21 Patio Planter Ideas

Looking for ways to spruce up your outdoor space? These 21 patio planter ideas will help you transform your patio into a green oasis. From simple DIY projects to clever space-saving solutions, you’ll find something perfect for your home.

Vertical Herb Garden

Want to grow fresh herbs but short on space?

Try a vertical herb garden!

Mount a wooden planter on your patio wall and fill it with basil, mint, rosemary, and thyme.

You’ll have easy access to fresh herbs while cooking, and they’ll add a lovely scent to your outdoor area.

Upcycled Tire Planters

Old tires make fantastic planters!

Clean them thoroughly, paint them in bright colors, and stack them for a fun display.

Fill with soil and add your favorite flowers or vegetables.

This eco-friendly option saves money and gives new life to items that would otherwise end up in a landfill.

Hanging Basket Display

Hanging baskets add visual interest above your patio space.

Choose baskets in varying sizes and hang them at different heights for a dynamic look.

Fill them with trailing plants like petunias, ivy, or sweet potato vine.

Water them regularly as hanging plants dry out faster.

Window Box Planters

Window boxes aren’t just for windows!

Attach them to your patio railings for a splash of color.

Plant a mix of upright flowers in the back and trailing varieties in the front.

This creates a waterfall effect as plants grow.

Choose flowers in complementary colors for the best visual impact.

Repurposed Drawer Planters

Turn old dresser drawers into charming planters!

Drill drainage holes in the bottom, add a layer of gravel, and fill with potting soil.

Paint the drawers in colors that match your patio décor.

Stack them at different heights or arrange them in a row for a unique garden display.

Concrete Block Planter Wall

Build a modern planter wall using concrete blocks!

Arrange them in a pattern that works for your space, leaving the openings facing up or sideways.

Plant succulents, small flowers, or herbs in each opening.

This creates a living wall that also provides privacy for your patio.

Colorful Tin Can Planters

Save those food cans for a budget-friendly planter project!

Clean them thoroughly, remove labels, and paint in bright colors.

Drill drainage holes in the bottom before adding soil and plants.

Group them together on tables or steps, or hang them using wire for a cheerful display.

Pallet Vertical Garden

Transform a wooden pallet into a space-saving vertical garden!

Secure landscape fabric to the back and bottom, then fill the spaces between slats with soil and plants.

Mount it on your patio wall for an instant green accent that takes up minimal floor space.

Self-Watering Milk Jug Planters

Create self-watering planters from empty milk jugs!

Cut the jug in half, invert the top, and place it inside the bottom.

Fill the top with soil and plants, and the bottom with water.

The soil will draw up water as needed, making these perfect for forgetful gardeners.

Floating Shelf Plant Display

Install floating shelves on your patio wall to display smaller plants.

This keeps them safe from pets and creates a stylish plant gallery.

Mix pots of different sizes, colors, and materials.

Include plants with varying textures and heights for a professionally designed look.

Boot Planters

Give old boots new life as quirky planters!

Drill drainage holes in the soles, fill with potting mix, and add flowers that match or contrast with the boot color.

Children’s boots work well for smaller plants, while adult boots can hold larger arrangements.

Wagon Wheel Herb Garden

Use an old wagon wheel to create a divided herb garden!

Lay the wheel flat, line the sections between spokes with landscape fabric, and fill with soil.

Plant different herbs in each section for a practical and decorative addition to your patio cooking area.

Bicycle Planter Display

Park an old bicycle on your patio and transform it into a unique planter!

Attach baskets to the handlebars and rear rack, or secure pots to the frame.

Paint the bike in a color that pops against your house.

This conversation piece brings whimsy to your outdoor space.

Teacup Succulent Garden

Create miniature gardens in vintage teacups!

Drill drainage holes carefully or add a layer of small rocks at the bottom.

Plant small succulents or cacti, which need minimal water.

Arrange on a patio table or shelf.

These dainty planters are perfect for small spaces.

Cinder Block Planter Bench

Build a planter bench using cinder blocks and wooden boards!

Arrange blocks with openings facing outward, place wooden boards across the top, and fill the openings with soil and plants.

This creates seating and greenery in one functional piece for your patio.

Ladder Plant Stand

Repurpose an old ladder as a tiered plant stand!

Open it safely on your patio and place potted plants on each step.

Shorter plants go on top rungs, taller ones on lower steps.

This vertical display saves floor space while creating a rustic, garden-center look.

Whiskey Barrel Planters

Whiskey barrels make sturdy, attractive planters for larger plants!

Drill drainage holes if needed, and fill with soil.

Plant a centerpiece plant like a small tree or tall grass, surrounded by colorful flowers and trailing vines.

These substantial planters anchor patio corners beautifully.

Rain Gutter Planters

Mount lengths of rain gutter on your patio railing or fence for a space-saving herb or flower garden!

Cap the ends, drill drainage holes, and fill with soil.

These narrow planters are perfect for growing lettuces, strawberries, or a row of colorful annuals.

Umbrella Stand Planter

Transform an unused umbrella stand into a tall planter!

Fill the bottom with rocks for drainage and stability, then add soil and plants.

Choose tall, architectural plants like ornamental grasses or canna lilies to take advantage of the height, with trailing flowers around the edges.

Hanging Colander Planters

Metal colanders make perfect ready-made hanging planters!

Their built-in drainage is ideal for plants.

Line with coconut fiber or moss, add soil and plants, then hang from hooks around your patio.

Choose colorful colanders or spray paint them to match your outdoor décor.

Stacked Pot Tower

Create a vertical garden by stacking terracotta pots at angles!

Start with a large base pot, then add smaller pots tilted to one side.

Secure them with strong adhesive.

Plant different flowers or herbs in each pot for a space-saving garden that grows upward instead of outward.