17 Top Plant Box Outdoor Garden Ideas

Gardening is weirdly addictive. One minute you are looking at a single succulent in a shop window and the next minute you own a jungle. I started small with a few pots on my balcony and now I cannot stop adding more. If you are here then you likely feel that same itch to get your hands dirty.

Outdoor spaces can feel empty without greenery. Maybe you have a massive backyard that looks a bit too barren or perhaps a tiny patio that needs some life. Plant boxes are the perfect solution because they are versatile and look fantastic. You can move them around and change them up whenever you want. Let us look at some killer ideas to transform your space.

17 Plant Box Outdoor Garden Ideas

1. Tiered Wooden Planters

I absolutely love vertical height in a garden because it draws the eye upward. A tiered wooden planter box does exactly that by stacking planting space. You get three or four levels of greenery in the footprint of one single box.

It is perfect for herbs or trailing flowers that spill over the edges. I use mine for a mix of basil and strawberries. The best part is that you can separate plants that have different water needs on different levels.

2. Galvanized Metal Troughs

Farmhouse chic is still huge and nothing says rustic like a galvanized metal trough. These are incredibly durable and handle all weather conditions without rotting like wood might.

I like the contrast of the industrial silver metal against bright green leaves. Just make sure you drill plenty of drainage holes in the bottom before filling them up.

IMO they look best filled with tall grasses or wildflowers that sway in the wind.

3. Window Box Charmers

You do not need a massive yard to garden. Window boxes bring the garden right up to your glass.

I have one outside my kitchen window filled with mint and thyme so I can grab them while cooking. They add instant curb appeal to the front of your house too.

Choose a material that complements your house siding. A bright red box against white siding looks stunning. Just ensure they are secured tightly so they do not fall on anyone.

4. Concrete Modernism

If you prefer a sleek and modern look then concrete is the way to go. Concrete planters are heavy and substantial. They will not blow over in a storm and they look very expensive. The neutral grey color makes colorful flowers pop like crazy.

You can buy them or even make your own using molds if you are feeling crafty. I made a few square ones last summer and they look professionally made.

5. Repurposed Wine Crates

I enjoy drinking wine and I enjoy gardening so this is a win win situation. Wooden wine crates make excellent rustic planter boxes. They usually have cool stamps or logos on the side that add character.

You will need to line them with landscaping fabric so the soil does not wash out through the slats. They look great clustered together on a deck or stairs.

It is a cheap way to get that vintage vineyard vibe.

6. Hanging Railing Planters

Balcony gardeners know the struggle of limited floor space. Railing planters solve this by sitting right on top of your fence or balcony rail.

I use these to create a privacy screen from my neighbors. Fill them with bushy plants like marigolds or petunias and suddenly you have a green wall.

Make sure you measure your railing width before buying so they fit snugly. It saves floor space for your chair and drink.

7. Cedar Raised Beds

Cedar is the gold standard for outdoor wood because it naturally resists rot and bugs. A classic rectangular cedar box looks clean and professional.

I built two large ones for my vegetable garden last year. They smell amazing when you water them in the summer heat.

The wood turns a lovely silver grey color as it ages if you do not seal it. It is worth the extra money for the longevity alone.

8. Vertical Pallet Gardens

Free stuff is the best stuff. You can often find shipping pallets for free behind stores. Stand one up on its side and staple landscape fabric to the back to create pockets.

It creates a vertical wall of plants that takes up almost no ground space. I painted mine a bright teal to add a splash of color.

It is perfect for succulents or small annuals that have shallow roots.

9. Bench Planter Combos

Why just look at your plants when you can sit among them. A planter bench combo has boxes on either end with a seat in the middle. It creates a cozy little nook for reading or drinking coffee.

I want one of these for the corner of my patio. It anchors the space and provides extra seating for parties.

You can fill the boxes with fragrant flowers like lavender so it smells good while you sit there.

10. Corten Steel Edging

Corten steel is that metal that is designed to rust on purpose. It forms a protective orange layer that prevents further corrosion. It looks super architectural and edgy.

I have seen people use long strips of this to create modern rectangular planters. The rusty orange color looks incredible against deep green foliage.

It is a bit pricey but it lasts forever and requires zero maintenance from you.

11. Rolling Planter Boxes

Gardening involves a lot of heavy lifting unless you put wheels on everything. Rolling planters are a game changer for following the sun.

You can move your tomatoes into the shade on scorching days or push them into the sun in the spring.

I put heavy duty casters on my lemon tree box and my back thanks me every day. It also makes cleaning the patio underneath them a breeze.

