DIY Container Gardening Ideas, Tips, And Techniques

Introduction to DIY Container Gardening Ideas, tips, techniques, and secrets: Growing plants in containers rather than in the ground is known as container gardening. It is widespread in urban areas where it is impossible to have a garden. Since it is space-efficient and mobile, you can arrange it to fit wherever you set up your garden. By using containers, growers save space, control pests, and overcome soil problems, allowing them to produce fresh food without a yard.

A guide to DIY container gardening ideas for beginners

How to create your DIY container garden

Here are a few steps for making an easy herb, vegetable, ornamental, or flower garden planter:

• Choose a planter. Check out these neat planter ideas – great shoe planters and clever plant containers.
• Check for drainage holes in the base and add them if necessary.
• Add potting mix. To prepare potting mix, you can use my free recipe or revitalize the old potting mix.
• Fill the hole with your plant(s), seeds, or seedlings, top with mulch, and water well.

How to make DIY container garden soil

Make your potting soil at home to save money and time. The following post will describe all the benefits of homemade potting mix, explain each ingredient, and share seven of my favorite recipes. You will also find out how to make your own and how to freeze leftovers for later. The costliest aspect of gardening is buying soil. So, what does that mean? In addition to being more cost-effective, DIY potting soil also has more health benefits. It’s also straightforward to make. If you want to grow plants indoors or outdoors, you’ll find the best homemade potting mix.  Having your mix will ensure that your plants always receive the best possible nutrition. We will now look at the ingredients commonly found in a mix:

Sand: Potted plants are supported by aeration and anchorage provided by sand. If you are not planting cacti or succulents, it is a cheap filler in commercial bags. However, the addition of sand will prevent your potted plant from toppling over if it is top-heavy.

Compost and worm castings: Castings from worms and compost provide essential nutrients. If you want to create compost, you can use worm bins or collect yard debris in a pile.

Pine bark: From paper mills, pine bark is used to anchor and aerate potted plants. When mixing your mix, look for fine-ground bark. You can use the thicker bark as a mulch.

Sphagnum moss (and peat moss): Sphagnum moss (and peat moss) is found in northern U.S. and Canadian bogs. Sphagnum moss and peat are living plants, respectively, and peat is a partially decomposed material scraped off the tops of bogs. While highly acidic, peat provides moisture retention and nutrient retention. When potting, pair peat with perlite to allow for air circulation.

Coir: Coconut products are made from coir. Often substituted for peat, coir is a lightweight fiber. The fiber holds water within the potting mix. The fiber often comes in compressed blocks made of compressed fibers.

Perlite: Perlite is a volcanic rock formed by exposure to high temperatures. A lightweight aerating material, perlite is often confused for Styrofoam, and it is also acidic. Be sure not to inhale the dust it produces by wetting it down before mixing.

Vermiculite: Volcanic rock is also the source of vermiculite. In response to high temperatures, vermiculite expands. Therefore, the planter is lightweight and aerates the soil.  It is common to find these ingredients in both homemade and retail mixes. Not every one of these needs to be included in your mix – one size does not fit all. Instead, choose a mix that is tailored to your crops. Each ingredient plays a specific role in maintaining plant health.

Mix the following ingredients for potting soil:

• 1-part peat moss
• 1-part perlite
• 2 – parts compost
• For seed-starting:
• 2 -parts compost
• two parts peat moss
• 1-part perlite or vermiculite

Depending on the amount of potting mix you need, a “part” can be a one-cup measuring cup that will fill a few small containers, or it can be a 5-gallon bucket that will fill larger containers or raised beds. For mixing ingredients when using a large measuring device such as a five-gallon bucket, it is recommended you use a tarp. It is easy to lift the corners of the tarp and mix. Once your mix is prepared, you can store it in airtight containers for later use.  After mixing your potting mix, check its ph. Most plants need pH levels between 6.0-7.0 for optimum growth. Online or in your local garden store, you can find affordable soil testing kits.

DIY container garden ideas

The drawer planter cache pot: Old wooden boxes and drawers have been picked up at garage/farm sales and op shops. Using items from our shed as ornamental planters is another way we repurposed items. Rather than ruining a wooden container by filling it directly with moist potting mix, there’s a better way. The soil is moist in the outer cachepot, so you won’t have to worry about the moisture rotting your lovely planter.

