10 DIY Winter Planters You Can Make on a Budget

Winter is the perfect time to get creative with your outdoor decor. You don’t need to spend a fortune to craft beautiful and hardy planters for the cold season. Here are 10 budget-friendly DIY winter planter ideas, complete with step-by-step instructions to bring them to life.

1. Recycled Tin Can Planters

Materials Needed: Large tin cans, white or silver spray paint, evergreen cuttings, pinecones, holly sprigs, and soil or floral foam.
Steps to Create:

1. Clean and remove labels from the tin cans.
2. Spray paint the cans in white or silver and let them dry completely.
3. Fill the cans with soil or floral foam.
4. Arrange evergreen cuttings, holly sprigs, and pinecones for a festive and natural look.
5. Place the planters on steps or along a garden path for a charming winter vibe.

2. Upcycled Wooden Crate Planter

Materials Needed: Old wooden crate, burlap, soil or floral foam, winter greens, twigs, and seasonal decorations.
Steps to Create:

1. Clean and sand the wooden crate if needed.
2. Line the inside with burlap to prevent soil from leaking.
3. Fill the crate with soil or floral foam.
4. Arrange winter greens, twigs, and decorations like ornaments or ribbon bows.
5. Use the crate as a centerpiece on a porch or patio.

3. Mason Jar Mini Planters

Materials Needed: Mason jars, moss, small succulents or evergreen sprigs, holly and twine.
Steps to Create:

1. Clean the mason jars and wrap the tops with twine for a rustic touch.
2. Add a layer of moss at the bottom of each jar.
3. Place small succulents or evergreen sprigs in the jars.
4. Arrange the jars on outdoor tables or steps for a quaint display.

4. Old Bucket Revival

Materials Needed: Old metal or plastic bucket, spray paint, soil, and winter plants like ornamental kale, ivy, or heather.
Steps to Create:

1. Clean and spray paint the bucket in your desired color.
2. Drill small drainage holes if necessary.
3. Fill the bucket with soil.
4. Plant hardy winter plants like ornamental kale and ivy.
5. Place the bucket planter near your entryway for a welcoming touch.

5. DIY Log Planter

Materials Needed: Fallen log, chisel, soil, and plants like hellebores or fir branches.
Steps to Create:

1. Find a sturdy log and hollow out a section using a chisel.
2. Drill small drainage holes if necessary.
3. Fill the hollowed area with soil.
4. Plant hellebores or arrange fir branches for a natural, rustic look.
5. Place the log in your garden or on your patio for a woodland-inspired planter.

6. Basket Planters

Materials Needed: Old basket, plastic liner or burlap, soil, winter greens, pinecones, and dried flowers.
Steps to Create:

1. Line the basket with plastic or burlap to protect it from moisture.
2. Fill the basket with soil.
3. Arrange winter greens, pinecones, and dried flowers for a seasonal display.
4. Place the basket on a garden table or hang it from a hook for a charming effect.

7. Cinder Block Planters

Materials Needed: Cinder blocks, paint, soil, and hardy plants like succulents or ferns.
Steps to Create:

1. Clean and paint the cinder blocks in your desired color.
2. Stack the blocks in your desired arrangement.
3. Fill the openings with soil.
4. Plant succulents, hardy ferns, or small evergreen plants in each opening.
5. Place the cinder block arrangement in your garden for a modern look.

8. Teacup or Bowl Planters

Materials Needed: Thrifted teacups or bowls, soil, and small winter plants like succulents or ivy.
Steps to Create:

1. Clean the teacups or bowls thoroughly.
2. Add a layer of small stones for drainage.
3. Fill with soil and plant small winter plants.
4. Place them on outdoor shelves or tables for an elegant touch.

9. Hanging Winter Wreath Planter

Materials Needed: Old wreath, small pots or moss pouches, wire, and hardy plants like ivy or winter jasmine.
Steps to Create:

1. Attach small pots or moss pouches to the wreath using wire.
2. Fill each pot or pouch with soil.
3. Plant ivy or winter jasmine in each container.
4. Hang the wreath on a door or fence for a unique vertical planter.

10. Repurposed Shoe Organizer Planter

Materials Needed: Fabric shoe organizer, soil, and frost-resistant plants like pansies or thyme.
Steps to Create:

1. Clean the shoe organizer and hang it outdoors.
2. Fill each pocket with soil.
3. Plant frost-resistant plants like pansies or creeping thyme in each pocket.
4. Hang the organizer on a wall or fence for a vertical garden that’s both functional and stylish.

With these creative and affordable ideas, you can keep your garden looking lively and inviting all winter long. Happy crafting!