36 Quirky plant pot ideas you’ll love

Add character to your garden by using charming little containers for your plants. Since you can get creative with your choices, you’ll find that you can use pretty much anything as a planter. 

These containers not only serve as a decorative element among the lush greens of your garden but also have many advantages over traditional ‘from the ground’ gardening. Using containers saves water and fertiliser, making it a great option for eco-friendly gardening. Moreover, containers allow for easier pest prevention, and you can move your containers around to a new location whenever you feel like it.

We listed down 36 quirky, creative garden planter ideas that you can place in your garden, porch, front door, wall, mailbox, or wherever you see fit. Read on!

What to use as a garden planter?

Teacups, old boots, old pitchers, even bags! You can make amazing planters with cheap, easy-to-find, or recycled materials and a little bit of creativity. In this case, however, the design and durability of your planter would depend on how it will be displayed, among other things.

1. Pitchers and kettles

Do you have old pitchers or worn-out kettles? Don’t throw them away just yet! They make good, rustic-looking, cost-saving planters that your plants will love! They add a homey touch to your garden, too.

2. Teacups

Make use of your favourite old cuppa by planting little gardens in them. Cute little cacti could work well in teacups, too – all you need is some cactus soil and small pebbles.

3. Boots

Dust off those wellies. Whether they’re old combat and Chelsea boots, or colourful rain boots, they can make a perfect home for your next plant. Just don’t forget to poke some holes at the bottom for extra drainage.

4. Glass or mason jars

Want to grow your own herbs? Recycle old glass jars from your pasta sauces and canned food. You can also use mason jars.

5. Milk tins

Just upcycle the rusty old tin you have lying at the back of your kitchen cupboard (we all have one).

6. Vibrant tins

For a splash of colour in your garden (or for indoor plants), turn to your kitchen cupboard again. Tins and cans are perfectly designed to be planters and especially easy to plant in if you’re a beginner to this whole gardening thing. Wash out thoroughly after devouring the food it came with. You can also personalise these tins by painting them in your favourite colour or pattern!

7. Bags

Yep, even a common eco bag will do the trick. Thanks to their sturdy nature, tote bags are particularly great for growing any fruit and veg. Just don’t forget to provide drainage for your plant to avoid root rot.

8. Buckets

This is a budget-friendly plant container option that can actually look surprisingly pretty (well, depending on the bucket you choose, obv). You can decorate and paint your planter buckets as you please. Just don’t forget to add that hole at the bottom for drainage.

9. Garden chairs

Got a couple of old chairs lying about? Before chucking away, consider using them as planters. You can attach a net to the seat where your plants can safely and securely be attached.

10. Glass containers

Terrariums, our old favourite. If you have small begonias, succulents or air plants, you can put them in glass containers to create pretty terrariums.

11. Birdcages

Birdcages make beautiful vessels for plants and flowers. Get an ornate or vintage one to add a touch of whimsy to your garden.

Patio planter ideas

Decorating your patio with plants is a sure way to make it refreshing and inviting. Check out these planter ideas for your patio.

12. Wall planters

Get a wooden box or crate you can hang on your wall where you can place your plants.

13. Planters with stands

Or use stands under your pots to vary the height of your plants. Adding variety this way enhances the overall look of your garden patio.

Front porch planter ideas

14. Plant rack

Line your porch with multi-layer shelves and racks and decorate them as you please. You can get wooden racks, metal racks, or a stylish combination of both.

15. Textured planters

Have multi-layer shelves and racks already? These textured and coloured planters add a pop of colour and character.

Front door planter ideas

Set up the ambience of your cosy home by spicing up your front door with a good ol’ plant box, a wooden plant box, and hanging planters

16. Good ol’ plant box

Highlight your front door or windows by placing plant boxes on both sides of the door or your windowsill. 

17. Wooden plant box

You can also use wooden plant boxes for a farmhouse touch.

18. Hanging planters

Do you have a lot of hanging plants? Hang two of them on both sides of your front door using any hanging planter that matches well with your house facade.

Planter box ideas

From cement to wood to old furniture, here are some planter box ideas to add personality to your garden. You can place them anywhere – by the front door, on the patio, in your garden, and on your porch!

19. Tiled cement planter box

Do you have a cement planter box? You can attach colourful, patterned ceramic tiles to them to make them unique and eye-catching.

20. Wooden log planter box

If you like wood in general, this wooden log planter box will surely bring the rustic look you’re going for.

21. Wooden cart planter

See a thrift store selling an old, worn-out wooden cart? They make a good planter, too!

22. Old suitcase

Do you like your old suitcase but you can’t use them anymore? Don’t throw them away yet; use them as a planter for your flower plants.

23. Old drawer

Or, if you own an old drawer piece that you don’t want to use anymore, you can repurpose them as a planter for your flowers, just like this teal metal drawer.

Wall planter ideas

Got a blank wall in your garden? Maximise the vertical space it offers by hanging plants! Here are some ideas on how you can hang them.

24. Metal rod hanger

A curtain rod and a few S-shaped hanger pieces can easily hang your small pots. 

25. Hanging water cans

Add a dainty touch to your wall by hanging colourful water cans that serve as planters.

26. Macrame plant hanger

If you’re going for a semi-boho look, you can use a macrame plant hanger like this. It’s also easy to DIY, especially if you love arts and crafts.

27. Wall frame planter

Think framed art, but the art is your beautiful plants. Any wall gets a fresh and quick makeover with this planter frame idea.

28. Hanging decorative pots

Do you like decorative pieces? There are hanging decorative pots you can use as a home for your small plants, like this triangle hanging pot.

Succulent planter ideas

Give your thick, fleshy succulent plants a new home with these succulent planter ideas!

29. Teacup and mug

Got an old teacup or mug with a nice colour? Use it for your echeveria or similar plants!

30. Ceramic bowl

Complete your homey aesthetic with a ceramic bowl! You can place more than two succulents to make a bouquet-like arrangement.

31. Concrete pots

If you want an industrial look, you can use concrete pots, which you can purchase for minimal cost!

32. Glass terrarium

Or, use a glass terrarium to create a miniature succulent garden. It’s a whole different garden by itself!

33. Painted terracotta pots

If you got some more terracotta pots waiting for their turn to become a plant’s home, then you can spice them up by painting your favourite patterns on them. 

Mailbox planter ideas

Beautify your mailbox with plants using these mailbox planter ideas.

34. Hanging pot holder for wall-hung mailbox

If your mailbox doesn’t have an extra compartment for plants, you can place a hanging pot holder right next to it to complete the look. 

35. Mailbox as planter

Or, if you got an old mailbox, you can use it as your planter.

36. Hanging plant

Some mailbox designs provide extra space that allows for additional decor, such as this mailbox. You can hang your plant by installing a hook.

Getting help with designing your garden 

Ready to take your garden to the next level? Enhance the look of your outdoor space by trying out these planter ideas.

If you’re short on time or simply want some professional guidance, consider hiring a garden designer to help give your garden a makeover. With their expertise and assistance, you can achieve the garden of your dreams without putting in all the work yourself. So why wait? Start giving your plain garden a much-needed upgrade today!