at the right depth, and water the soil before placing them in the planter.
For plants in deep containers, you may need a layer of gravel or foam peanuts underneath the soil to ensure proper drainage. Although the process may seem daunting at first, it’s a great way to have fun and save money while adding some pizazz to your garden.
What can I use for cheap planters?
Depending on the type or style that you prefer. For indoor or outdoor planters, you could use repurposed items such as plastic containers or mugs, old baskets, glass jars, a teapot, an old tire, or you could even upcycle drinking glasses or tea tins by covering them with a coat of spray paint in a hue that suits your decor.
If you’re looking for something more durable, terra cotta plant pots offer a classic and inexpensive option that won’t break the bank. Most craft or dollar stores carry a range of sizes and styles, including fun ceramics or fun plastic planters in bright colors or unique shapes.
Thrift stores often have a good selection of old, unique planters for a fraction of the cost. If you’re crafty, you can even create your own planters from materials such as wood, burlap, fabric, tin cans, and cardboard.
Do planter boxes need drainage holes?
Yes, planter boxes do need drainage holes to be effective. Without drainage holes, the box can become waterlogged and prevent the soil from properly aerating. This can lead to poor root growth, as plants will not be able to absorb enough water, oxygen, and nutrients.
When making your own planter box, it is important to use a drill and a suitable drill bit to create evenly spaced holes in the bottom of box. Additionally, it is often a good idea to line the planter box with land drainage fabric or a screen in order to keep soil contained and prevent the drainage holes from becoming blocked by roots.
This can help ensure that water, oxygen, and nutrients can remain in balance in the box, and help ensure that your plants remain healthy.
What kind of wood should I use for a planter box?
The type of wood you choose for a planter box will depend on your budget, the environment and your purpose for the planter box. In terms of budget, pine is a relatively inexpensive wood and is an ideal choice for a planter box.
Cedar is another good option that can be both cost effective and durable if treated correctly. Another option is redwood which is both strong and relatively inexpensive but requires more maintenance than pine or cedar.
In terms of the environment, cedar is best for a planter box that will be exposed to moisture or harsh elements. Teak is another good choice as it is resistant to water damage and holds up well outdoors with minimal maintenance.
Finally, it is important to consider your purpose for the planter box. If weight is a factor (for example, if the planter box will be mounted on a deck or balcony), pressure-treated pine is a good choice.
It is lightweight, resists decay, and is available at most home improvement stores. For a more decorative look, mahogany, cypress, and redwood are better options.
Overall, the best wood for a planter box will depend on your individual budget and needs. Cedar, pressure-treated pine, teak, mahogany, cypress, and redwood are all solid choices.
What do you line planter boxes with?
When lining planter boxes, most gardeners choose a material that is non-toxic and porous. This includes things like sphagnum moss, coconut fiber, and even newspaper. These materials not only help the soil retain moisture, but they also help protect the box from rough and porous materials that could seep into the soil and do damage.
Additionally, lining the planter box can help keep out weeds and help the soil from eroding away from the box. All of these materials should be thoroughly rinsed with warm water to get rid of any dirt, debris, and chemicals before you begin lining the box.
For larger planters, you may also want to consider materials like peat moss and perlite. These materials provide more aeration and water retention in the soil. It’s also important to make sure the material you choose is lightweight so that you can easily move it around if necessary.
Once you’ve lined the box, you can then add soil, compost, and fertilizer to create an ideal environment for your plants to thrive.
How do I make my planters look nice?
Making your planters look nice just takes a little bit of effort. Here are some tips to help you get started:
1. Choose interesting plants. Consider plants with different textures, sizes and colors to make an interesting display.
2. Use high-quality soil. Using potting soil that is specially formulated for container gardening will provide your plants with necessary nutrients.
3. Add decorations. Consider adding rocks or mulch to create a natural-looking display. You can also add twigs, small petals and other knick knacks to give your planters a finished look.
4. Paint and seal your planters. If you have planters made of wood or metal, you can add a layer of sealant and paint to protect them from moisture and help them last longer.
