10 Creative Summer Planter Ideas to Beautify Your Outdoor Space

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Summer time is the perfect opportunity to transform your outdoor space and add a pop of color and beauty using creative planter ideas. Whether you have a big backyard, small balcony, or a front porch, there are plenty of options for every kind of space to incorporate planters into your decor.

In this article, we have compiled ten of the best creative summer planter ideas that you can use to get inspired and start planting in no time!

Looking for new summer planter ideas to add some color and beauty to your outdoor space? Whether you have a small balcony or a big backyard, there are plenty of unique and creative planter options to choose from. In this article, we've compiled 10 of the best summer planter ideas that will inspire you to get planting!

1. Birch Bark Planters

Birch bark planter boxes are rustic and charming, adding a touch of natural beauty to your garden. Here's what you'll need to make these:

Materials:

• Birch bark
• Scissors
• Pen
• Ruler
• Stapler
• Potting soil
• Plants of your choice

Step-by-step instructions on how to make birch bark planters:

• Measure and cut the birch bark to create four rectangular pieces with the same length and width. The size of the box is up to you.
• Use the stapler to connect the corners of each piece of birch bark to create the box shape.
• Fill the box with the potting soil.
• Plant your chosen plants in the soil (Pro tip: succulents work wonderfully well in these planters). Make sure to cover the roots with more soil and water them appropriately.

Best plants to use in these planters:

• Pansies
• Impatiens
• Lantana
• Petunias
• Snapdragons

2. Vintage Tea Cup Planters

Nothing screams summer more than vintage tea cup planters! These classic, cute little planters are perfect for displaying small herbs on a window sill or outdoor patio.

Materials:

• Vintage tea cups
• Potting soil
• Reclaimed wooden board
• Screws and wall mounts
• Drill

Easy DIY guide for making vintage tea cup planters:

• Take the reclaimed wooden board and drill holes at regular intervals.
• Screw the cups to the board using the hole handles (Pro tip: If you want a rustic look, use cups smaller than the holes so that they hang loose).
• Fill each cup with potting soil and add an herb in every cup.

Fragrant herbs to plant in these cute planters:

• Lavender
• Thyme
• Rosemary
• Lemon balm

3. Hanging Basket Planters

Hanging baskets bring life to otherwise dull, empty spaces. They can brighten up your balcony, porch, or garden in no time.

Materials:

• Baskets
• Potting soil
• Plastic mesh or burlap fabric
• Fertilizer
• Plants of your choice

Step-by-step instructions on how to make hanging basket planters:

• Line the bottom of the basket with plastic mesh or burlap fabric before adding soil. This will help to retain moisture and ensure adequate drainage while preventing soil from spilling out.
• Add the potting soil and fertilizer, remembering to loosen the roots of the chosen plants before planting them into the soil. This will encourage their growth.
• Once planted, water generously to keep the soil moist.

Perfect summer flowers to plant in these planters:

• Geraniums
• Begonias
• Petunias
• Impatiens

4. Succulent Wall Planter

Succulents are the perfect plants for sunny, hot summers because they prefer dry soil conditions and humidity. A succulent wall planter adds a stunning visual appeal to both indoor and outdoor spaces.

Materials:

• Wooden frame
• Chicken wire
• Soil
• Succulent cuttings

DIY guide for making a succulent wall planter:

• Create a wooden frame large enough to hold your chicken wire.
• Staple the chicken wire to the wooden frame.
• Fill the wire grid with soil.
• Insert the succulent cuttings gently into the soil.
• Keep the planter moist by misting water over it every few days. Be sure not to overwater as succulents can rot if the soil is too moist.

Best succulents to include in this planter:

• Echeveria
• Aloe vera
• Sedum
• Crassula

5. Recycled Tire Planters

Recycling old tires into planters is an eco-friendly way to add unique designs to your garden. This summer project is not only fun but also helps to reduce tire waste.

Materials:

• Old car tires
• Spray paint
• Potting soil
• Plants of your choice

Step-by-step instructions on how to make recycled tire planters:

• Clean the tire thoroughly before painting it with different colors (make sure the paint used is safe for plants and animal life).
• Cut off the top of the tire using a sharp knife.
• Use potting soil to fill in the bottom of the tire.
• Plant your chosen plants.
• Water the plants regularly to ensure their growth.

Unique plants to use in these eco-friendly planters:

• Sweet potato vine
• Marigolds
• Succulent rosettes
• Variegated creeping fig

6. Garden Cart Planter

Garden cart planters add a rustic charm to any outdoor space. Simply repurpose an old garden cart into a planter and fill it with your favorite summer blooms and foliage.

