23 Creative Container Garden Ideas

The past few years have inspired countless people to take up gardening as a personal hobby. And there’s really no better way to feel one with nature whether you’re working with several acres or a tiny garden plot!

But how do you put your green thumb to use when constructing a traditional in-ground garden isn’t an option?

These diverse container garden ideas will show you how to make the most of limited space. (Yes, you can even start your own garden without access to a yard of any kind!)

1. Rectangular Planters

Ideal for narrow spaces or balcony edges, rectangular planters allow for planting multiple species in a single container, creating a lush, mini-garden effect. Use them for growing herbs, small vegetables, or a combination of flowering plants for visual appeal.

A rectangular planter box filled with vibrant pink star-shaped flowers on a weathered wooden surface

Bok choy plants growing in a rectangular planter outdoors, against a wooden fence backdrop

Sidewalk garden with various potted plants and a green colander on the ground, next to a hose reel — Source: @growandglowgardening via Instagram

2. DIY Wood Pallet Planter Box

Utilize reclaimed wood pallets to build cost-effective, eco-friendly planter boxes. These can be customized in size and are perfect for growing herbs, flowers, or small vegetables. They add a rustic charm to any garden space.

Wooden planters with various plants on a deck, surrounded by hanging baskets and greenery in the background — Source: @rootsbloomsandyards via Instagram

Two wooden planters with various plants on a sunny patio, surrounded by a carport, palm trees, and a clear blue sky — Source: @mariekennedy7367 via Instagram

3. Railing Planters

Railing planters are perfect for small balconies or decks. They securely attach to railings, maximizing space while adding greenery without clutter. Fill them with colorful flowers or herbs to create an attractive display.

Three colorful pots with flowers hang on a railing, surrounded by bright pink and yellow flowers below

Colorful balcony garden with hanging lights, potted plants, cozy seating, and creative wall and railing decor ideas — Source: @inam18.home via Instagram

Neat balcony garden with planters and hanging pots, combining greenery and purple foliage against a patterned railing — Source: @littlethings_plantsdeco via Instagram

A small balcony garden with various plants in pots and planters, including flowers and herbs, under sunlight — Source: @whats.growing via Instagram

4. Terracotta Pots

A classic choice, terracotta pots are porous, promoting soil aeration and moisture regulation, which is beneficial for plant health. They’re suitable for almost any plant type and add a timeless, natural look to your garden space.

Assorted potted plants and clay pots, including a spiky plant, arranged on a white surface

Pots with red, purple, and white flowers, including geraniums and pansies, arranged on a brick patio against a lush green backdrop — Source: @365daysgarden via Instagram

5. Mix & Match Pots

Combine pots of different sizes, colors, and materials to add depth and interest to your container garden. This approach allows for a creative display of plants, each in a pot that suits its specific growing needs.

Wooden deck with potted plants, a white chair, and wicker stool, surrounded by tall trees, cozy outdoor space — Source: @rangeoflightgardens via Instagram

Charming porch with colorful container flowers, a striped chair, rustic bench, and potted plants on a stone wall backdrop — Source: @abola_tere via Instagram

Cozy porch garden with potted tropical plants, hanging baskets, and creative wall planters on a wooden deck — Source: @forthe_love_ofplants via Instagram

Potted plants with vibrant red and pink flowers arranged on a wooden stump and a stand against a garden wall — Source: @noelle.hendricks via Instagram

Wooden balcony filled with various potted plants and hanging greenery, creating a lush and vibrant atmosphere — Source: @shoko_garden via Instagram

6. Trusty Purples

Purple plants like lavender, salvia, or purple basil offer a visually striking and aromatic addition to your garden. These plants thrive in containers and can create a themed garden space focused on varied shades of purple.

Lush deck garden filled with blooming flowers and leafy greens, set against a scenic mountain and countryside backdrop — Source: @simplybloom1 via Instagram

A vibrant balcony garden brimming with a variety of blooming flowers in pots, offering a view of a lush green landscape — Source: @prajnart via Instagram

7. Planters with Trellis

Ideal for climbing plants like ivy, clematis, or peas, planters with a built-in trellis provide support for growth while saving space. They’re perfect for adding vertical interest to your garden.

Potted plant with green leaves in a pink pot, supported by a colorful loop trellis against a plain white background

A potted plant with green leaves against a wooden fence, supported by a trellis

Peaceful garden bench surrounded by flowering container plants, set against a colorful sunset and lush tree backdrop — Source: @lebeth_loves_plants via Instagram

Front porch with hanging flowers, potted plants, a red shelf, garden ornaments, and a wicker basket planter — Source: @lesliepeterson5 via Instagram

8. Plant Shelves and Garden Stand

Utilize shelves and stands to create layers in your garden, making it possible to grow more plants in a limited area. This is particularly useful for small spaces or urban gardens.

