Let’s take a moment to reflect on gardening on a tight budget. Budget-Friendly Mini Garden Ideas prove that you don’t have to rob a bank to enjoy greenery. With a dash of creativity and DIY skills, you can create a wonderful mini garden without spending a ton of money. Whether you have a small balcony, patio, or even just a windowsill, these ideas will help you create unique green corners in the space of your choice. So let’s get started!
DIY Vertical Mini Garden Pots for Small Spaces in Under 30 Minutes
Vertical mini garden ideas are just what you need for limited space. These projects are easy to execute and won’t take much time.
1. Vertical Garden on a Pallet
What you need:
- A wooden pallet: Free or $10
- Small plastic pots (5-6 pieces): $1-$2 each
- Soil: $5-$10
- Plants: $10-$20
- Screws and drill (optional): $5
How to make:
- Prepare the pallet by sanding it to avoid splinters. You can paint it to protect it from moisture (optional).
- Secure the pots by drilling holes in them and screwing them to the pallet. If you don’t have a drill, use plastic ties.
- Fill the pots with soil, leaving space for plants.
- Plant herbs (basil, mint) or flowers (petunias, nasturtiums).
- Place the pallet on your balcony or lean it against a wall.
2. Vertical Garden from Plastic Bottles
What you need:
- 5-6 plastic bottles: Free
- Rope or fishing line: $5
- Soil: $5
- Herb seeds: $5
How to make:
- Cut the bottles in half or cut holes on one side.
- Make drainage holes at the bottom of each bottle.
- Use rope or fishing line to secure the bottles together.
- Fill each bottle with soil and plant herbs (basil, mint, parsley) or small flowers (petunias, alyssum).
- Secure the structure to a wall, fence, or balcony railing. Ensure it’s well-lit.
3. Vertical Garden from a Hanging Shoe Organizer
A fabric shoe organizer can be used to make a great (and very affordable) planter for herbs and flowers.
What you need:
- Fabric shoe organizer: $10-$15
- Soil: $10
- Seeds or small plants: $10
How to make:
- Hang the organizer on a wall, fence, or door.
- Add a layer of soil to each pocket, leaving space for plants.
- Plant one herb per pocket (parsley, cilantro, mint).
- Water carefully, ensuring it doesn’t overflow.
4. A Wall Garden Made from Wooden Crates
What you need:
- Small wooden crates (3-5 pieces): $10-$20
- Soil: $10
- Plants: $10-$20
- Nails and hammer: $5
How to make:
- Clean and paint the crates if desired.
- Fasten the crates to the wall using nails.
- Fill the crates with soil and plant flowers or small vegetables such as spinach or radishes.
The Ultimate Outdoor Mini Succulent Garden for Under $50
Succulents are easy to care for and are suitable for beginners and those with limited garden space. They also look great in compact arrangements.
5. Succulent Garden in a Wide Bowl
What you need:
- Wide container or bowl: $10-$20
- Succulents (5-6 pieces): $15-$20
- Succulent soil: $5-$10
- Decorative rocks: $5
How to make:
- Find a suitable container and add a drainage layer at the bottom (small pebbles).
- Fill with succulent soil, leaving space at the top.
- Arrange succulents, placing the largest in the center.
- Add decorative rocks on top for a finished look.
- Succulents love sunlight, so place the garden in a well-lit spot.
6. A Garden Made from Old Cups
What you need:
- Old ceramic cups or enameled mugs: $1-$2 each
- Succulents (2-3 pieces): $5-$10
- Soil: $5
How to make:
- Clean the cups and drill drainage holes (if needed).
- Add a layer of drainage (pebbles or gravel).
- Fill with soil and plant succulents.
- Place on a sunny windowsill.
7. A Mini Garden in an Old Frame
What you need:
- Old wooden frame: Free
- Metal mesh: $5
- Landscape fabric or burlap: $5
- Dense backboard (wood, plywood, or thick cardboard): Free or $5
- Succulents: $10-$20
- Soil: $5
How to make:
- Attach the metal mesh to the frame’s back and place burlap underneath.
- Add light succulent soil through the mesh.
- Place succulents in the mesh holes and hang the frame in a sunny spot.
8. Clay Pot Garden
What you need:
- Small clay pots (3-4 pieces): $2-$3 each
- Succulents: $10-$15
- Soil: $5
How to make:
- Clean the pots and prepare them for planting.
- Add pebbles for drainage at the bottom of each pot.
- Fill with soil and plant succulents.
- Place on a windowsill or shelf for decoration.
Backyard Mini Vegetable Garden Idea: Grow Food in Just 2 Square Feet
Creating a compact vegetable garden is perfect for those who have limited space but still want to grow their own food.
9. Micro-Garden in a Wooden Box
What you need:
- Wooden crate (old fruit crate): Free or $10
- Landscape fabric: $5
- Soil: $10
- Compact vegetable seeds: $5-$10
How to make:
- Line the inside of the crate with landscape fabric to hold the soil.
- Fill with soil and compost.
- Divide the space into sections using sticks.
- Plant small vegetables like lettuce, radishes, or spinach.
10. A Circular Vegetable Bed in a Basket
What you need:
- Large wicker basket (laundry basket): $10-$15
- Landscape fabric: $5
- Soil: $10
- Vegetable seeds or seedlings: $10
How to make:
- Line the basket with landscape fabric.
- Fill with soil and plant vegetables like bush tomatoes or dwarf peppers.
- Place the basket in a sunny spot and enjoy your harvest.
11. A Compact Bed Made from a Construction Bag
What you need:
- Construction debris bag (or burlap bag): $5-$10
- Soil: $10
- Vegetable seeds: $5
How to make:
- Make drainage holes in the bag.
- Fill with a mix of soil and compost.
- Plant seeds like radishes or lettuce.
- Place the bag in a sunny location.
12. A 2 Square Foot Garden with Homemade Sections
What you need:
- Planks or wooden sticks: $5
- Soil: $10
- Vegetable seeds: $10
How to make:
- Mark out a 2-square-foot area.
- Divide the space with sticks to create sections.
- Plant seeds like radishes, lettuce, and onions in the sections.
13.
What you need:
- Plastic containers (3 pieces): $1 each
- Soil: $5
- Seeds or herbs: $5
- Decorations (pebbles or figurines): $3
How to make:
- Use containers with at least 1-liter volume.
- Fill with soil and plant herbs or flowers.
- Decorate with pebbles or figurines.
These affordable and creative mini garden ideas will help you make the most of your space and budget, while also bringing greenery into your home or yard. Happy gardening!