How to make hanging planters from plastic bottles

Turning plastic bottles into hanging planters is a fantastic way to reduce waste while adding a touch of green to your home. This project is a fun blend of sustainability and creativity, helping to cut down on plastic waste and creating unique, budget-friendly planters.

Follow these steps, gather some basic materials, and have your eco-friendly planters quickly. Ready to get started? Let’s dive in and bring those bottles to life!

Why Make Hanging Planters from Plastic Bottles?

Plastic bottles take centuries to break down, causing a significant environmental problem. Turning them into planters helps reduce waste and lets you grow herbs, flowers, or even veggies without much cost. 

These planters are perfect for small spaces, adding a touch of nature to balconies, windows, or gardens. It’s a great way to do something positive for the planet while creating something beautiful.

Materials You’ll Need

Optionally, you can add acrylic or spray paint to decorate the bottles and make them more colourful. A marker and paintbrush are also helpful if you plan to add designs.

Step 1: Prepare and Clean the Bottles

Select plastic bottles big enough for plant roots, like 1- or 2-litre sizes. Wash each bottle thoroughly with soap and water to remove any labels and residue.

 A clean surface will make painting and decorating easier and help ensure no chemicals harm your plants. Once clean, let the bottles dry completely before moving on.

Step 2: Cut the Bottle

Decide on the type of planter: for a top-opening style, cut around the top of the bottle; for a side-opening style, cut an oval along the side.

 Mark your lines with a marker to guide your cut. Carefully use scissors or a utility knife to cut along the lines, and lightly sand the edges if needed to remove rough or sharp areas.

Step 3: Create Drainage Holes

Drainage is crucial to prevent root rot, so add small holes at the bottom. Use a nail and hammer to make 3-4 holes along the base of the bottle. 

If you make a side-opening planter, place the drainage holes on the bottom edge. Ensure they are away from the edges to maintain bottle strength.

Step 4: Decorate Your Bottle

Customize your planter by painting the bottle in your chosen colour. Acrylic or spray paints work well, and once the base coat dries, you can add patterns like polka dots or stripes.

 This personalizes your planter and adds a pop of colour to your space. Allow the paint to dry completely before continuing to the next step.

Step 5: Add the Hanging Support

Make two holes near the top on opposite sides for vertical planters or at each end for horizontal styles.Thread twine or string through these holes, knotting securely on the inside.

 Adjust the string length based on how low you want the planter to hang. Once secured, tie the ends together at the top to create a hanging loop.

Step 6: Fill with Soil and Plant

Next, add potting soil to your bottle, filling it up until it’s about an inch from the top. Now, it’s time to pick some small plants or herbs that thrive in containers—basil and mint are perfect choices!

Plant them carefully, making sure they’re at the correct depth. If you’re using seeds, check the packet for the recommended depth. Once you’ve planted, gently pat down the soil to secure everything in place. Your little green buddies will appreciate the cosy home you’ve created!

Step 7: Hang Your Planter

To make this planter, cut off the top part of a plastic bottle and attach a macramé hanger made with twine or coloured rope. The macramé adds a bohemian and decorative style, perfect for hanging plants indoors or outdoors. The open top allows for easy watering and plant maintenance. Hang these planters in various colours to create an attractive display. It’s a stylish, functional way to showcase plants and repurpose bottles.

2. Side-opening planter for Vertical Gardens

Cut an oval opening along the side of the bottle and hang it horizontally with the opening facing up. This side-opening planter is ideal for creating a vertical garden wall, as you can hang multiple bottles close together. By arranging them vertically, you can grow more plants in a compact space, making it perfect for balconies or small patios. Fill each planter with different plants for a layered garden effect. These are especially suited for small herbs and flowers.

