DIY Tall Planters for Outdoors: Elevate Your Garden Instantly! Create stunning, functional tall planters for your outdoor space with simple DIY methods. These easy projects add vertical interest, improve drainage, and are perfect for beginners and budget-conscious gardeners.
Are your outdoor plants looking a little… low? Sometimes, the simplest garden upgrades make the biggest difference. Tall planters are fantastic for adding a touch of elegance and drawing the eye upwards. They’re also a dream for drainage and can save your back from too much bending! But who says you need to buy expensive ones? You can absolutely create beautiful, custom tall planters yourself, even if you’re new to DIY. Let’s get planting and make your garden truly shine, with simple steps anyone can follow!
Why Build DIY Tall Planters? Your Garden’s New Best Friends!
Adding tall planters to your outdoor space is like giving your garden a stylish makeover. They’re not just pretty; they bring a whole host of benefits that make gardening easier and more rewarding. Let’s explore why these vertical beauties are such a fantastic garden upgrade.
Boost Curb Appeal Dramatically
First impressions matter, right? Tall planters instantly elevate the look of your entryway, patio, or deck. Imagine a pair flanking your front door, bursting with colorful flowers, or a series lining your porch steps. They create a sense of arrival and make your home feel more welcoming and finished. Plus, they fill awkward empty spaces beautifully.
Improve Plant Health with Better Drainage
One of the biggest challenges with outdoor container gardening is waterlogged soil, which can lead to root rot and unhappy plants. Tall planters solve this naturally! The extra height means excess water drains away more effectively, keeping your plant roots healthy and happy. This is especially helpful if your garden has poor soil drainage.
Save Your Back and Knees
Let’s be honest, kneeling and bending can be tough on our bodies. Raising plants to a more accessible height makes planting, watering, and tending to your greenery much more comfortable. This is a game-changer for anyone with mobility issues or just those who prefer less strain while gardening.
Maximize Small Spaces
Don’t have a sprawling garden? No problem! Tall planters are masters of vertical gardening. They allow you to grow more plants in a smaller footprint by utilizing the air space above. This makes them perfect for balconies, patios, and even urban gardens.
Control Your Soil Quality
With raised planters, you’re not confined by the existing soil quality of your yard. You can fill them with the perfect custom soil mix for the plants you want to grow, ensuring they have the best possible foundation for thriving. This is ideal for plants with specific soil needs.
Customization is King!
This is the best part of DIY: you get to choose the size, shape, color, and material. Want planters that perfectly match your home’s aesthetic? Need a specific height to frame a view? You’re the designer! This allows for a truly personalized garden that reflects your style.
Getting Started: Your DIY Tall Planter Toolkit
Ready to get your hands dirty (but not too dirty)? Gathering the right tools and materials is the first step to success. Don’t worry, for most beginner-friendly projects, you won’t need a whole workshop full of fancy equipment. Let’s break down what you’ll likely need.
Essential Tools for the Job
These are the workhorses that will help you build your planters. You might have many of these already!
- Measuring Tape: For accurate cuts and ensuring your planter is the size you envision.
- Pencil or Marker: To mark your cutting lines on wood or other materials.
- Saw: A handsaw is perfectly fine for basic projects. A circular saw or miter saw will make things quicker and straighter if you have access to one.
- Drill with Drill Bits: Essential for pre-drilling holes to prevent splitting wood and for assembling your planter with screws. You’ll also need a larger bit for drainage holes.
- Screwdriver or Drill Driver Bit: To drive screws and put your planter together.
- Sandpaper or Sanding Block: To smooth rough edges for a safer and more polished finish.
- Safety Glasses: ALWAYS protect your eyes when cutting or drilling!
- Work Gloves: Keep your hands safe and comfortable.
- Level: To ensure your planter is sitting straight.
- Hammer (optional): Might be needed for certain fastening methods.
- Clamps (optional): Helpful for holding pieces together while you drill or screw.
Common Materials for Tall Planters
The beauty of DIY is the variety of materials you can use! Here are some popular and accessible choices:
- Wood: The most common choice. Cedar, redwood, or treated lumber are good options for outdoor durability. Plywood can also work, especially if you plan to paint or seal it well.
- Concrete Blocks or Cinder Blocks: Incredibly durable and provide a modern, industrial look. Very easy to assemble, often requiring no fasteners.
- Galvanized Metal Stock Tanks: These are ready-made containers that just need a few tweaks for drainage. They offer a rustic farmhouse vibe.
- Plastic Decking Boards: Recycled plastic lumber is lightweight, rot-proof, and easy to cut.
- Pallet Wood: A very budget-friendly option! Just be sure to use heat-treated (HT) pallets, not those treated with chemicals (marked MB).
- Screws & Hardware: Exterior-grade screws are essential to prevent rust and ensure longevity. You may also need wood glue for extra strength.
