DIY Decorative Planters – 2 Simple Options Plus Bonus Gardening Ideas!

These decorative planters are easy, cheap, and quick to make. You can turn an otherwise boring old plastic trash can and a basic terra cotta pot into pretty planters for the cost of a can of spray paint. Add some inexpensive plants and you’ll be done with this project in about an hour!

It’s not as if I need one more thing to water this year when it comes to planters and flowers.  And I’m pretty sure I said I was done buying plants.  But. I’ve had these trash cans sitting in the garage for nearly a year just collecting dust so it was time to make them pretty!  And I found the terra cotta pot for around $4 at a garden store.  And they are perfect for these DIY planters!

I’m joining in with several other bloggers for a Garden Tour hosted by Kippi from Kippi at Home. Be sure to check out all the other fabulous ideas at the end of the post!

DIY Decorative Planters – 2 Simple and Affordable Options

Each year I go a little nuts when it’s finally warm enough to start adding plants to the yard.  There are so many beautiful flowers to choose from, but the planters can get expensive!  So I made a few new ones this year for less than $20 for three new DIY planters, including the plants and soil.  

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Supplies for these affordable decorative planters:

• 1 can of spray paint (this is the one I used, but I found it cheaper at Wal-Mart), I bought two but only needed one can and still have some left over
• plastic trash cans – mine are from IKEA and were $1.29 each
• terra cotta pot – I used an 8″ pot from Lowes for around $3.50
• drill – already owned
• soil and flowers ($5) –  I chose a 6 pack of Impatiens for $1.98, 2 Lantana plants for $4 each and potting soil

Trash Cans Upcycled Into Decorative Planters

First up – the trash cans.  I found these cheap plastic trash cans from IKEA.  They are 11″ high so they are not huge, but also not tiny.  If you don’t have an IKEA close by, check out a dollar store or even a thrift store for trash cans.  

• Make sure your trash cans are clean and free of dust
• Use a drill to drill four or five drainage holes in the bottom – this is super easy since the cans are plastic.  If you don’t have a drill, you can easily poke a hole through the cans with a nail and hammer (you can see I accidentally forgot to do this until after I painted – oops)
• Lay out a drop cloth or old sheet and start with your cans upside down.  Spray an even coat of paint.
• Let them dry, then flip over and cover the rims of the trash cans and a second coat all over.
• If you’ve never used spray paint before, make sure to do short light strokes instead of one long spray.  Stay at least 12 inches from your object to avoid runs in the paint.  I sprayed one light coat of paint, let it dry, then sprayed another coat. 
• Gloss paint is harder to use on flat surfaces because of the overspray.  If I were painting a flat surface of something other than a planter, I wouldn’t choose gloss.  It’s a personal preference because it’s tricky to get an even spray. 
• Spray the inside rims of your cans too so you won’t see the original color. 
• I am super impressed with the coverage of this paint even over a dark colored surface.
• Let it dry completely, fill with soil, then add your plants. 

I chose Lantana in a pretty purple hue for these pots.  If you’ve never planted Lantana, it’s a beautiful flower that grows as an annual or perennial depending on your planting zones.  They come in a variety of colors with tiny clusters of flowers ranging from pink, purple, yellow, red and orange.  They bloom all summer and have gorgeous dark green foliage. 

One plus about Lantana – they’re easy to grow.  You can use them in planters, gardens, or even container gardening.  Give them some room if you plant in the ground – they can get up to 5 or 6 feet tall and 8 feet wide in ideal conditions!  And butterflies and hummingbirds love these plants!

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Shop Gardening Supplies Here

Decorative Planters – Terra Cotta Planter Makeover

My second cheap planter makeover is made from a basic terra cotta planter from the garden store.  You can usually find these at any local home improvement store (these are the cheapest option in my area), thrift stores, and junk stores.  If you get one that’s not new, I recommend cleaning it well with soap and water first.  

• Clean your pot if necessary and let dry thoroughly – terra cotta takes a while to dry
• Turn upside down and paint the bottom first, let dry, then flip over.  The terra cotta pots take longer to dry than the plastic
• Use the same technique with the spray paint to paint two even coats
• Terra cotta is a very porous material.  It soaks up the paint more and I liked that it didn’t cover completely.  It gave it a slightly vintage feel.  However, if you don’t like that, you can continue on with the third coat of paint. 
• Fill with soil and add your plants!