They were wrapped in burlap/hessian:  One of my favorite ways to make pots look great is by painting them. You can update broken or mismatched plastic pots, even the ‘plain Jane’ ones, or you can create a coordinated set of pots. To measure the size of a large pot:

In case if you miss this: How To Grow Vegetables In Michigan.

Lay it down on its side before cutting the hessian: Remember to leave a little room at the top so you can fold it in at the top. Use a few stitches or a hot glue gun to secure the hessian around the pot’s base, then fold the top edges inside the pot’s top to the mulch level. Keeping it in place is as simple as tying a tie around the edge.

Planter with tiered vertical baskets: A limited amount of space? By filtering down to the baskets below, this solution maximizes the growing area and minimizes water loss. Please find out how to do it via A Beautiful Mess.

Bucket planters that are colorful and low-cost: The cost of turning a plastic bucket into a portable or hanging planter is less than a dollar. But, of course, it would help if you had a handle and an ‘S’ hook.

The pots are distressed; The vintage and old planters often find their way to the country garden. It is pretty simple to achieve this look using paint and coarse grain sandpaper. Using colored rims and saucers on these pots, reversed them as pairs of pots and filled them with flowers of the same color.

The wooden crate planter: No matter what method you use to preserve timber, leaving it bare, treating it with oil, or painting it is a matter of personal preference. Wood boxes are beautiful—plants in portable containers. You can change the plants with the season by using the box as a decorative outer ‘cachepot’ and putting smaller pot plants inside.

Vertical house number planter box in rustic style: Make your planter do double duty by displaying your address outside your front door as well.

Growing succulents vertically: Planting colorful succulents in a vertical container that hangs on your wall will instantly transform them into art.

Guthrie’s wood-raised planter with trellis features a trellis for climbing plants and an industrial-meets-farmhouse-style raised planter.

Suitcase planters are made from galvanized steel: The galvanized steel box converts into a gorgeous succulent planter filled with thriving plants (or any plants).

Vertical planter made with plastic bottles: Painting matching plastic bottles and mounting them to a wooden beam (if you look closely, you can see that the plastic panel is peeled back to make space for plants and mount it to the wood artfully) makes a fun vertical garden.

Vertical garden with tiered leaning sheds: Its galvanized buckets hold your favorite blooms in this 5-tiered vertical garden, another farmhouse favorite.

Planted in a barrel of wine: Wooden wine barrels are an ideal container garden if your favorite backyard activity is drinking wine while watching the sunset.

Using wine bottle planters: After you’re done with your favorite red, remove the bottom and mount the bottle upside down to create a vertical planter. Next, please choose your favorite plant and fill it with water.

Old-fashioned teapots: We have created a series of container gardens on a rustic ladder that nods to tea lovers. But, of course, you need an outdoor patio set for tea time next to it.

Succulent planter made from Cups and Saucers: Is there a smaller version you’re looking after? You can use them indoors or outside as cute succulent planters made from cups and saucers.

Hanging planter made from a wagon wheel: We mounted a hook for a hanging planter in an antique steel wagon wheel secured in the ground, resulting in a stunning spherical display.

Bathtub of the past: Rather than filling this clawfoot tub with water, fill it with bright and colorful flowers. Then, plants are easily put into the big mouth without picking and choosing which ones to use.

Lantern from IKEA: Besides serving as a shelter for several plants, this lantern (from IKEA) can also serve as a centerpiece. Mist the soil inside with water to keep it moist.

The wheelbarrow: What is the best thing about this container garden? Moving it around your yard according to your needs is easy as your plants crave lighter or shelter.

An antique birdcage: Use this antique container to create a beautiful chandelier in your backyard by hanging it from a low tree branch.

Using watering cans: It’s a gardener’s dream to use gardening tools in this clever way. The only catch is that you will need to purchase a watering can if you plan on watering a container garden.

A tricycle for children: You can transform them into something else for yourself whenever your children grow out of their bikes. Give it a coat of paint that matches the petals it will hold if you want to be an overachiever.

Chair in a vintage garden: In a living art display, an old chair becomes a living art display filled with succulents and artistic scrap metal designs.

