Small Space Garden Ideas Cheap DIY for 25 Easy and Budget-Friendly Projects

Got a small outdoor space—maybe a balcony or a tiny yard? Gardening might seem tough or expensive. Honestly, it doesn’t have to be.

You can grow a lovely garden even if you don’t have much space or a big budget.

Small space garden ideas cheap DIY projects help you make the most of what you’ve got while saving cash. With a little creativity and some basic materials, even the tiniest spot can feel green and welcoming.

This guide dives into easy and affordable ways to help you start your own garden.

1) Create a vertical pallet garden for herbs

Try turning a wooden pallet into a vertical herb garden. Attach landscape fabric to the back, fill it with soil, and you’re set.

This works great on balconies or small patios. You get fresh herbs without hogging up the floor.

Seal the wood to help it last longer outside. It’s a simple, budget-friendly project that adds a touch of nature to your space.

Curious how to start? Check out this guide on building a DIY pallet herb garden.

2) Use hanging mason jar planters

Hang mason jar planters to save floor space. They’re cheap, easy, and only need a few materials.

These jars work for small herbs, succulents, or flowers. Hang them near a window or porch to brighten things up.

You can see the soil and roots through the glass, which is pretty neat. Mason jar planters fit all kinds of decorating styles.

Want to make your own? There are DIY mason jar planters tutorials that show you how to create a charming, space-saving garden.

3) Build a DIY tiered plant stand with scrap wood

Grab some scrap wood and build a tiered plant stand. You don’t need much time or skill for this one.

Stacking your plants vertically saves floor space. A two or three-level stand works well for tight spots.

You can customize the size and look to fit your place. Want a step-by-step? Here’s a DIY tiered plant stand using scrap wood guide.

4) Transform a shoe organizer into a vertical planter

Turn an old hanging shoe organizer into a vertical garden. Hang it on a sunny wall or balcony for the best light.

Fill each pocket with soil and pop in small herbs, flowers, or greens. Poke a few holes in the bottom for drainage.

This DIY garden is cheap and simple. You get fresh herbs right at your fingertips without crowding your floors.

Need more details? Here’s a guide on shoe organizer gardens.

5) Use stackable planter boxes for small veggies

Stackable planter boxes let you grow lots of plants vertically. Perfect for balconies or small patios with limited floor space.

Plant different veggies in each level for easy care. Just make sure the top boxes don’t block sunlight from the ones below.

Most stackable planters are easy to DIY with simple materials. They also help air flow around your plants, which keeps them healthy.

Try stackable planter boxes to turn a tight spot into a small veggie garden. Need ideas? Check out stackable pot lettuce vertical garden.

6) Make a tire planter painted bright colors

Turn an old tire into a fun planter for your garden. Clean it well, then paint it with bold colors like pink, blue, or yellow.

Stack tires or play with different colors for a cool display. Fill the tire with soil and plant some flowers or herbs.

This is a cheap way to add color and save space. If you want tips, check out this DIY tire planter guide.

See how colorful planters can really brighten up your space.

7) Install a wall-mounted trellis for climbing plants

A wall-mounted trellis is an easy way to save space. Grow climbing plants like beans, peas, or flowers without using up ground space.

Mount the trellis on a sunny wall with strong brackets or hooks. That way, it’ll stay put as your plants climb.

A trellis adds a nice touch and keeps plants healthy and off the ground. Want to know how? Here’s a guide to attach a trellis to a wall.

8) Turn an old ladder into a multi-level garden

Use an old ladder to build a multi-level garden. Lean it against a wall or fence, then set pots on the steps.

This setup lets you grow several plants vertically and saves ground space. Works great for flowers, herbs, or even small veggies.

A ladder garden looks charming and keeps things organized. It’s a simple project that adds style to your space.

Looking for inspiration? Find ideas for ladder gardens here.

9) Use window boxes on balcony railings

Try window boxes on your balcony railings. These boxes let you grow herbs, flowers, or small veggies without taking up floor space.

Window boxes are easy to attach and don’t cost much. They add instant color and life to your balcony.

Want to try different plants? There are tons of ideas for railing planters that fit small spaces.

Check out creative DIY window box ideas for more inspiration.

10) Repurpose tin cans as herb pots

Use empty tin cans as herb pots. Clean them and poke a few holes in the bottom for drainage.

Tin cans save money and add a bit of character to your small garden. Paint or decorate them if you want to match your style.

Growing herbs in cans works well on windowsills or small balconies. Need more ideas? Check out DIY tin can herb garden projects for some creative sparks.

11) Create a DIY self-watering planter with plastic bottles

Make a self-watering planter using an empty plastic bottle. Poke holes in the cap to let water drip out slowly.