This DIY was so easy and so quick.  You can use any color paint you want or use a variety for a color-filled display on your porch or patio.  It’s a super easy way to add indoor or outdoor planters for much less money than buying new.

For this terra cotta planter, I chose Impatiens in red.  Impatiens are some of my absolute favorite annuals to plant each year.  They bloom continuously and grow quickly!  They are some of the best shade-loving plants, but they do make some varieties that can tolerate more sun.  And they are so easy.  Give them water, fertilize them periodically and you’ll have continuous color all summer.  

You can even do these for indoors like this planter makeover I made using acrylic paints.  Pick up a few small ones and let the kids paint their own too – it would be a perfect afternoon craft session for them!

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Gardening Supplies

Here are my top recommended and favorite planting and gardening supplies to help you create a gorgeous landscape, flower or vegetable garden.

Gorilla Carts GOR800-COM Steel Utility Cart with Removable Sides, 800-lbs. Capacity, Red

Garden carts can be a lifesaver when carrying plants, mulch, potting soil and more around your yard. This one has removable sides and can hold up to 800 pounds!

Shop Here

Women's Garden Gloves, nitrile coated work gloves, assorted colors. Women's Large, 6 Pair Pack

Protect your hands from dirt, thorns, and moisture with these gloves. This brand has amazing reviews and comes with 6 pairs for a killer price.

Shop Here

Scuddles Garden Tools Set - 8 Piece Heavy Duty Gardening Kit With Storage Organizer

Every gardener needs a set of tools that are built to last. This set is affordable and contains all the basic tools you'll need for planting.

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Kneeling Pad Extra Thick Waterproof Bath Kneeler & Garden Kneeler| XL Firm Foam Pad

Protect your knees with a durable and waterproof kneeling pad. Easy to carry and super handy.

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Garden Scissors - Grafting Tool Fruit Tree - Multi-Functional Swiss 3.58 inches

Keep this in your gardening tote for all those hard to open potting soil bags or for cutting roots.

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Sloggers 5119FCGN07 Wo's, Fresh Cut Green Waterproof Comfort Shoe

Gardening shoes that are waterproof, comfortable, and can be hosed off after you're done are a must for any gardener.

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GROWNEER 120 Packs 3 Inch Peat Pots Plant Starters for Seedling, Biodegradable Herb Seed Starter Pots Kit

120 starter peat pots you can use to start your seeds and then plant directly into the ground to avoid root shock.

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Lifetime 60069 Raised Garden Bed Kit, 4 by 4 Feet, Pack of 3

If you want to try your hand at growing a garden, these raised bed planters are a perfect and affordable way to start. Excellent reviews for ease of assembly and durability.

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Raised Bed Gardening for Beginners: Everything You Need to Know to Start and Sustain a Thriving Garden

The perfect book if you're considering venturing into raised bed gardening.

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QEESTARS 2 pcs Round Plastic Resin Chain Basket Hanging Planter Hanging Flowers and Plants

Dress up your porches or patios with this set of hanging planters - includes a rust-resistant chain and hanger.

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KINGLAKE 100 Pcs 6 x10cm Plastic Plant T-Type Tags Nursery Garden Labels

Keep your plantings organized with this 100 pack of garden labels.

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Plant Flower Stand Plant Display Shelf Rack Shelf Bamboo Foldable 

This durable plant stand is suitable for indoor or outdoor use and can display all your beautifully grown plants!

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Best Funny Garden & Gardening Plants Lovers Gift T-Shirt

Because who doesn't need another fun t-shirt, right?

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Muryobao Women Ponytail Summer Sun Hat Wide Brim UV Hats Floppy Bucket Cap 

Protect your face and keep your ponytail at the same time! Genius!

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TRG Inc Rake The Groundskeeper II

Top rated garden rake that will rake mulch, rocks, grass, and more without damaging your plants.

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Nifty Grower 100ft Garden Hose - New Expandable Water Hose 

Your new plants and flowers will need water and this top-rated hose will get the job done!

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FCMP Outdoor IM4000 Tumbling Composter, 37 gallon, Black

Compost is a must for giving your plants and vegetables the perfect nutrients. This bin is easy to use, easy to turn, and will last for years to come.

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For more gardening ideas – check out these 7 Farmhouse Style Planters and the perfect Container Plants For Full Sun.

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