3. Painted Bottle Planters with Patterns

Give your planters a decorative twist by painting them with patterns like stripes, polka dots, or geometric shapes. Paint adds color and style, turning the bottles into eye-catching decorative pieces. Use weatherproof paint to keep the design vibrant outdoors. This design is easy to personalize, and you can match it with your home decor. Bright colours and patterns add a playful look to any garden space.

4. Hanging Terrarium-Style Bottle

Use a clear plastic bottle for this mini terrarium and plant small succulents, moss, or ferns. The transparent bottle lets you see the plants and soil layers, making it look like a mini greenhouse. Hang it near a window or in indirect sunlight to let your plants thrive. This style is perfect for low-maintenance plants that need little water. It’s a unique, decorative way to grow plants indoors.

5. Upcycled Water Bottle Tower

Cut openings in multiple bottles and stack them vertically, securing them together with string or wire. Each level holds a different plant, creating a compact, multi-level planter tower. This style is ideal for limited spaces and allows for a diverse mix of plants. Please place it in a sunny spot where each plant can get light. It’s a great way to maximize growing space and add greenery to small areas.

6. Mini Herb Garden in Bottles

Use small bottles to create a mini herb garden for your kitchen or balcony. Cut an opening in each bottle, fill it with soil, and plant herbs like basil, mint, or parsley. Hang them near a sunny kitchen window for fresh herbs within reach. This design is both practical and decorative, perfect for cooking enthusiasts. Each herb can be labeled, making it easy to identify plants when cooking.

7. Hanging Self-Watering Planter

To create a self-watering planter, cut the bottle in half and place the top half upside-down into the bottom half. Add a wick through the top to draw water from below, keeping the soil moist. This setup is perfect for low-maintenance gardening, as it waters the plant as needed. It’s beneficial for indoor plants or those who may forget regular watering. This simple system helps keep plants healthy.

8. Horizontal Garden Rail Planters

Cut bottles horizontally and hang them along balcony railings using wire or hooks. This design creates a “rail garden,” ideal for small spaces and balconies. You can fill each bottle with different plants for a colorful, lush railing. It’s a creative solution for growing plants without taking up floor space. These rail planters add greenery to outdoor areas in a compact, organized way.

9 . Glow-in-the-Dark Planter

Paint the bottle with glow-in-the-dark paint to create a unique planter that lights up at night. This effect adds a magical touch to garden paths, patios, or outdoor areas with low lighting. During the day, it charges in sunlight, then glows softly at night. It’s a fun, decorative project that adds safety and ambience to garden spaces. These planters make nighttime gardens look charming and unique.

10. Upside-Down Hanging Planter

For a fun twist, plant inside the bottle with the base open and hang it upside down. Secure the soil using a breathable fabric like a mesh or burlap to keep it from falling. This style works well for herbs and flowering plants, creating a unique and eye-catching look. It also saves space by allowing plants to hang down instead of growing up. Perfect for creating a vertical garden effect indoors or out.

11. Bottle Planters with Beaded Hangers

Use string and colourful beads to make a decorative hanger for your bottle planter. The beads add an extra splash of colour and texture, giving the planter a festive, artsy look. This design is great for kids’ rooms or playful garden setups. Customize the beads to match different colour themes or styles. These beaded hangers turn planters into beautiful, personalized decor.

12. Rustic Twine-Wrapped Planters

Wrap your bottle entirely in twine or jute rope for a rustic, natural look. This design blends well with farmhouse or country-style decor, adding warmth and texture. The twine also provides some insulation for the plants. Hang them in clusters for a rustic garden feature. These planters look especially good with greenery, giving any space a natural, earthy vibe.

13. Animal-Themed Planters

Paint your bottles to resemble cute animals like cats, dogs, or owls, complete with ears and faces. This fun project is perfect for kids’ rooms or adding whimsy to your garden. Kids will love customizing each planter, and it’s a great way to promote recycling while making adorable decorations!