- Landscape Fabric or Pond Liner: To line the inside and prevent soil from washing out while allowing drainage.
- Sealant or Paint (optional but recommended for wood): Protects your planter from the elements and adds a pop of color.
DIY Tall Planter Project 1: The Classic Wooden Beauty
This project is a fantastic starting point for beginners. It involves building a simple, rectangular wooden planter box. You can adjust the dimensions to suit your needs, but we’ll provide a common size that works well for many plants.
Materials Needed:
- (4) 2×4 lumber boards, 3 feet long (for the sides)
- (4) 2×4 lumber boards, 1 foot long (for the shorter ends)
- (4) 2×4 lumber boards, 2 feet long (for the internal corner supports)
- (2) 1×4 lumber boards, cut to the desired width of your planter (for the base support)
- (1) Sheet of plywood or decking boards, cut to fit the bottom
- Exterior-grade wood screws (e.g., 2.5-inch and 1.5-inch)
- Wood glue (exterior grade)
- Sandpaper (medium grit)
- Optional: Exterior wood sealant, stain, or paint
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Cut Your Lumber: If your wood isn’t already cut to size, measure and cut the boards according to the ‘Materials Needed’ list. Ensure your cuts are as square as possible using a miter box or miter saw for accuracy.
- Assemble the Sides: Lay two of the 3-foot 2x4s on a flat surface, parallel to each other. Place two of the 1-foot 2x4s between them at the ends to form a rectangle. Apply wood glue to the ends of the shorter boards. Pre-drill holes through the longer boards into the ends of the shorter boards and secure with 2.5-inch screws. Repeat this process to create a second identical side panel. You should now have two rectangular frames.
- Attach Corner Supports: Take one of the 2-foot 2x4s and position it vertically inside one corner of one of the side panels you just assembled. It should run from the top edge down. Apply glue and pre-drill through the side panel boards into the corner support. Secure with 2.5-inch screws. Repeat this for all four corners on both side panels. These supports are crucial for stability and for attaching the bottom.
- Join the Side Panels: Stand the two side panels upright, parallel to each other. Use the remaining two 2-foot 2x4s, one for each side, to connect the two panels. Position these connecting boards vertically on the outside of the side panels, aligning them with the top edges. Apply glue, pre-drill, and secure with 2.5-inch screws. You now have the main box frame.
- Add Base Supports: Place the two 1×4 boards across the bottom inside the frame, perpendicular to the 1-foot end pieces. Position them a few inches in from the long sides. These will hold the bottom panel. Apply glue, pre-drill, and secure with 1.5-inch screws from the outside of the frame into the 1x4s.
- Install the Bottom Panel: Cut your plywood or decking boards to fit snugly inside the frame and rest on the 1×4 base supports. Apply wood glue to the top edges of the 1×4 supports. Place your bottom panel down. Pre-drill and secure the bottom panel to the 1×4 supports using 1.5-inch screws.
- Create Drainage Holes: Flip the planter over. Drill several large drainage holes (around 1/2 to 1 inch in diameter) through the bottom panel. Space them out evenly to ensure good water flow.
- Sand and Finish: Sand any rough edges or splinters. If you plan to paint or seal your planter, now is the time! Apply a few coats of an exterior-grade product to protect the wood. Allow it to dry completely.
- Line (Optional but Recommended): For extra protection of the wood and to prevent soil loss, you can staple landscape fabric or a piece of pond liner to the inside walls and bottom of the planter once it’s dry. Cut holes in the liner where your drainage holes are.
And there you have it! A beautiful, sturdy wooden planter box ready for planting.
DIY Tall Planter Project 2: The Speedy Cinder Block Tower
For an ultra-fast, industrial-chic look that requires absolutely no cutting or screws, cinder blocks are your best friend. This isn’t just a single planter; you can stack them to create impressive heights!
Materials Needed:
- Standard Concrete Cinder Blocks (available at any hardware or home improvement store)
- Gravel or broken pottery shards (for drainage)
- Landscape Fabric (optional, for lining)
- Your plants and potting mix
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Choose Your Location: Find a level spot in your garden that gets the right amount of sun for your desired plants.
- Lay the First Layer: Place your first cinder block on the ground. Ensure it is stable. Then, place additional blocks around it, leaving gaps between them if you want multiple planting pockets within the same layer, or push them together to form a solid base. Experiment with different arrangements based on your desired planter shape (square, rectangle, or an L-shape). Position the blocks so the holes are facing upwards – this is where your plants will go!
- Build Upwards (Optional): Want a taller planter? Simply stack another layer of cinder blocks on top of the first. You can offset them slightly for added stability, like laying bricks. For a very tall structure, consider using a construction adhesive designed for masonry to secure the layers, though for 2-3 layers, gravity alone is often sufficient if the blocks are interlocked or offset properly.