An old pair of rain boots: It would help if you didn’t donate your kid’s rain boots after they become too big. Rather than arranging them, arrange a few pairs to create a vibrant and playful garden. Your kids can even water the buds in their old boots.

Tires with a colorful design: There is no problem if there is no grip. Container gardens made out of used tires are excellent because the durable material helps protect plants from harsh winds and other environmental elements.

Plastic planters made from recycled containers: It is possible to make sustainable planters from any leftover plastic containers if you are crafty. Customize the planters to suit your needs. For example, if you are going for a coastal theme, use macramé hangers or embellish with seashells. Get creative with plastic waste. You can handle larger plants with bigger bottles.

Strawberries Tower from Nursery Buckets: Edible plants are a great way to use your outdoor space more sustainably. You could also use a more durable material like wood, concrete, or ceramics if you want to make the tower fit better with your garden. For example, you can grow strawberries throughout the growing season if you stick your strawberry seedlings.

A planter box on an end table: A planter like this one fits seamlessly into the outdoor decor because it drops into the furniture. You can retrofit a planter box onto most wooden patio furniture if you are comfortable making modifications. In addition, you can grow insect-repelling plants or perhaps herbs for cooking and cocktails with this idea.

How about this: Top 30 Vegetables To Grow On Terrace.

Recycled rainbow pallet planter: A rainbow can be incorporated into almost any color scheme and adds a bright touch. Alternatively, if your space calls for a more subdued look, you may want to use a more neutral shade. The use of colorful flower pots would also be an option for personalizing this piece.

Planter with bohemian vibes made out of macrame: Macrame planters look lovely suspended with smaller plants. Softening the landscape with an asymmetrical, natural design is essential. For a tropical feel, you can plant this planter with broad-leafed plants or with small-leafed plants for a more whimsical look. A hanging planter is a great way to maximize your green space if you have a smaller space.

Fairy garden made from a broken wheelbarrow: A fresh coat of paint and stencils rejuvenates this broken wheelbarrow. Stencil designs are accented with black permanent markers. So instead of a fairy garden, you can replace the fairy house with a birdhouse. Wheelbarrows like this one are even used to enhance container gardens.

A garden in the gutters for flowers, herbs, or strawberries: This planter is ideal for small spaces or anyone who has trouble bending over quickly. Choosing plants for a gutter made of vinyl has some limitations – shallow-rooted plants are the only option. Even though plain gutters are unattractive, you can paint them to make them more attractive. You can cover an unsightly fence with vines, while stocky succulents can add a touch of zen to your space.

Using a repurposed mailbox as a succulent container: As you open up this vintage-style mailbox, you’ll see your succulent collection in a whole new light. It is then hung on your porch or back fence to add a bit of waxy greenery to your environment—a unique way to plant.

The pansy-painted tool through the flower box: Even before the first pansy blooms, a flower box adds some color to spring. During the beginning of the season, this tool caddy is used to store frost-friendly petals. Then, display it outside to greet all your guests.

Container garden from upcycled filing cabinets: The concept of an ingenious container garden was born when trash became a treasure. After being flipped upside down, an old, worn-out filing cabinet is now a home for a beautiful collection of plants. It’s a fantastic way to take care of the planet.

Wooden planter box contemporary modern porch: You can add lots of style to your porch with these ultra-hip and modern box planters. They are large enough for a decorative tree or any plant you like. A further design aspect that adds drama and depth is the duo made up of two heights.

Using rustic logs to create a flower container: Anyone with a hatchet can easily create it. By cutting into a firewood log, you can create a channel for the potting soil and plants. Be sure to leave room on either end. Put some potting soil inside the log. Add a variety of stunning annuals and display outdoors. You can add rocks around it to prevent it from rolling over.

The cutest and easiest colander planters: The colander makes a great planter. In addition to being quirky and unexpected, the holes provide ventilation and drainage for your plants. You can use small colanders on top of a counter or a table. The arrangements look lovely with succulents or jade trees indoors or with fresh annuals outdoors. If you wish, you could hang them like baskets.

Container made from upcycled plastic laundry baskets: You can make this attractive burlap planter from a used laundry basket. If the planter is cracked, tape it up with packing tape or duct tape. You can then hot glue burlap sheets inside the cracks to cover them. You can continue covering the planter with burlap until you are satisfied. A final piece of burlap should be wrapped around the top and used to cover the handles. Finally, attach a piece of rope to the end.

