20 DIY Planters for Rooftop Gardens: Creative Ideas to Transform Your Space
Rooftop gardens are no longer just for city dwellers looking for a little green escape. They are personal sanctuaries, tiny farms in the sky, and cozy lounges that connect us to nature even in the middle of concrete jungles. One of the easiest and most exciting ways to design a rooftop garden is by creating DIY planters. They allow you to recycle materials, save money, and add your own creative flair.
When I first started my rooftop garden, I had no fancy pots or big budget. I simply looked around my home, collected unused items, and gave them new life as planters. That’s the beauty of DIY—it’s affordable, fun, and personal. In this article, I’ll walk you through 20 DIY planter ideas for rooftop gardens. Each one is unique, simple to try, and full of character.
Let’s dive in and discover how you can turn ordinary objects into extraordinary homes for your plants.
1. Wooden Crate Planters
Wooden crates are timeless and rustic. They remind me of old fruit markets, and that vintage charm works perfectly on rooftops. To make one, take any old wooden crate, line it with a plastic sheet for water protection, and fill it with soil. You can plant herbs like basil or mint, or colorful flowers for visual delight. The best part? Crates are lightweight, stackable, and easy to paint. Add wheels under them if you want mobility.
2. Upcycled Tin Can Planters
Don’t throw away those large tin cans from cooking oil or coffee. Wash them, poke a few drainage holes at the bottom, and paint them in vibrant colors. They look cheerful and add personality to your rooftop garden. Small tin cans are perfect for succulents, while larger ones work well for tomatoes or peppers. To avoid rust, coat them with a waterproof sealant.
3. Hanging Bottle Planters
Plastic bottles are everywhere, and instead of letting them pollute, turn them into planters. Cut them horizontally, fill with soil, and hang them with rope or wire from railings or pergolas. They are space-saving, eco-friendly, and fun to decorate. Try planting strawberries or trailing vines in them for a cascading effect.
4. Pallet Box Planters
If you can get your hands on a wooden pallet, you’ve found a goldmine for planters. Pallets can be turned into box-style planters for vegetables, or leaned against walls for vertical gardening. I once used a pallet as a herb garden with small slots for mint, coriander, and oregano—it looked stunning and practical.
5. Old Drawer Planters
That broken dresser doesn’t have to go to waste. Pull out the drawers, paint them, and turn them into quirky planters. Stack them at angles to create a layered look. Larger drawers can hold bushy plants like marigolds, while smaller ones are ideal for lettuce or parsley. Adding legs under them makes them look like mini raised beds.
6. Bucket Planters
Buckets are strong, spacious, and cheap. Whether it’s a metal bucket or a plastic one, it can be transformed into a beautiful planter with minimal effort. Drill drainage holes, decorate with outdoor paint, and they’re ready. Buckets are perfect for larger plants like roses or even dwarf fruit trees. Their handles make them easy to move around as well.
7. Concrete Mold Planters
If you love a modern industrial look, concrete planters are your best bet. All you need is cement, sand, and molds (old plastic containers work). Pour, set, and unmold to get chic planters that last for years. They look fantastic with succulents or snake plants, and their weight makes them wind-resistant—great for high rooftops.
8. Basket Planters
Old wicker or bamboo baskets can add a rustic farmhouse vibe. Line them with thick plastic so the soil doesn’t spill, then fill them with flowers or leafy greens. The natural texture of baskets contrasts beautifully with greenery. Keep them under shade to extend their life, as they may wear faster in rain.
9. Vertical Pipe Planters
PVC pipes can be cut, drilled, and arranged vertically to create striking planters. They’re ideal for small spaces where floor area is limited. Herbs like basil, parsley, or even strawberries thrive in them. Plus, they give your rooftop garden a futuristic design edge.
10. Shoe Organizer Planters
A hanging shoe organizer is one of the easiest ways to create a vertical garden. Just fill each pocket with soil and plant small herbs or flowers. Hang it on a sunny wall or railing, and you’ll have a compact yet lush display. It’s affordable, lightweight, and perfect for renters who don’t want permanent structures.
11. Recycled Paint Bucket Planters
Old paint buckets, once washed, make brilliant planters. Their size is just right for medium plants like peppers or dwarf sunflowers. You can cover them with jute, rope, or paint patterns for an artsy look. The handles make them portable, and you can stack them neatly in corners.
12. Ladder Shelf Planters
An old wooden ladder can easily become a multi-tiered planter stand. Place pots or directly plant into boxes attached to the steps. This creates height variation and maximizes vertical space. When I tried this, I filled the top with trailing ivy and the bottom with bright geraniums—an eye-catching combo.
13. Tire Planters
Discarded car tires may seem like junk, but they can be painted and repurposed as planters. Stack them for deep-rooted plants or hang them for trailing flowers. Their round shape and bold colors make them stand out in a rooftop garden. They’re also extremely durable against weather.
14. Barrel Planters
If you ever find an old wine or oil barrel, treasure it. Saw it into halves, and you’ll have large, rustic planters. These are perfect for bigger rooftop plants like roses, small citrus trees, or even climbing plants if you add trellises. They bring a countryside charm that’s hard to beat.
15. Fabric Grow Bags
Sometimes, the simplest option works best. Fabric grow bags are cheap, breathable, and easy to move. You can make your own using strong cloth stitched into bags. They allow roots to breathe, reducing rot risk. They’re fantastic for vegetables like tomatoes, potatoes, and leafy greens.
16. Mosaic Tile Planters
Want something artistic? Cover old pots or containers with broken ceramic tiles, glass pieces, or colorful stones. This creates a stunning mosaic planter that shines in sunlight. It’s like giving your rooftop a gallery-like vibe. They work well for succulents or decorative plants.
17. Log Planters
If you love natural aesthetics, hollowed-out logs make magical planters. Simply carve out the middle, fill with soil, and plant. They blend beautifully with greenery, creating a woodland effect. Ideal for ferns, moss, or small flowering plants. Place them along corners for a cozy look.
18. Cinder Block Planters
Cinder blocks are functional and stylish when arranged creatively. Their hollow centers are ready-made for soil and plants. Stack them to build low walls, and you’ll have both structure and greenery. They’re weather-proof, long-lasting, and look great with succulents.
19. Glass Jar Planters
For a delicate touch, use glass jars as planters. They’re best for herbs or small indoor plants that don’t require heavy watering. Place them on shelves or tables for decoration. Add pebbles at the bottom for drainage. They sparkle in sunlight, giving your rooftop a magical glow in the evenings.
20. Recycled Furniture Planters
If you have old furniture lying around—chairs, cabinets, or stools—turn them into statement planters. Cut spaces into them, add soil, and plant flowers or leafy greens. A chair planter with vines spilling over looks charmingly whimsical. It’s also a great conversation starter for rooftop gatherings.
Closing Thoughts
Creating DIY planters for rooftop gardens is more than just a money-saving hack. It’s about storytelling through your space. Every planter carries a memory—an old drawer from your childhood dresser, a tin can from your favorite coffee brand, or a barrel that once stored wine at a wedding. When you transform these into planters, you weave personal history into your garden.
More than that, these planters bring sustainability and creativity together. They reduce waste, spark joy, and create a rooftop that feels alive with character. Whether you’re growing herbs for your kitchen, flowers for beauty, or vegetables for sustainability, these ideas will help you make the most of your space.