Fill the bottle with water and stick it upside down in the soil next to your plant. This keeps the soil moist without you having to water all the time.

Plastic bottles save money and cut down on waste. It’s a handy trick if you’re busy or just starting out.

Want to try it? Here’s a guide on making a self-watering planter with plastic bottles.

12) Use cinder blocks to build a raised garden bed

Grab some cinder blocks and build a raised garden bed without much fuss. They work especially well for cramped spaces and help you keep plants nice and tidy.

You can fill the block holes with soil or tuck in small plants for a quirky touch. It’s also easy to slide in some PVC pipes if you want to add a cover or make a hoop house.

Cinder blocks drain water well and block weeds better than regular garden beds. They even give your garden a modern, clean look. Want to see how it’s done? Here’s a cinder block garden bed guide.

13) Plant succulents in a repurposed drawer

Turn an old drawer into a cute little planter for succulents. Drill a few drainage holes at the bottom so your plants don’t get soggy.

Line the inside with plastic or a tray to keep the wood safe from water. Succulents are perfect since they don’t need much soil or water anyway.

It’s a fun way to add green to tight spots, and honestly, it’s nice to give old stuff a second life. For more creative planter ideas, check out Fun Upcycled Succulent Planter Ideas.

14) Make a vertical garden with pocket planters

Try pocket planters if you’re short on space. These fabric or felt pockets just hang on your wall—super easy.

Fill each pocket with soil and your favorite plants. You can hang them up with screws or hooks, no problem.

They’re great for herbs, leafy greens, or even small flowers. Just remember, pockets dry out faster than pots, so check the water more often.

If you want more inspiration, take a look at these unique DIY vertical garden ideas.

15) Grow microgreens in egg cartons

Egg cartons make growing microgreens super simple, even if you don’t have much room. Each little cup keeps seeds separate and lets roots stretch out.

Egg cartons are light, often biodegradable, and fit perfectly on a sunny windowsill. That’s pretty eco-friendly, right?

Just add soil, sprinkle your seeds, and keep them watered. If you want to try it, check out this guide for growing microgreens in egg cartons.

16) DIY hanging macramé plant holders

DIY macramé plant holders are a lifesaver for small spaces. They let you hang plants from the ceiling, freeing up shelves and tables.

Macramé isn’t hard to pick up, and you just need some rope or twine. A few knots later, you’ve got a stylish holder that fits almost any pot.

These hangers show off your plants and give your space a cozy, handmade feel. If you want a quick project, check out these tutorials on The Budget Decorator.

17) Plant salad greens in a shoe rack setup

Transform an old shoe rack into a mini garden for salad greens. Just pop in small pots or containers with soil and plant seeds like lettuce or spinach.

A shoe rack garden uses vertical space, so you don’t need a yard at all. It’s a cheap, easy way to grow fresh greens, and it keeps everything neat.

Put it near a sunny window for best results. If you want more clever DIY tricks, check out urban gardening hacks.

18) Use magnetic planters on metal surfaces

Stick magnetic planters onto your fridge or any metal shelf, and you’ve got an instant mini garden. No nails, no drilling—no mess.

They’re perfect for small herbs, succulents, or little plants you want close by. You can move them around whenever you feel like changing things up.

It’s a smart, budget-friendly way to brighten up small spaces. For more ideas, peek at Architectural Foundation.

19) Craft a small herb garden in a wooden crate

Grab a wooden crate and set up a simple herb garden. Just line it with plastic, fill with soil, and plant your favorite herbs.

Crates fit nicely on balconies or windowsills, and you can move them around if you need to chase the sun. They’re easy to find and don’t cost much, either.

This project adds a rustic touch and keeps fresh herbs handy for cooking. For more crate garden ideas, check here.

20) Try a hydroponic setup using recycled containers

Set up a hydroponic garden with recycled bottles or jars. You’ll cut down on waste and get fresh greens, all without soil.

Hydroponics lets you grow herbs and small veggies in tight spots like kitchens or balconies. It’s surprisingly easy once you get the hang of it.

You just need a few supplies and some nutrient water. If you want to try it, check out this DIY hydroponic guide.

21) Paint and stack crates for modular planting

Paint some wooden crates in your favorite colors and build a modular garden. Not only does it look fun, but the paint helps protect the wood.

Stack the crates against a wall or fence to save space. Fill each one with soil and add herbs, flowers, or veggies.

You can rearrange the crates anytime you want a new look. It’s a simple way to grow a bunch of plants in small spots, and it barely costs anything.

For more crate garden ideas, check here.

22) Create a mini zen garden with gravel and bonsai

Make a calming mini zen garden with gravel and a little bonsai tree. Start with a shallow tray and pour in some fine gravel or sand.