Materials:

• Old garden cart
• Plastic lining
• Potting soil
• Flowers, herbs or vegetables

DIY guide for making a garden cart planter:

• Line the inside of the cart with plastic to prevent soil from seeping out of the bottom.
• Fill with potting soil.
• Plant your chosen plants. This cart allows for ample space to include vibrant flowers, leafy greens, or even some small veggies.

How to style the cart with your favorite summer blooms and foliage:

• Geraniums
• Salvia
• Verbena
• Nasturtiums
• Herbs such as sage, parsley, rosemary, etc.

7. Vertical Pallet Garden Planter

If you don't have much yard space, vertical pallet garden planters are the perfect solution. They can be used to grow various herbs, flowers, and veggies.

Materials:

• Salvaged pallet
• Landscape fabric
• Potting soil
• Plants of your choice

Easy DIY guide with step-by-step instructions for making a pallet garden planter:

• Line the backside of the pallet with landscape fabric and staple down.
• Add some potting soil on top of the landscape fabric.
• Insert your plants into the pockets of the pallet where there is soil.
• Keep the pallets hydrated by misting water using a spray bottle.

Best plants for growing in a vertical pallet garden:

• Clematis
• Sedum
• Sweet potato vines
• Herbs like basil, thyme, cilantro, etc.

8. Sea Urchin Shell Planter

Sea urchin shells can be the perfect, quirky planter for your summer garden. These little treasures are adorable and make a cute statement!

Materials:

• Sea urchin shells
• Potting soil
• Tiny plants or succulent seeds

How to make a cute summer planter using sea urchin shells:

• Fill each shell with potting soil.
• Add a pinch of seeds or a tiny plant.
• Water gently.

Uncommon summer flowers and herbs to plant in these little shells:

• Moss Verbena
• Calibrachoa
• Viola
• Aromatic flowers like lavender, chamomile, etc.

9. Concrete Block Planters

Concrete block planters are versatile and inexpensive, making them an ideal choice for small-space gardening projects.

Materials:

• Concrete blocks
• Outdoor acrylic paint (optional)
• Potting soil
• Plants of your choice

Step-by-step instructions on how to make concrete block planters:

• If desired, paint the concrete blocks with outdoor acrylic paint. This will give them a fresh and updated look.
• Arrange the blocks in the pattern desired; either turned upright, sideways, or stacked.
• Fill the spaces within the blocks with rich potting soil.
• Insert your chosen plants into the openings in the concrete blocks.

How to personalize the planters with paint or unique plants:

• Succulents
• Herbs like basil, cilantro, thyme, parsley, etc.
• Flowers such as petunias, geraniums, zinnias, marigolds, etc.

10. Terracotta Pot Tower Planter

Terracotta Pot Tower Planter is not only beautiful but also gives you ample planting opportunities in a small space. You'll have an eye-catching centerpiece in no time.

Materials:

• Terracotta pots
• Potting soil
• Plants of your choice
• Watering can

DIY guide on how to make a terracotta pot tower planter:

• Gather large and small terracotta pots in varying sizes.
• Fill the bottom pot with soil, then position the next pot on top of it, repeating the process up the column of the tower.
• Plant your chosen plants as you build the tower.
• Water them generously.

Summer flowers and plants that look great arranged in this way:

• Geraniums
• Pansies
• Marigolds
• Herbs like parsley, sage, thyme, etc.

By using these creative summer planter ideas, you can add beauty, color, and interest to your outdoor space. Whether you choose rustic birch bark planters, cute teacup planters, or recycled tire planters, there's something for every style and budget. So get planting and enjoy a beautiful summer season!

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about summer planter ideas:

What type of plants are best for hanging basket planters?

Geraniums, begonias, petunias, and impatiens are all great options for hanging basket planters.

What are some unique plants to use in recycled tire planters?

Sweet potato vine, marigolds, succulent rosettes, and variegated creeping fig are all unique plants that can be grown in recycled tire planters.

How often should I water succulent wall planters?

Succulent wall planters prefer dry soil conditions, so be sure not to overwater them. Lightly mist water over them every few days to provide the needed moisture.

Can I paint concrete block planters to give them a new look?

Yes, you can definitely update your concrete block planters by painting them with outdoor acrylic paint.

What is the best way to arrange summer flowers and herbs in a terracotta tower planter?

Start by planting larger plants at the bottom of the pot, like geraniums or marigolds. Add smaller plants as you move up the column such as pansies or herbs.

How do I take care of sea urchin shell planters?

Water gently as needed but make sure not to overwater as the shells have no drainage holes.

What are the advantages of vertical pallet garden planters for small spaces?

Vertical pallet garden planters work with limited space and create a visual impact while providing ample planting opportunities.

Should I line birch bark planters with plastic before planting?

Yes, it would be wise to line those planters with plastic to keep water from reaching through the birch bark thus forcing water out of them, and to retain moisture in the soil.

What types of flowers and foliage work best in garden cart planters?

Geraniums,