Modern house entrance with stone walls, surrounded by lush plants and greenery, potted plants neatly arranged on a white shelf — Source: @keandrabarra via Instagram

Three shelves with potted succulents display vibrant green and red leaves in square and round containers — Source: @greenhues via Instagram

Indoor plants on a three-tier metal shelf with a variety of potted greenery against a white wall — Source: @greengrowermama via Instagram

9. Hanging Basket

Perfect for adding greenery to high spaces or under-utilized areas, hanging baskets can be filled with trailing plants, like petunias or ferns, for a stunning aerial display.

Sunlit garden corner with hanging plants, potted succulents, and brick wall backdrop beneath a glass roof — Source: @abrils_plantsandgarden_ via Instagram

A sunlit balcony adorned with various potted plants, hanging planters, macramé, and wall decor creating a vibrant and cozy garden space — Source: @mypolkalife via Instagram

Colorful room with plants hanging by a window, a stained glass design, a purple couch, patterned pillows, and decorative lanterns — Source: @nakedjardinier via Instagram

Modern indoor space with hanging planters on a natural wood branch, bringing greenery into a light-filled bedroom and bathroom area — Source: @ourseabreezehome via Instagram

Indoor plants in macramé hangers and pots against a white wall, with a living room in the background — Source: @plantmomma_gyn via Instagram

A lush indoor greenhouse filled with a variety of hanging and potted plants, showcasing green foliage and vibrant growth — Source: @sprowtplantco via Instagram

Greenhouse with hanging and potted plants, including leafy greens and vines, under a green shade cloth — Source: @aizawlgreenroom via Instagram

A bright, cozy living room filled with a variety of potted plants, wooden shelving, a wicker ottoman, and a white sofa on wood floors — Source: @kelsay_nd via Instagram

10. Window Box

: Window boxes bring the garden to your window sill, perfect for those with limited outdoor space. They’re great for growing herbs, small flowers, or even some vegetables, and can be enjoyed both inside and outside the home.

A window box with vibrant red, pink, and purple flowers against a brick wall and white-framed window

Window with black shutters, white and lilac flowers in a black window box planter, and a light beige wall background

11. Wood Pallet Vertical Garden

Transform a wooden pallet into a vertical garden to save floor space. This can be an artistic and functional way to grow herbs, succulents, or small flowers in compact living areas.

Vertical herb garden with labeled wooden shelves growing basil, chive, mint, parsley, rosemary, and thyme against a wooden fence — Source: @_athomewiththesmiths via Instagram

Wall-mounted herb garden with rosemary and mint; two small shelves hold a decorative owl, photo, and toy figure — Source: @acraftersniche via Instagram

A vertical succulent garden in a green and yellow wooden pallet planter on a wall — Source: @johnnyransom via Instagram

Vertical wooden pallet garden with green plants and vegetables, including peppers and lettuce, placed against a brick wall — Source: @lee_russell_clark_ via Instagram

Wooden planters on a patio wall, each labeled and containing mint, basil, oregano, thyme, parsley, chives, and lettuce — Source: @ourhiddengem via Instagram

Wooden pallet vertical garden with colorful flowers and plants, set against a wall with green vines — Source: @simplycalmly via Instagram

Vertical garden with various plants and flowers growing in a black wooden pallet mounted on a wall — Source: @succulents.and.sunflowers via Instagram

12. Wooden Bucket Planters

Wooden buckets can be converted into charming planters, giving a rustic feel to your garden. They are suitable for both flowers and vegetables and can be placed in various spots around your home.

Elegant patio with cozy seating, terracotta potted mums, lush greenery, and a fireplace framed by ivy-covered walls — Source: @adornedsouthernhome via Instagram

13. Garden Statue Planter

Garden statue planters combine art with gardening, offering a unique focal point in your garden. These can be used to grow small plants or mosses, adding an artistic touch to your green space.

Lush green patio with potted plants, a pink flamingo decoration, and yellow cushioned chairs under a wooden pergola — Source: @cynthiamargaretathome via Instagram

14. Fence Hanging Planters

Transform your fence into a garden space with hanging planters. This method is excellent for small yards, allowing you to grow a variety of plants without using ground space.

Vertical garden with terracotta pots on a wooden fence, containing various green plants

Wooden planter box on a fence with pink flowers and cascading green ivy against orange wooden panels

Wooden fence with sun face decor and hanging flower baskets, featuring bright pink and purple blooms with morning sunlight — Source: @sarag956 via Instagram

15. Plastic Potted Herb Garden

Plastic pots are lightweight, durable, and ideal for starting a small herb garden. They can be placed in sunny kitchen windows or balconies for easy access while cooking.