- Prepare for Drainage: If you’re using blocks with holes facing up, fill the holes about 1/3 of the way with gravel or broken pottery for excellent drainage. For solid-base planters made by placing blocks on their narrow sides for a solid wall, you’ll need to ensure there are gaps at the bottom for water to escape, or drill drainage holes if using solid masonry units.
- Line (Optional): If you’re concerned about soil leaching or want to protect the blocks from mineral buildup over time, you can line portions of the planter with landscape fabric. Ensure it doesn’t block drainage.
- Add Soil and Plants: Fill the cinder block planter(s) with a good quality potting mix. Leave a few inches at the top for watering. Plant your favorite flowers, herbs, or vegetables! The holes in the blocks themselves are also perfect for planting trailing plants or herbs like strawberries and succulents.
That’s it! You’ve created an incredibly durable and versatile planter in minutes.
DIY Tall Planter Project 3: The Rustic Stock Tank Elegance
Galvanized metal stock tanks are popular for a reason: they’re durable, stylish, and practically ready to go with minimal effort. They offer a charming farmhouse look and are perfect for larger plants or even small vegetables.
Materials Needed:
- Galvanized Metal Stock Tank (ensure it has no drain plug or remove it)
- Drill with a metal drill bit or hole saw (at least 1/2 inch)
- Gravel or broken pottery shards (for drainage)
- Your plants and potting mix
- Optional: Exterior spray paint suitable for metal (for a custom look)
- Optional: Wood blocks or bricks (to elevate the tank slightly)
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Inspect Your Tank: Ensure the stock tank is clean and doesn’t have a drain plug that’s still in place unless you want to utilize it as a water outlet. If it does and you don’t want it, remove it. Check for any sharp edges.
- Drill Drainage Holes: This is the most crucial step! Turn the tank upside down (carefully!). Using your drill with a metal drill bit or hole saw, drill several drainage holes in the bottom. Aim for at least 4-6 holes, spaced evenly, about 1/2 inch to 1 inch in diameter. Metal can be tough, so go slowly and use a lubricant like oil or water if needed.
- Position Your Tank: Decide where your tank will live. These tanks can be quite heavy when filled, so it’s best to place them before you start filling them with soil.
- Elevate (Optional): To improve drainage even further and prevent the bottom from sitting in moisture, you can place the tank on top of sturdy wood blocks or bricks. This creates a gap for air circulation and water runoff.
- Add Drainage Layer: Place a layer of gravel or broken pottery shards at the bottom of the tank, about 2-3 inches deep. This further aids drainage.
- Add Soil and Plants: Fill the tank with a good quality potting mix, leaving about 2 inches of space at the top. Plant your chosen flowers, vegetables, or herbs. The generous size of stock tanks makes them ideal for growing a small patch of herbs or even a compact tomato plant.
- Custom Paint (Optional): If you want to customize the look, you can spray paint the exterior of the tank. Use a paint specifically designed for metal and outdoor use. Ensure the tank is clean and dry before painting, and apply thin, even coats.
Instant garden upgrade with minimal effort!
Creative Ideas for Your Tall Planters
Beyond the basic builds, how can you make your DIY tall planters truly unique and functional?
Themed Planter Groupings
Create a cohesive look by building several planters in a similar style but varying heights. Arrange them together for a dramatic visual statement.
Herb Garden Towers
Stacking smaller DIY planters or utilizing the pockets of cinder blocks can create an amazing herb garden. Dedicate each level or section to a different type of herb for easy harvesting.
Vegetable Patches on the Patio
Tall planters are perfect for growing compact vegetables like bush beans, peppers, strawberries, and salad greens. Ensure your planter is deep enough for the root systems.
Aromatic Flower Displays
Combine fragrant flowers like lavender, jasmine, or gardenias with structural plants. The height brings their scent closer to you as you pass by.
Vertical Edible Gardens
Consider growing vining plants like peas, cucumbers, or even small melons. You can add trellises to the back of your tall planters to give them something to climb.
Colorful Accents
Don’t shy away from paint! Bright colors can liven up a patio, while classic neutrals can blend seamlessly with your home’s exterior. Explore different finishes like matte, gloss, or even distressed looks.
Planting Combinations
Think ‘thriller, filler, spiller’ for your tall planters. A tall, spiky plant (thriller) in the center, mounding plants (filler) around it, and trailing plants (spiller) that hang over the edges create a dynamic and professional arrangement. For example, a tall ornamental grass, with petunias and then trailing ivy.
Maintaining Your DIY Tall Planters
Once your beautiful planters are built and planted, a little ongoing care will keep them looking great and your plants thriving.
- Watering: Tall planters can dry out faster than in-ground gardens, especially in hot weather. Check the soil moisture by sticking your
