DIY Planters: How to Make Your Own Stylish Indoor Garden

Creating an indoor garden can be a fun and fulfilling way to bring a touch of nature into your home. Not only do plants enhance the aesthetic of your living space, but they also improve air quality and contribute to a sense of tranquility. DIY planters are a perfect way to personalize your indoor garden while saving money and getting creative. Whether you’re looking to add some greenery to your living room, kitchen, or bathroom, here’s how to make your own stylish indoor planters.

1. Gather Materials for Your Planters

Before you begin, gather the materials you’ll need for making your DIY planters. Depending on the style and type of planter you want to create, the materials can vary. Here are some common items you might use:

• Containers: Old jars, cans, wooden boxes, buckets, or any unused container that can hold soil and a plant.
• Soil: A good potting mix is essential for your plants to thrive.
• Plants: Choose plants that will do well indoors, such as succulents, herbs, or small ferns.
• Tools: Scissors, glue gun, drill, tape, and paint (if needed).
• Decorative Materials: Paint, fabric, twine, pebbles, or even recycled materials like newspaper or cardboard for unique designs.

Once you have your materials ready, you can decide on a design that suits your space and style.

2. Recycled Can Planter: A Rustic and Eco-Friendly Option

If you have old tin cans lying around, they can easily be transformed into chic, rustic planters. This is one of the easiest and most budget-friendly DIY planter ideas.

Steps:

1. Clean the cans: Wash and dry the cans thoroughly to remove any labels.
2. Add drainage holes: Use a drill or nail to create small drainage holes at the bottom of the can. This is important to ensure water doesn’t accumulate and rot the plant’s roots.
3. Paint and decorate: Use spray paint or acrylic paints to color the cans in your desired hue. You can also add patterns, stripes, or even write the name of the plant on the can.
4. Fill with soil and plant: Once the paint is dry, fill the can with potting soil and your chosen plant.

These rustic tin can planters are perfect for creating a cluster of plants on your windowsill or even hanging them in a decorative way with twine.

3. Wooden Crate Planter: Charming and Versatile

Wooden crates are versatile and can easily be turned into a beautiful indoor planter. They give your space a farmhouse-inspired vibe and can hold several plants in a compact space.

Steps:

1. Find a wooden crate: You can repurpose an old crate or buy one from a craft store. Choose one that fits your space.
2. Line the crate: To prevent soil from falling out, line the inside of the crate with landscape fabric or a plastic liner. You can also use newspaper or burlap for a more rustic look.
3. Add drainage: Just like with the tin can planters, make sure to drill drainage holes in the bottom of the crate.
4. Plant your garden: Fill the crate with soil and add a selection of plants that complement each other. Consider creating a mixed planter with herbs, small flowers, or low-maintenance succulents.

Wooden crate planters are especially great for creating a statement piece in your home, whether as a coffee table centerpiece or a decorative piece on the floor.

4. Mason Jar Hanging Planter: Elegant and Simple

Mason jars are incredibly versatile and can be transformed into sleek and stylish hanging planters. Their transparent design allows you to admire the roots of your plants as they grow, making them perfect for creating a modern indoor garden.

Steps:

1. Prepare the jars: Clean the mason jars and remove any labels.
2. Drill a hole: Use a drill to make a small hole in the lid of the mason jar for the plant’s roots to grow through.
3. Paint or decorate the jars (optional): You can spray paint the mason jars, add some lace or twine around the neck, or even paint them with chalk paint for a matte finish.
4. Install the jars: Use a sturdy rope or wire to hang the mason jars from a hook in the ceiling or a wooden beam.
5. Add soil and plants: Fill the jars with potting soil and your chosen plant. Popular options include air plants, small succulents, or herbs.

Hanging mason jar planters add an elegant, vintage touch to any room and are a great way to showcase small plants in a unique way.

5. Concrete Planter: A Modern and Industrial Look

Concrete planters have a minimalist, industrial aesthetic that’s very trendy right now. If you like a modern, clean look, creating concrete planters can elevate your indoor garden.

Steps:

1. Create a mold: You can make a simple mold by using two containers – a larger one for the outer mold and a smaller one for the inner mold. Coat both molds with a non-stick spray to make it easier to remove the concrete later.
2. Mix the concrete: Follow the instructions on your concrete mix bag. Add water until the mixture is the consistency of thick pancake batter.
3. Pour the concrete: Pour the mixture into the larger mold, leaving a small space for the inner mold. Press the inner mold in to create the hollow space for the plant.
4. Let it set: Allow the concrete to cure for 24-48 hours, then remove the molds carefully.
5. Decorate and plant: If you want to add extra style, you can paint or stencil the concrete once it’s dry. Add soil and your favorite plant!

Concrete planters work well for succulents or cacti, as they have a modern, edgy vibe that complements these plants beautifully.

6. Glass Bottle Planter: Elegant and Upcycled

Glass bottles, whether they are wine bottles, soda bottles, or mason jars, can be easily upcycled into beautiful indoor planters. The transparency of glass makes it easy to monitor your plant’s growth, and they can be displayed on a shelf, hanging, or as centerpieces.

Steps:

1. Clean the bottles: Wash and dry the bottles thoroughly. Remove any labels if needed.
2. Cut the bottle (optional): If you want a smaller or more open planter, you can cut the bottle in half. Use a glass cutter for a clean, even cut.
3. Create drainage: If you’re using the full bottle, drill small holes in the bottom for drainage.
4. Decorate (optional): Paint or wrap the bottle in twine for a more rustic look, or leave it clear for a sleek and modern feel.
5. Fill with soil and plant: Add soil and a small plant. Succulents and air plants are great for glass bottles.

Glass bottle planters bring a touch of elegance to your space while being eco-friendly and cost-effective.

7. Repurposed Shoe Planter: Quirky and Fun

An unexpected and quirky option for a DIY planter is a pair of old shoes. This is a fun way to upcycle worn-out shoes and create something unique.

Steps:

1. Choose your shoes: Select an old pair of boots, sneakers, or high heels. Ensure that they’re large enough to hold a plant.
2. Add drainage holes: Use a drill to make a few small holes in the soles or the bottom of the shoes.
3. Decorate the shoes: You can paint them, add fabric or rhinestones, or wrap them in twine to give them a personalized look.
4. Fill with soil and plant: Add soil and a plant. A small succulent or fern works well in this type of planter.

Shoe planters are a great way to add a playful and whimsical element to your indoor garden. They’re perfect for creating conversation pieces.

Conclusion

Creating your own stylish indoor garden with DIY planters is a rewarding and creative activity. Whether you choose to repurpose old cans, wooden crates, or even shoes, making your own planters allows you to personalize your space and express your unique style. From simple mason jar planters to industrial concrete designs, there’s a DIY project for every taste and skill level. Not only will you enjoy the aesthetic benefits of an indoor garden, but you’ll also appreciate the calming and therapeutic effects of nurturing plants in your home. Happy planting!