Indoor plants in plastic pots being watered near a bright window, creating a cozy and low-maintenance green corner

A variety of small cacti in black pots, arranged on a surface with a soft, blurred background

Rows of potted plants arranged on a patio, with various green foliage and small flowers visible — Source: @laceyoakesflowers via Instagram

16. Coconut Coir Pots

Eco-friendly and sustainable, coconut coir pots are great for seed starting. They encourage strong root development and can be planted directly into the soil, reducing transplant shock.

Hanging coconut coir pots with lush green leaves on a wooden deck, creating a vertical garden near a glass door — Source: @penneysplants via Instagram

17. Roman Planter

Roman planters, with their classic designs, bring elegance and grandeur to any garden. They work well with formal garden designs and are ideal for showcasing standout plants.

Inviting porch with fall-themed Roman container plants, black urn planters, pumpkins, and a cozy welcome mat by a wooden front door — Source: @happilyeverafterinrosharon via Instagram

18. Patio Container Garden

A patio container garden allows you to convert your patio into a lush oasis. Using various containers, you can grow a range of plants, from ornamental to edible, adapting to the available sunlight.

A cozy porch with potted plants, flowers, a white chair, and hanging planters, the space is inviting and full of greenery. — Source: @reislie1611 via Instagram

Sunlit patio with wooden furniture, leafy green plants, and a cushioned bench; relaxed and inviting outdoor setting — Source: @pvplantguy via Instagram

Colorful porch with plants and wicker chairs, featuring a vibrant rug and a small glass cabinet filled with greenery — Source: @rootin.for.putin via Instagram

19. Place Plants on Shelves and Tables

Utilizing shelves and tables to place plants at different heights creates a dynamic, multi-level garden. This approach is visually engaging and can be used to highlight special plants.

Indoor garden with various potted plants, including large leafy greens, on shelves and a bench by a sunlit window — Source: @serotoningarden via Instagram

A lush room filled with various potted plants on wooden shelves, with sunlight streaming through a window — Source: @nellandgreen_botanics via Instagram

20. Raised Metal Plant Holder

Raised metal plant holders keep plants off the ground, preventing pests and facilitating maintenance. They add a modern touch and can be used to grow both decorative and edible plants.

Charming porch with white vintage-style furniture, vibrant container flowers, and a cozy rug for a relaxed outdoor seating nook — Source: @thevintageroad via Instagram

21. Mini Succulent Pots

Mini succulent pots are perfect for small spaces and indoor gardening. Succulents require minimal care and can be arranged in creative, space-efficient displays.

A variety of small potted succulents and cacti arranged closely on a table in a vibrant garden setting — Source: @_forestfirefly via Instagram

A colorful assortment of various succulents in pots displayed outdoors — Source: @s.is.for.succulents via Instagram

A variety of colorful succulents in black pots arranged in rows, set against a backdrop of trees in autumn — Source: @vancouverlivingart via Instagram

A variety of succulents in colorful pots arranged on a wicker table outdoors, with a sofa and patterned cushions in the background — Source: @traceysfavouritethings via Instagram

22. Tiered Plant Stand

A tiered plant stand allows for growing multiple plants in a cascading fashion. This is not only space-efficient but also creates an impressive display of greenery and blooms.

A variety of succulents in colorful ceramic pots are arranged on shelves against a wooden fence — Source: @mhies_succulents via Instagram

23. White Ceramic Pots

White ceramic pots offer a clean, modern look and contrast beautifully with green foliage and colorful flowers. They are suitable for indoor and outdoor use and complement any decor style.

Various potted succulents on a kitchen counter with gardening tools and decorative stones

Decorative wooden horse adorned with floral patterns, surrounded by potted succulents and festive wreath on the wall — Source: @yanethvallve via Instagram

Does a container garden need drainage holes?

Experienced gardeners know that you should never use a terracotta pot without a drainage hole. The same is true of larger container gardens.

Placing containers directly onto the ground may interfere with adequate drainage after watering. If your container garden shows signs of poor drainage, consider raising the planter an inch or two above the surface below.

How do you fill extra-large planters?

Tall planters look great when filled with colorful annuals and bright foliage. But very few species require more than a few inches of soil to thrive. Conserve potting mix and improve drainage by filling the bottom of large containers with another material.

Rocks are an easy solution but will add a lot of unnecessary weight to the planter (however, extra weight may be desirable in some cases). Recycled plastic bottles or styrofoam can be used to fill the bottom of a tall planter before soil is added. You can also place a smaller pot upside-down to create a false bottom.