An easy way to decorate with plants: Find an old chandelier. Don’t worry if it’s not wired. Position the arms facing up. You may want to remove any globes or vases as well as the wiring if necessary. Ensure the chandelier is well-cleaned. Lightly sand. Glue the plant pots and saucers to the chandelier with epoxy. Paint the chandelier with spray paint—place flowers and greens around the chandelier.

The DIY stone garden container: Natural stones can be used as planters if you are creative. It is possible that you already have rocks that have depressions deep enough to plant in. Planting between rocks can also be done by stacking rocks on their sides. Experiment if you like. You could plant succulents and greens in these rock planters.

A pretty basket planter made of wicker: An old laundry basket will work fine for this project, or you can buy a new wicker basket. Then, plant the plant in a large container that fits inside the basket. The use of layers makes for a neat and attractive planter.

Design creative garden containers with a wagon wheel: You can create an impressive succulent display using an old wagon wheel. The container you use should match the wheel’s size. Distribute cactus soil at the bottom of the wheel. You can use chicken wire to support the plants—plant succulents in the chicken wire holes with the wheel secured over the top. Pack the succulents in tightly to achieve a finished look.

Simple DIY seashell succulent container: A large seashell with an opening large enough to fill with potting soil is needed for this idea. Choosing a shell and drilling a drainage hole on its bottom are the next steps. Undrained soil does not support succulents. Once your shells are decorated, display them in a sunny spot.

The layout of paint cans and ladders: You’ll need an old paint can and a small stepladder for this cute display. Plant the flower in a can whose exterior color matches that of the flower. It gives it a quirky look when all the colors go together.

Hanging garden idea using plastic pipes: Make a hanging planter from PVC pipe. Horizontally cut the pipe and the ends of the pipe. Split the pipe and end caps horizontally. Next, attach the caps to the ends of the pipe using epoxy. To make the ladder hang, attach chains. Hang the planters from the chains. A planter like this would be ideal for herbs, lettuce, and other edible greens.

Tips for DIY container gardening

You may also check this: Top 50 Vegetables To Grow In The Backyard.

• Plants with thinner leaves need more water than plants with thicker leaves.
• Consider growing dwarf varieties; they thrive in containers almost always.
• The container must be sized to the plants, and the plants must be sized to the container.
• When planting a tree in a pot, plan. Then, in several years, it will grow large enough to support the container you choose if you choose large enough.
• Water is prevented from evaporating when mulching. Therefore, plants that are sensitive to water or in direct sunlight all day should be mulched.
• Try painting your containers if you’re bored with them. Paints and colors that are non-toxic and waterproof are an excellent choice.
• Plants will grow and bloom all season long when you use organic fertilizers in your potting mix.
• Low-maintenance plants are native to your area. Their natural adaptation to your local conditions makes them suitable for your landscaping needs.
• Water early in the morning and just before sunset to reduce evaporation losses.
• You can use anything that drains and holds soil as a planter. You can be creative.
• The outside of a tall, leafy plant is decorated with low-growing or cascading flowers. The effect is gorgeous.
• Adding flashy features to an ordinary pot to make it stand out makes it stand out among ordinary plants.
• Make watering your hanging plants easier by hanging them on pulleys—plant containers about an inch below the top to provide room for watering.

Commonly asked questions about container gardening

You may also check out this: Top 30 Vegetables To Grow In Greenhouse.

Can you tell me how to make a container garden look good?

• Choose the perfect spot
• Make a plan before you start
• Ensure that the soil is nutrient-rich
• Get Them a Long, Tall Drink of Water
• The groom every two weeks
• Fertilize, and then fertilize again

What is the minimum depth for Container gardens?

Planters with a depth of 6 to 8 inches are sufficient for most plants. Different vegetables require different depths, however. For example, planter boxes can be used to grow turnips, cucumbers, broccoli, beets, lettuce, and green onions, but other vegetables, like cabbage, require a deeper planting depth.

What plants do you recommend for container gardening?

You can grow tomatoes, radishes, peppers, green onions, beans, lettuce, squash, eggplant, and parsley in containers. There is also the possibility of growing cucumbers and pole beans, but they need more space because they grow vine-like.

