10 DIY Self-Watering Planters: Easy Household Item Hacks

9. Yogurt Container Mini Planters

Who knew those empty yogurt containers could become such charming herb planters? I started this project when I realized how many containers I was recycling each week, and now my windowsill looks like a mini herb paradise! These little guys are perfect for apartment gardening and make fantastic gifts.

Essential Materials List

Here’s everything you’ll need:

Basic Materials:

Large yogurt containers (32 oz work best)
Cotton string or rope for wicking
Small plastic mesh
Sharp scissors or craft knife

Optional Supplies:

Spray paint for plastic
Decorative tape
Waterproof markers
Clear acrylic sealer

Assembly Instructions

Follow my tried-and-true process:

Container Prep:

Clean thoroughly
Remove labels
Sand any rough edges
Create drainage holes

Reservoir Setup:

Mark water level (1 inch from bottom)
Install wicking system
Add overflow hole
Test water flow

Perfect Plants for Mini Containers

These little planters are surprisingly versatile:

Kitchen Herbs:

Basil (my favorite!)
Chives
Mint grows amazingly well

Small Flowers:

Violets
Mini succulents
Baby spider plants

Creative Decorating Ideas

Make those containers shine:

Paint Techniques:

Use chalk paint
Create ombre effects
Add metallic accents

Natural Looks:

Twine wrapping
Cork covering
Bamboo veneer

Maintenance Guide

Keep your mini gardens thriving:

Daily Care:

Check water levels
Monitor moisture
Watch for leaf changes

Weekly Tasks:

Clean container exterior
Trim dead leaves
Rotate for even growth

Space-Saving Solutions

I’ve gotten creative with placement:

Vertical Options:

Window shelves
Magnetic strips
Hanging systems

Grouping Ideas:

Color coordination
Height variation
Theme gardens

Troubleshooting Tips

Common issues I’ve solved:

Watering Problems:

Overwatering? Check wick size
Underwatering? Add more wicks
Brown edges need humidity

Growth Issues:

Leggy plants need more light
Yellow leaves? Check nutrition
Root bound needs repotting

Gifting Ideas

These make wonderful presents:

Create herb trios
Add custom labels
Include care instructions
Package with recipe cards

Ready to scale up to something more dramatic? Click the next button to learn how to create a stunning glass bowl terrarium system. I’ll show you how to make a self-watering masterpiece that looks like it belongs in an upscale home decor magazine!