Set your bonsai to one side, then add a few smooth rocks for balance. Use a tiny rake or stick to draw patterns in the gravel.

This garden brings a bit of peace to your desk or any quiet corner. For more zen garden ideas, check out bonsaigarden.org.

23) Use gutter sections mounted on walls for flowers

Mount old gutter sections on your wall to make planters for flowers. You’ll save ground space and add a splash of color to tight spots.

Drill drainage holes in the gutters and fill them up with soil and your favorite blooms.

It’s a cheap, easy way to make a vertical flower garden that brightens up your balcony or fence. For more creative ideas, check out these gutter garden ideas.

24) Grow strawberries in upside-down plastic bottles

Try growing strawberries upside down in plastic bottles if you’re tight on space. This trick works great for balconies or patios.

Hang the bottles so the roots are inside and the berries dangle down. It keeps the fruit clean and makes picking easy.

Cut holes for drainage and use good soil so your plants don’t get waterlogged. If you want to see how it’s done, check out this space-saving strawberry guide.

25) Hang teacups for a quirky herb garden

Why not turn old teacups into hanging planters? It’s a playful and space-saving way to grow herbs.

Just pop in small herbs like mint or thyme—nothing too wild.

Hang each cup with sturdy string or wire by a sunny window or out on your porch. Suddenly, your place feels a little fresher and honestly, a lot more fun.

Don’t forget to poke drainage holes or drop in a layer of small stones so your herbs don’t drown. You’ll get to recycle and grow your own ingredients at the same time.

If you want more quirky ideas, just search for creative teacup gardens online—there’s plenty to get your imagination going.

Planning Your Small Space Garden

When you start designing your garden, think about how much light you get, what kind of containers you actually want, and how you can use vertical space in clever ways.

These choices really shape how well your plants grow, especially if your space (or budget) is tight.

Assessing Sunlight and Shade

Take a day to watch how sunlight moves over your garden area. Where does the sun hit all day? Where’s it shady? Most veggies and flowers want at least six hours of sun.

Got a shady spot? Try ferns, hostas, or shade-loving herbs. If you’ve got a sunny patch, you can’t go wrong with tomatoes, peppers, or basil.

You could even sketch your space and mark where the sun falls. This way, you won’t waste precious room on plants that won’t make it.

Choosing the Right Containers

Pick your containers based on what you want to grow and how much room you have. Go for pots deep enough—usually 6-12 inches—so roots can actually spread.

If you like rearranging, lightweight plastic or fabric pots make life easier. Recycled stuff like buckets or old crates also works and saves cash.

Stick to containers with drainage holes. Nobody wants soggy roots. Here’s a quick comparison:

Container Type	Pros	Cons
Plastic pots	Lightweight, cheap	Less durable in sun
Terra cotta	Breathable, stylish	Heavy, breaks easily
Fabric pots	Good root air flow	Might dry out faster

Maximizing Vertical Space

Use your walls, fences, or railings to hang planters and shelves. Vertical growing frees up more floor space.

Try hanging baskets, vertical pockets, or stacking planters. Trellises are perfect for climbing beans, peas, or cucumbers.

You’ll fit in more plants without needing a bigger yard. Plus, it makes your garden look interesting—like you actually planned it. Just make sure everything’s mounted securely so nothing crashes down.

Want more ideas? Search for small garden hacks that focus on vertical tricks.

Budget-Friendly DIY Tips

You can save money and still make your small garden look great by reusing old stuff and setting up easy watering systems.

These low-cost tricks really let you build a fun garden without breaking the bank.

Upcycling Everyday Items

Take a look around your place for things you don’t use anymore. Old jars, wooden crates, even busted furniture—turn them into planters or garden shelves.

Paint up some tin cans for colorful little pots. Stack a wooden pallet against a wall and you’ve got a vertical rack for herbs or flowers.

Upcycling cuts down on waste and saves money. Plus, your garden ends up feeling a lot more personal and creative than anything you’ll find at the store.

DIY Drip Irrigation Ideas

Setting up a drip irrigation system can save water and keep your plants thriving. You really don’t need any fancy gear for this.

Try starting with a simple setup—just grab a plastic bottle and poke a few tiny holes in the cap.

Put the bottle near your plant’s roots, then fill it up with water. The water drips out slowly, so your plants get what they need without much waste.

You could also pick up some inexpensive soaker hoses. Just connect a hose to your outdoor faucet and lay it out along your garden beds.

This way, water goes straight to the soil where you want it. If you add a timer, you barely have to think about watering at all.

If you want more ideas, check out these budget-friendly garden projects.