20 DIY Winter Garden Planters to Brighten Up Your Space

Winter may seem like a quiet time for gardens, but it doesn’t have to be. Adding colorful, creative planters to your outdoor or indoor space can keep the gardening spirit alive during the colder months. With a little imagination, you can create charming planters that not only survive the chill but also elevate your winter decor.

From repurposed materials to natural accents, DIY winter planters are all about combining beauty with practicality. Whether you’re a seasoned DIY enthusiast or just getting started, these ideas are sure to inspire. So grab your tools and let’s craft some magic for your winter garden.

In this article, we’ll explore 20 unique DIY winter garden planters. Get ready to transform your space with creativity and charm!

20 DIY Winter Planters to Keep Your Garden Blooming Bright

1. Evergreen Elegance Planter

Fill a large container with hardy evergreens like spruce, pine, or cedar. Add pinecones and red berries for a festive look. This arrangement stays fresh all winter and adds a classic touch to your garden.

2. Repurposed Wooden Crates

Turn an old wooden crate into a rustic winter planter. Line it with burlap, fill it with soil, and plant hardy winter greens like kale or ornamental cabbage.

3. Frosted Lantern Planters

Use vintage lanterns as mini planters. Add soil and plant small succulents or moss. Finish with faux snow spray for a frosted effect.

4. Sleek Concrete Pots

Make your own concrete planters using molds. These modern pots are perfect for displaying winter-friendly plants like hellebores or pansies.

5. Upcycled Tin Cans

Paint or wrap tin cans with burlap and ribbons. Use them to house small winter plants like ivy or thyme. They’re easy, budget-friendly, and adorable.

6. Winter Wonderland Basket

Use a wicker basket as a planter. Line it with plastic, add soil, and plant winter blooms like cyclamen. Finish with fairy lights for extra charm.

7. Tiered Herb Planter

Stack several pots of descending sizes. Plant winter herbs like rosemary, sage, and parsley in each tier. This is great for small spaces and adds greenery to your porch.

8. Log Planters

Hollow out a log and use it as a planter. Fill it with soil and plant winter succulents or moss. It blends beautifully with a natural setting.

9. Frost-Proof Ceramic Pots

Pick colorful, frost-resistant ceramic pots. Fill them with hardy perennials like heather or dwarf conifers. The vibrant pots add a cheerful touch to dreary winter days.

10. Hanging Ice Planters

Use metal or plastic bowls to create hanging planters. Freeze water mixed with cranberries, pine sprigs, and twigs in the bowl. Once solid, hang the icy creation outdoors for a stunning winter display.

11. Mini Greenhouse Planter

Convert an old fish tank or clear storage box into a mini greenhouse. Use it to grow delicate plants that need a little extra warmth during winter.

12. Wine Barrel Garden

Cut a wine barrel in half and turn it into a rustic planter. Fill it with evergreens, ornamental grasses, and winter pansies for a layered look.

13. Snowman Planter

Paint a large white pot to look like a snowman. Add a smaller pot for the head, complete with painted features and a scarf. Plant winter flowers like violas for a playful touch.

14. Wreath-Inspired Planter

Shape chicken wire into a wreath base, then fill it with soil and winter-friendly plants like succulents. Hang it on a wall or door for a unique planter with holiday vibes.

15. Rustic Wheelbarrow Planter

Repurpose an old wheelbarrow into a winter garden centerpiece. Fill it with a mix of evergreens, berries, and decorative twigs.

16. Candlelit Planter

Combine winter plants with candle holders. Arrange greenery like holly around the candles for a warm, inviting look that works indoors or outdoors.

17. Copper Bucket Planters

Use copper buckets for a chic, timeless look. Fill them with winter plants like Christmas rose (hellebores) and place them on your porch or patio.

18. Fairy Garden Winter Edition

Create a miniature winter scene in a wide, shallow pot. Use moss, tiny figurines, and faux snow to design a magical fairy garden.

19. Repurposed Rain Boots

Turn old rain boots into quirky planters. Fill them with soil and plant hardy flowers or herbs. Place them by your door for a whimsical touch.

20. Sleigh-Inspired Planter

Find a small decorative sleigh and use it as a planter. Fill it with evergreen clippings, pinecones, and bright red berries for a festive, wintery display.

FAQs

Q:  What plants work best for winter garden planters?
Hardy plants like evergreens, hellebores, ornamental cabbages, and pansies are ideal for winter planters. They’re frost-tolerant and add color to your space.

Q: How do I protect my planters from frost?
Choose frost-resistant pots and ensure proper drainage to prevent water from freezing. You can also move delicate planters to a sheltered area during extreme cold.

Q: Can I use artificial plants in winter planters?
Absolutely! Artificial greenery and flowers can look beautiful and require zero maintenance. Combine them with natural elements like pinecones for a realistic touch.

Q: Are DIY planters expensive to make?
Not at all. Many DIY planters use repurposed or inexpensive materials like tin cans, wooden crates, or old boots. They’re budget-friendly and customizable.

Closing Thoughts

Creating DIY winter garden planters is a wonderful way to keep your outdoor space vibrant and inviting even in the cold months. With a little creativity, you can craft planters that reflect your style and add a touch of warmth to your garden.

Whether you’re using upcycled materials or splurging on a few new items, these ideas are sure to inspire. Enjoy the process, and let your garden shine all winter long!