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.
