Upcycled Colander Hanging Basket (Cheap DIY Planter Idea)

Last updated on April 7th, 2026 at 02:41 pm

Don’t throw that old colander away. You can turn it into a beautiful hanging planter in under an hour using a few simple supplies. This DIY colander planter is one of the easiest ways to create a budget-friendly hanging basket with built-in drainage.

Why This DIY Hanging Planter Works So Well

• Uses items you already have (no waste)
• Built-in drainage from the colander holes
• Costs less than store-bought baskets
• Perfect for porches, gardens, or small spaces

This is one of those projects that just makes sense, especially if you’re trying to be a little more resourceful around your home and garden. The holes in the colander act as natural drainage, so you don’t have to drill anything or worry about soggy roots. It’s an easy way to create a hanging basket without spending much money, and you can customize it with whatever flowers or plants you already have on hand. I’ve made several of these on our one-acre homestead, and they hold up really well through the growing season.

Materials Needed:

Before you start, gather the following materials:

• Metal colanders 2-3 in different sizes
• Chain or rope for hanging
• S-hooks
• 8-Hooks 1-⅝" & 1-⅛"
• Pliers
• Cordless Drill and drill bits
• Metal file or sandpaper (optional)
• Coconut basket liners or weed mat cut to fit (for lining)
• Flower Pot Hooks (to hang from a porch)
• Potting soil
• Selection of flowers or plants

How to Make a DIY Colander Planter (Step-by-Step)

• Start by gathering all of your supplies.
• Starting with the largest colander mark where you want to drill the holes for the 8-Hooks to go through. This should look like a triangle.
• While one person holds the colander another can drill holes in the marked spots.
• If sharp edges are left after drilling the holes I recommend using a file or sandpaper to remove them.
• Using pliers slightly open the 8-hooks up on one end and place it in the holes you drilled.
• Attach the chain to the hooks and measure out an equal length of chain for each side. Using pliers disconnect the chain when you have the right length.
• In the next collander repeat the steps of marking and drilling the holes.
• Attach another set of 8-Hooks in the second colander.
• Measure out three more equal lengths of chain.
• For a three-tier hanging basket repeat the steps.
• Once you have all of the chain attached slide it on to the S-Hook at the top.

2. Lining the Colander

• Line the inside of each colander with a coconut basket liner, coffee filters, or cut weed fabric out to fit and layer 2-3 pieces in the basket.
• Optional but recommended to prevent soil from falling through the holes while still allowing water to drain properly.

3. Adding Soil

• Fill the colander with potting soil, leaving some space at the top for your plants. Make sure the soil is evenly distributed.

4. Planting the Flowers

• Select your flowers or plants based on your preference and the growing conditions of your chosen location.
• Arrange the plants in the colander, starting from the center and working your way outwards. Ensure they are securely planted.
• Add more soil around the plants to keep them in place and cover any exposed roots.

5. Hanging the Basket

• Attach chains at the top with the S-hooks or keyrings. Ensure the hanging mechanism is secure and the basket is balanced.
• Choose the perfect spot to hang your flower basket based on the needs of your plants. Here are some ideal locations: porch, garden, greenhouse, balcony, terrace, or pergola.

Best Plants for a Colander Hanging Basket

Not every plant is going to thrive in a hanging basket like this, so it helps to choose varieties that naturally spill over the sides. I like using petunias, calibrachoa, trailing lobelia, or ivy because they give that full, cascading look. Herbs like thyme or oregano can also work really well if you want something both pretty and useful. Just keep in mind that hanging baskets tend to dry out faster, so choose plants that don’t mind a little more frequent watering.

Can You Use Other Containers Instead of a Colander?

If you don’t have a metal colander, you can still use this same idea with other items. Old bowls, baskets, or even buckets can be turned into hanging planters as long as you add drainage holes. The reason I love using a colander is because that step is already done for you, which makes this project quick and beginner-friendly. It’s a great reminder that a lot of things we throw away can actually be repurposed into something useful.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making a DIY Planter

• If you can't find colanders you like at the thrift stores spray paint them to match your home's esthetics.
• Use pliers to open one end of the 8-Hooks to make space for the chain to slide on and to get the hook around the edge of the basket.
• When drilling holes, space holes as evenly as possible in the shape of an equilateral triangle to balance the colander planter.
• Use a drill bit made for drilling through metal.
• Having someone to hold the colander while the other person drills the holes helps make holes safely.
• If possible attach drip lines to each basket and set them on an automatic timer for beautiful flowers all summer long.

Maintenance Tips

To keep your hanging flower basket looking its best, follow these maintenance tips:

• Watering: Water your plants regularly, ensuring the soil remains moist but not waterlogged. The frequency will depend on the plant types and climate.
• Light: Make sure your plants receive the appropriate amount of sunlight based on their needs. Most flowering plants prefer at least six hours of sunlight per day.
• Fertilizing: Use a balanced fertilizer to provide essential nutrients and encourage healthy growth and blooming.
• Pruning: Regularly trim dead or overgrown parts to maintain a neat and attractive appearance.

Creating a hanging flower basket from a metal colander is a fun and sustainable DIY project that adds a one of a kind touch of charm to any space. With just a few materials and some creativity, you can upcycle an old colander into a beautiful display for your favorite flowers.

Additional Resources

• Check out the original TikTok video by Hollis Homestead for visual guidance on this project.
• Explore other upcycling DIY projects and gardening ideas like how to wash barn wood.
• Recommended plants that thrive in hanging baskets include petunias, fuchsias, geraniums, lobelia, and trailing ivy.

I’d love to see your creations! Share your hanging flower baskets with me in the comments or tag us on social media. For more DIY tips and gardening inspiration, be sure to follow our blog and social media channels. Happy thrifting, creating and happy gardening! 🌷💚