What is the best way to choose a garden container?

As a general rule of thumb, if annuals typically grow 10 or 12 inches tall, provide a pot with a diameter of at least 8 inches. Better go for a large pot or a diameter of 24 inches if the plants grow to 2 or 3 feet tall.

What flowers work well together in containers?

• Hydrangeas
• Begonias and Coral Bells
• Petunias
• Mandevilla
• Geraniums
• Chrysanthemums

• Broccoli Seed Germination and Selection
• Asparagus Seed Germination and Variety Selection
• Seasonal Flower Gardening: Best Practices for Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter
• How to Grow Hibiscus from Flower
• Plantation Ideas for Home Decoration: A Beginners Guide
• Flower Garden Designs and Layouts for Beginners
• Planting and Spacing Techniques in Papaya: A Beginner’s Guide
• Growing Gold: Essential Techniques for Planting Pineapples
• How to Make Kalanchoe Plant Bushy: Home Remedies and Solutions
• 11 Reasons Why Your Gardenia is Not Blooming: Home Remedies and Solutions
• Eco Elegance: The Guide to Designing a Drought-Tolerant Landscape
• Gardening on a Slope: Strategies for Hillside Landscaping
• Nourish and Flourish: Top Organic Mulches for Thriving House Plants
• Everything You Want to Know about Indian Mogra Flower: Discover Uses and Growing
• Green Thumb Success: Expert Tips for Cultivating Greenhouse Pumpkins All Year Round
• Maximize Growth & Flavor: The Ultimate Guide to Companion Planting in Herb Gardens
• How to Control Rhododendron Problems Naturally: Home Remedies and Organic Ways to Fix Them
• Natural Magic: The Remarkable Benefits of Cinnamon for Plants
• Best Steps to Revive Dying Tulip with Natural and Organic Treatment
• 10 Reasons Why Your Angel Trumpet is Not Blooming: Remedies and Treatment
• How to Fix Periwinkle Leaf and Flower-Related Problems: Natural Remedies and Solutions
• How to Fix Zinnias Leaf and Flower Problems: Discover Natural and Home Remedies
• Organic Steps to Induce Lemon Tree Flowers: A Comprehensive Guide
• Bloom Booster: Crafting the Perfect Homemade Bougainvillea Fertilizer
• Optimizing Growth: A Guide to Applying NPK Fertilizer for Potted Plants
• 10 Best Homemade Fertilizers for Rubber Plant: DIY Recipes and Application Method 
• How to Boost Female Pumpkin Flowers: Effective Steps for More Flowers and High Yields
• Transform Your Indoor Garden: Top Benefits of Pink Salt for Houseplants
• 10 Best Homemade Fertilizers for Peacock Plants (Calathea): Easy DIY Guide
• Unlock Blooms: 9 Reasons Why Your Potted Chrysanthemum is Not Blooming
• 8 Reasons Why Your Potted Hibiscus is Not Blooming: Fix it with Simple Solutions
• Unlock Blooms: 9 Key Reasons Your Potted Frangipani Won’t Flower
• 10 Reasons Why Is My Ice Plant Not Blooming: Remedies and Treatment
• 10 Reasons Why My Potted Hydrangea Not Blooming: Treatment and Remedies
• 10 Reasons Why is My Wisteria Not Blooming: Remedies and Treatment
• 10 Reasons Why is My Goldfish Plant Not Blooming: Remedies and Treatment
• Maximize Your Space: Ultimate Guide to Balcony Gardening with Grow Bags
• 10 Reasons Why Your Iris is Not Blooming: Remedies and Treatment
• 10 Reasons Why Your Anthurium Plant is Not Blooming: Treatment and Remedies
• 10 Reasons Why Your Aquaponic Plants Are Not Flowering: Remedies and Treatment
• 10 Reasons Why Your Agapanthus is Not Flowering: Remedies and Treatment
• Ultimate Guide to Brown Turkey Fig: Steps to Growing Brown Turkey Figs
• How to Grow Acai Berry: Propagation, Planting, and Care  
• Ultimate Guide to Growing Satsuma Plum: Exploring Planting, Pruning and Care  
• 10 Reasons Why Your Plant Buds are Falling off: Prevention and Remedies