5. Give your plants plenty of sunlight. Planting your planters in a sunny location will help them stay healthy and vibrant. Also, make sure they have good air circulation.
6. Water regularly. Make sure your planters get enough water but be careful not to overwater them. Regularly inspect the soil for any signs of wilting or yellowing.
By following these tips, you can make your planters look nice and enhance your space. With a bit of effort, you can create a beautiful display of plants and even make them a focal point of attention in your home’s garden.
How can I decorate my planter?
There are a variety of ways to decorate a planter. Here are some ideas to get you started:
– Paint or stain the planter in a vibrant or neutral color to create a unique look that can complement any outdoor space.
– Create a mosaic by glueing broken tiles, pottery pieces, and other colorful items onto the surface.
– Create stencils out of contact paper and use metallic spray paint to make a modern pattern.
– Add stickers, decals, and magnets to create a whimsical design.
– Wrap jute, yarn, or fabric around the planter to give it a bohemian feel.
– Attach mini succulents, cacti, or other plants directly to the planter with glue.
– Hang a small picture frame with a light strand of wire.
– Glue wooden beads in a pattern or arrange colorful stones around the edges of the planter.
– Tie twine or string around the planter to create contrast against the pot.
– Wrap twine around a piece of wire and attach it to the top to make a hanging planter.
No matter which design you choose, your planter will be sure to add a touch of personal style to your outdoor area. Have fun and get creative with your decorating ideas!
What can you put in outdoor planters besides flowers?
Outdoor planters can make a great addition to any outdoor living space, allowing people to add colorful flowers, lush shrubs, and green foliage. However, there are a lot of other items that can be planted in outdoor planters besides flowers to brighten up an outdoor space.
For example, you can plant small trees and ornamental grasses to create a focal point in your yard. Shrubs and hedges are also great options for planters and can provide some privacy to outdoor living areas.
Vegetables and herbs planted in outdoor planters make a great choice for those looking to save space in their garden while providing fresh ingredients for meals. Additionally, adding trailing vines can create a dramatic look and even provide shade over the planter.
And finally, succulent plants are a low maintenance option that are perfect for adding a decorative touch. With so many possibilities, outdoor planters provide endless opportunities to create a stunning outdoor living space.
How do you make a plastic planter look like a stone?
Making a plastic planter look like a stone is a relatively simple process that requires a few supplies and minimal skill. The first step is to purchase a plastic planter from a gardening store or online.
You will also need a can of stone texture spray paint, painter’s tape, a medium-grit sandpaper, acrylic primer, and acrylic paint.
Start by taping off the underside of the planter if you do not wish to paint it. Then sand down the surface of the planter with the sandpaper. This will help the primer and paint to stick better to the plastic.
Next, spray the planter with a coat of acrylic primer and let it dry for about 30 minutes.
Once the primer is dry, you can spray the planter with stone texture spray paint. Depending on your style preference, you can either spray over the entire planter or leave part of it exposed in order to create an ombre effect.
Once the paint is completely dry, you can remove the painter’s tape and the planter is ready to be filled with soil.
You can even further accentuate your planter’s stone appearance by painting it with acrylic paints. Take a bit of acrylic paint and add a few drops of water to thin it out. Stretch out any globs of paint and use a dry paintbrush to paint strokes that follow the shape of a stone, then take a damp paper towel and blend the colors until you are happy with the result.
Now you have a plastic planter that looks like a stone.
Can you paint plastic garden pots?
Yes, you can paint plastic garden pots. It is a great way to give your garden a bit of a refresh and brighten up your outdoor living space. Before you start painting, make sure the plastic pot is clean and dry.
Wipe the surface with a damp cloth if needed. Then, you will need to use a primer designed for plastic. Apply it with a brush, covering the entire surface and allowing it to dry. Once the primer is dry, use a paintbrush or paint roller to apply a coat of exterior paint to the pot.
Remember to wait until the paint is dry before adding another coat. When all of the coats of paint are dry, apply a coat of exterior sealer or varnish for extra durability.
