DIY Hanging Planters for Your Balcony: 4 Easy Projects

Store-bought hanging planters are fine, but they all look the same and some of them cost more than the plants you put in them. I started making my own hanging planters out of boredom during a rainy weekend, and now my balcony has more personality than any catalog-curated space ever could. These four projects use cheap or free materials, require no special tools, and can be finished in under an hour each.

Project 1: Classic Macrame Plant Hanger

Macrame is having a moment, and for good reason. A knotted rope plant hanger is elegant, adjustable, and holds almost any pot securely. You need about 8 meters of cotton macrame cord, one metal ring (5 centimeters diameter), and 20 minutes.

Cut four equal lengths of cord. Thread them through the ring and fold in half so you have eight hanging strands. Tie a large knot just below the ring. Separate the cords into four pairs. About 20 centimeters down, tie a square knot in each pair. Then 10 centimeters lower, take one strand from each adjacent pair and tie them together, creating a net pattern. Repeat this joining row once more, then gather all strands and tie a single large knot at the bottom. Set your potted plant in the net cradle and hang from any hook.

This basic pattern adjusts to hold pots from 10 to 20 centimeters in diameter simply by varying the spacing between knot rows. Our hanging basket guide covers which plants work best in suspended planters.

Project 2: Tin Can Hanging Planters

Cleaned food cans make surprisingly stylish hanging planters, especially when you group several together at different heights. You need empty cans, a hammer and nail, wire or twine, and optionally spray paint.

Clean the can thoroughly and remove any sharp edges with a file or pliers. Punch three to four drainage holes in the bottom with a hammer and nail. Punch two holes near the top rim on opposite sides for the hanging wire. Thread wire or sturdy twine through the top holes and attach to a hook or horizontal bar. Fill with potting mix and plant with trailing herbs or flowers.

Spray paint the outside for a polished look. Matte black, white, or metallic copper all look great. Group five or six cans at staggered heights on a horizontal rod or branch for a cascading wall of plants that costs almost nothing to create.

Project 3: Colander Planter

An old kitchen colander is already a perfect planter: it has built-in drainage holes, a wide opening, and often comes with handles that make hanging easy. Metal colanders from thrift stores cost a dollar or two and add an unexpected, charming touch to a balcony.

Line the inside loosely with coco coir liner, burlap, or landscape fabric to keep soil from washing out through the holes while still allowing drainage. Fill with potting mix and plant with trailing flowers or herbs. Attach chains or rope to the handles and hang. Enamel colanders in bright colors look especially cheerful. Our container guide covers alternative container ideas.

The wide, shallow shape of a colander is actually ideal for plants with shallow root systems like lettuce, strawberries, and most herbs. It provides excellent drainage and air circulation around the roots, which many plants prefer.

Project 4: Rope Shelf Planter

A hanging rope shelf holds multiple pots on horizontal platforms suspended by rope, creating a floating tiered garden. You need two pieces of wood or thick plywood (about 30 by 15 centimeters each), rope, and a drill.

Drill four holes in each board, one near each corner. Cut four equal lengths of rope, each about 2 meters long. Thread each rope through the corresponding holes in both boards, knotting below each board to create the shelf levels. Space the boards about 40 centimeters apart vertically. Gather the rope ends at the top and tie to a single large hook.

The top shelf can hold small pots of herbs, while the lower shelf holds trailing plants that cascade below. This setup uses vertical space efficiently and looks like a floating garden installation. For more vertical growing ideas, check our vertical gardening guide.

Maintaining Hanging Planters

All hanging planters dry out faster than ground-level pots because they are exposed to more air circulation on all sides. Water daily in summer and check moisture twice daily during heat waves. Use a long-spout watering can to reach hanging heights without splashing. Self-watering inserts work well in tin can and colander planters to extend the time between waterings. Our watering frequency guide covers hanging container specifics.

Rotate hanging planters occasionally so all sides receive even light exposure. Plants in hanging positions tend to grow toward the light, becoming lopsided over time. A quarter turn every week keeps growth balanced and the planter looking full and symmetrical from all viewing angles.