12. Ladder Style Stands

An old wooden ladder makes a charming plant stand. You can place planter boxes on the rungs to create a waterfall effect of greenery.

It adds height and interest to a boring corner. I found an old painter ladder at a garage sale and it is now the centerpiece of my garden.

You can fit so many pots on it without using much floor space. It gives a very cottage garden feel.

13. Geometric Shapes

Rectangles are fine but sometimes you want something different. Hexagonal or triangular planter boxes add a modern geometric touch.

You can fit them together like puzzle pieces to make cool patterns. I saw a set of honeycomb shaped planters that looked like art.

They work well for small spaces where a big long box would not fit. Mix and match heights to make it even more dynamic.

14. Stone Veneer Boxes

You can make a basic wooden box look like an expensive stone wall using stone veneer. It is much lighter than solid stone but looks just as good.

I glued slate veneer onto a plywood box and everyone thinks it is solid rock. It adds texture and earthiness to your garden design. It matches perfectly with stone pavers or a gravel patio area.

15. Trellis Backed Planters

Some plants like to climb and they need support. A planter box with an attached trellis back is perfect for climbers like jasmine or beans.

It creates an instant privacy screen when the vines fill in. I have one against an ugly wall in my yard and it hides the concrete blocks perfectly.

It adds vertical interest and maximizes your growing area. Plus it looks beautiful even in winter.

16. Fabric Grow Bags in Frames

Fabric grow bags are great for root health but they look a bit messy.

You can build a wooden frame to hold them and hide the fabric. This gives you the best of both worlds with air pruning for roots and a nice wooden look.

I built a simple cedar frame that holds three large grow bags. It is lightweight and easy to take apart if I need to move.

17. Color Blocked Painted Wood

Do not be afraid of paint. A coat of bright yellow or blue can transform a boring wood box. Color blocking is when you paint different sections in solid contrasting colors.

I painted my herb box in stripes of turquoise and coral. It makes me smile every time I look at it.

Use outdoor paint so it does not peel in the rain. It is an easy weekend project.

Guide to Plant Box Outdoor Garden

Building or choosing the right box is crucial for success. You cannot just throw dirt in anything and expect a jungle. I have learned this the hard way after many dead plants. Here is what you really need to know about materials and drainage to keep your green friends alive.

Material Matters

The material you choose determines how long your box lasts.

• Wood: Cedar and redwood are naturally rot resistant. They look beautiful but turn grey over time. Avoid pressure treated wood for edible gardens as older types used arsenic. Newer copper based treatments like ACQ are safer but I still prefer natural cedar for veggies just to be safe.
• Metal: Galvanized steel is durable but gets hot in the sun. It can cook your roots if you are not careful. I usually line the inside with cardboard to create a buffer.
• Plastic and Composite: These last forever and hold moisture well. They do not rot but they can become brittle in intense UV light over many years.

The Drainage Myth

There is a huge myth that putting gravel in the bottom of a pot improves drainage. This is actually false. Water does not move easily from fine soil to coarse gravel. It creates a perched water table where water sits in the soil right above the rocks causing root rot.

Do not put rocks in the bottom. Instead ensure your box has plenty of drainage holes. I drill half inch holes every six inches across the bottom. If the holes are too big you can cover them with a piece of mesh screen or a coffee filter to keep the soil in while letting water out.

Soil Secrets

Never use garden soil in a container. It is too heavy and compacts into a brick that suffocates roots. You need a fluffy potting mix.

I make my own mix to save money. Here is my recipe:

• One part peat moss or coco coir for holding moisture.
• One part perlite or vermiculite for drainage and air.
• One part compost for nutrients.

This mix is light and airy. Your plants will thank you with massive growth.

Location Location

Before you fill that massive box with soil figure out where it goes. Wet soil is incredibly heavy. You will not be able to move it once it is full. Watch your sunlight patterns for a day. Most vegetables need at least six to eight hours of direct sun. Lettuce and leafy greens can tolerate some shade.

FYI placing a heavy box on a wooden deck can cause structural issues over time. Place pot feet or bricks under the box to allow air flow and prevent the deck wood from rotting underneath.

FAQs

Wrap up on Plant Box Outdoor Garden ideas

Gardening in boxes opens up so many possibilities. You can grow food on a concrete slab or have flowers on a high rise balcony. It makes gardening accessible to everyone regardless of their living situation.

The most important thing is to just start. You do not need the perfect expensive cedar box. An old bucket with holes drilled in the bottom grows tomatoes just as well as a designer trough. Grab some soil and seeds and see what happens. It is incredibly rewarding to eat a salad that you grew yourself on your back porch. So go get your hands dirty and have fun with it. Your outdoor space is waiting for a transformation.