Easy DIY Rustic Herb Planters
Simple, charming, and made with what you already have around the farm.
If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably got scraps of wood in the shed, a few old tin cans in the recycling bin, and a deep love for fresh herbs on your windowsill. These DIY rustic herb planters are the perfect way to bring it all together.
You don’t need a fancy workshop or power tools to make these. Just a little creativity, a few basic supplies, and a willingness to embrace the imperfections. Rustic means real. Rough edges are welcome here.
Step #1: Gather What You’ve Got
You can make herb planters out of just about anything. Some of my favorites:
- Empty food cans (coffee, tomatoes, beans)
- Mason jars or jelly jars
- Scrap wood boxes or old drawers
- Terra cotta pots with chipped edges
- Vintage mugs, enamel cups, or teacups
- Wooden crates or milk boxes
The goal is to make it feel old-world, farmhouse-y, and a little bit magical.
Step #2: Add Drainage (Yes, It Matters)
Herbs hate soggy roots. If your container doesn’t already have a drainage hole, here’s what to do:
- For wood or metal, drill a few small holes in the bottom.
- For glass jars, add a layer of rocks or gravel at the bottom before filling with soil. It won’t be perfect drainage, but it’ll help.
Step #3: Choose Your Soil + Herbs
Use a light, well-draining potting mix. You can add a little compost or worm castings for extra nutrition if you have it.
Some of the easiest herbs to grow in small rustic planters:
- Basil: Thrives with sunlight and water.
- Parsley: Slow to start but grows strong.
- Chives: Hardy and forgiving.
- Mint: Loves a pot (and needs one to stay contained).
- Thyme and Oregano: Love dry soil and full sun.
- Cilantro: Quick grower, best in cooler temps.
Step #4: Make Them Pretty
Now the fun part—decorate your planters.
- Wrap the top in twine or jute rope.
- Add handwritten plant markers with popsicle sticks or scrap wood.
- Paint the outside with chalkboard paint for labeling.
- Leave them natural and let the rust, chips, and weathered wood shine.
Rustic charm isn’t about matching. Let them each have their own personality.
Step #5: Set Them Up
Herbs love sunlight. Place your planters:
- On a sunny kitchen windowsill
- Along a porch railing
- On a reclaimed wood shelf near the back door
- Hanging from hooks on a garden wall
Make it part of your daily rhythm to snip a little rosemary or basil as you cook. It’s these small, sensory things that make home feel alive.
Final Thought
DIY herb planters are about more than growing something. They’re a way to use what you’ve got, make something beautiful with your hands, and create a tiny patch of edible joy. Whether you’re in a farmhouse or an apartment, these rustic planters bring that slow, intentional rhythm into your space.
So gather your scraps, pour a cup of tea, and start building. Your herbs (and your heart) will thank you.