14. Multi-Bottle Chandelier Planter

Attach several small bottles to a circular frame and hang them as a “chandelier” of plants. This hanging garden piece is perfect as a focal point on patios or in entryways. Each bottle can hold a small plant, creating a beautiful cascading effect. It’s a stunning display of greenery and adds elegance to outdoor settings. This style works well for trailing plants that drape down.

15. Bottle Vase Planters with Cut-Out Shapes

Cut a star, heart, or other fun shapes into the bottle before adding soil and plants. These cut-outs create interesting shadows when light shines through, adding an artistic element to your planter. Place them near windows or outdoors where they can catch the light. This design is a simple way to add personality to your plants. It’s easy to make and visually pleasing.

16. Minimalist Monochrome Planters

Paint your bottles in solid, neutral colours like white, black, or grey for a modern, minimalist look. This style is perfect for contemporary interiors and gives the garden a clean, organized feel. Use matte or glossy paint, depending on your preference. These monochrome planters add sophistication without drawing too much attention. They let the plants be the main focus, creating a sleek design.

17. Bottle Succulent Garden Chain

String several small bottles together vertically, each holding a small succulent. This setup creates a beautiful cascading chain of plants, ideal for sunny indoor or outdoor spots. Succulents thrive with minimal soil and water, making them perfect for this design. Hang it near a window for a stylish green accent. This planter chain is easy to maintain and visually appealing.

18. Wall-mounted planters with Wooden Backing

Attach each bottle to a wooden board or plank, then mount the board on a wall. This arrangement creates a charming wall-mounted garden, ideal for small spaces. The wooden backing adds warmth and blends with both indoor and outdoor settings. You can hang these on walls, fences, or balconies. It’s a lovely way to create a vertical garden that’s easy to install.

19. Seasonal Hanging Planters

Paint and decorate the bottles based on the season—try pastels for spring, bright colors for summer, or orange and black for fall. This allows you to update your garden decor year-round. It’s a fun way to celebrate holidays and keep the garden fresh and lively. Change decorations for each season to keep things interesting. These seasonal planters make for festive, adaptable garden decor.

20. Bottle Greenhouse Planters

Use the bottom half of a bottle as the planter and place the top half back on, creating a mini greenhouse. This design helps retain moisture and warmth and is ideal for growing seeds or tropical plants. The greenhouse effect promotes faster growth, especially in colder climates. These are perfect for starting delicate plants or seedlings. This simple design protects plants while promoting healthy growth.

Double-check that your twine and hook are strong enough to hold the tips for success.

First, pick a sunny spot that matches your plant’s light needs. Windowsills and balconies are fantastic for indoor plants, while outdoor planters can hang from branches, fences, or hooks. Just make sure the area is secure, especially if it gets windy!

Double-check that your twine and hook are strong enough to hold the weight of your plant and soil. You want your green friend to hang out safely without any worries!

Benefits of Making Hanging Planters from Plastic Bottles

Hanging planters from plastic bottles is an eco-friendly project that helps reduce waste. You’re repurposing materials that would otherwise create a positive environmental impact.

 It’s also a low-cost option for gardening, ideal for small spaces and people just starting with plants. Plus, making these planters can be a fun, educational activity for children to learn about recycling and plant care.

Creative Ideas for Customizing Your Hanging Planters

Try arranging several planters together on a wall or fence to create a vertical garden with a lush backdrop. Paint labels directly onto the bottles to quickly identify different herbs or flowers. For a tiered garden, stack smaller bottles to create a multi-level effect. 

Theme your planters to match your favorite plants, like a “kitchen garden” with herbs or a “pollinator garden” with flowers to attract bees.

Final Thoughts

Creating hanging planters from plastic bottles is an easy, rewarding way to help the environment and add greenery to your space. Each planter you make adds beauty to your home and gives new life to old plastic. 

With a few materials and creativity, you can transform bottles into stylish, functional planters. So, grab some bottles and start crafting—these planters are a small step toward a greener planet you can enjoy for years to come!