9 DIY Herb Planter Ideas for Creative Small-Space Gardening
Fresh herbs can elevate any dish, and growing them at home is easier than you think! With a bit of creativity, you can craft beautiful, functional herb planters that suit your style and space.
Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a beginner, these 9 DIY herb planter ideas will inspire you to bring greenery indoors or spruce up your outdoor area.
Let’s dive into these budget-friendly projects that are as fun to make as they are to use!
Table of Contents
- 1. Mason Jar Herb Garden
- 2. Vertical Pallet Planter
- 3. Tin Can Herb Pots
- 4. Hanging Gutter Garden
- 5. Wooden Crate Herb Box
- 6. Teacup Herb Planters
- 7. Ladder Shelf Herb Garden
- 8. PVC Pipe Herb Planter
- 9. Wine Box Herb Garden
- Tips for Growing a Thriving Herb Garden
- Why DIY Herb Planters?
1. Mason Jar Herb Garden
Mason jars aren’t just for canning—they’re perfect for a rustic herb planter! This simple DIY is ideal for small spaces like kitchen counters or windowsills.
What You’ll Need: Mason jars, small rocks or pebbles, potting soil, herb seedlings (basil, parsley, or cilantro work great).
How to Make It:
- Fill the bottom of each jar with pebbles for drainage.
- Add potting soil and plant your herb seedlings.
- Label each jar with chalkboard paint or cute tags for a charming touch.
- Place on a sunny windowsill and water sparingly.
Why It’s Great: Mason jar planters are affordable, customizable, and perfect for urban dwellers with limited space.
2. Vertical Pallet Planter
Got an old wooden pallet lying around? Turn it into a vertical herb garden that maximizes space and adds rustic charm to your backyard or balcony.
What You’ll Need: Wooden pallet, landscape fabric, staple gun, potting soil, herb plants.
How to Make It:
- Staple landscape fabric to the back and sides of the pallet to create planting pockets.
- Fill with soil and plant herbs like thyme, oregano, or mint.
- Lean the pallet against a wall or hang it securely.
- Water regularly, ensuring excess drains properly.
Why It’s Great: This space-saving idea is perfect for small patios and adds a trendy, upcycled vibe.
3. Tin Can Herb Pots
Recycle old tin cans into quirky, eco-friendly herb planters. This project is quick, cheap, and endlessly customizable.
What You’ll Need: Empty tin cans, paint or washi tape, potting soil, herbs.
How to Make It:
- Clean and remove labels from tin cans.
- Paint or decorate with washi tape for a pop of color.
- Punch a few drainage holes in the bottom.
- Fill with soil and plant herbs like rosemary or chives.
- Arrange on a tray for a cohesive look.
Why It’s Great: It’s a sustainable way to repurpose household items and adds a playful aesthetic to your space.
4. Hanging Gutter Garden
Transform inexpensive rain gutters into a sleek, modern herb planter that’s perfect for fences or walls.
What You’ll Need: Aluminum gutters, end caps, mounting brackets, drill, potting soil, herbs.
How to Make It:
- Cut gutters to desired lengths and attach end caps.
- Drill drainage holes along the bottom.
- Fill with soil and plant herbs like dill or sage.
- Mount on a wall or fence using brackets.
- Water carefully to avoid over-saturation.
Why It’s Great: This modern design maximizes vertical space and works well for outdoor areas with limited ground room.
5. Wooden Crate Herb Box
Turn a wooden crate into a charming herb planter that doubles as a rustic centerpiece for your patio or kitchen.
What You’ll Need: Wooden crate, plastic liner or landscape fabric, potting soil, herb plants.
How to Make It:
- Line the crate with plastic or fabric, ensuring drainage holes are present.
- Fill with potting soil and plant herbs like mint, basil, or parsley.
- Add labels or decorative stakes to identify each herb.
- Place in a sunny spot and water regularly.
Why It’s Great: Wooden crates are sturdy, stylish, and perfect for grouping multiple herbs in one planter.
6. Teacup Herb Planters
For a whimsical touch, repurpose vintage teacups or mugs into adorable mini herb planters.
What You’ll Need: Teacups or mugs, small pebbles, potting soil, herb seedlings.
How to Make It:
- Place a layer of pebbles at the bottom of each teacup for drainage.
- Add potting soil and plant small herbs like chives or thyme.
- Arrange on a decorative tray or saucer for a cohesive look.
- Keep in a sunny spot and water sparingly.
Why It’s Great: These dainty planters add a touch of charm to any space and are perfect for gifting.
7. Ladder Shelf Herb Garden
Repurpose an old ladder into a tiered herb garden that’s both functional and visually striking.
What You’ll Need: Old ladder, wooden planks or pots, potting soil, herbs.
How to Make It:
- Sand and paint the ladder for a polished look, if desired.
- Place pots or attach planks to each step to create shelves.
- Fill pots with soil and plant herbs like oregano, rosemary, or cilantro.
- Position in a sunny corner of your garden or patio.
Why It’s Great: This multi-tiered setup is ideal for displaying a variety of herbs while saving space.
8. PVC Pipe Herb Planter
Create a futuristic-looking herb garden using PVC pipes for a unique, space-efficient design.
What You’ll Need: PVC pipes, pipe cutter, end caps, drill, potting soil, herbs.
How to Make It:
- Cut PVC pipes into desired lengths (6-12 inches works well).
- Drill drainage holes and cap one end of each pipe.
- Fill with soil and plant herbs like parsley or mint.
- Arrange horizontally or vertically, securing with brackets or rope.
Why It’s Great: PVC planters are durable, modern, and perfect for small spaces or urban gardens.
9. Wine Box Herb Garden
Turn an old wine crate into a sophisticated herb planter that’s perfect for outdoor dining areas.
What You’ll Need: Wooden wine crate, plastic liner, potting soil, herb plants.
How to Make It:
- Line the crate with plastic, poking holes for drainage.
- Fill with potting soil and plant herbs like basil, thyme, or sage.
- Add a coat of sealant to protect the wood, if desired.
- Place on a patio table or near your kitchen for easy access.
Why It’s Great: Wine crates add a touch of elegance and are sturdy enough for outdoor use.
Tips for Growing a Thriving Herb Garden
- Choose the Right Herbs: Start with easy-to-grow herbs like basil, mint, rosemary, thyme, or parsley.
- Sunlight is Key: Most herbs need 6-8 hours of sunlight daily, so place your planters in a sunny spot.
- Don’t Overwater: Herbs prefer well-drained soil, so water only when the top inch feels dry.
- Harvest Regularly: Pinch back herbs to encourage bushy growth and prevent them from getting leggy.
Why DIY Herb Planters?
Creating your own herb planters is not only cost-effective but also allows you to customize your garden to match your style.
From rustic to modern, these projects are perfect for beginners and seasoned crafters alike. Plus, growing your own herbs means fresher flavors, fewer grocery trips, and a greener lifestyle.
Which of these DIY herb planter ideas will you try first? Whether it’s the charm of mason jars or the modern edge of PVC pipes, there’s a project here for every space and skill level. Happy planting!
Emily Harper is a kitchen decor expert and interior designer with a passion for creating stylish, functional spaces. As a busy mom, she understands the importance of a kitchen that works for both family life and design. With 6 years of experience, Emily specializes in transforming kitchens into inviting, practical spaces. She’s known for her ability to blend trends with everyday needs, helping families create kitchens that feel like the heart of the home.
