6 Creative Gardening Projects – Small Balcony Ideas

Welcome to this week’s garden inspiration roundup! If you’re anything like me, the excitement of starting a new gardening project never really fades—whether it’s your first seed of the season or your fiftieth. And while some folks might say it’s a little late in the season to be planting, I say, why not now? Tomorrow, I’ll be starting a new batch of seeds—some will cozy up in my sunny kitchen windowsill, and the rest are headed outside into the garden.

Our little patch includes two brick-edged planters out front and a well-loved flower bed in the back. I’ve been on the lookout for fun, fresh ways to make those spaces feel a little more “me”—something with personality, charm, and maybe a touch of the unexpected.

So today, I’m sharing 6 creative gardening projects I came across this week that totally sparked my imagination. These ideas go beyond basic raised beds or store-bought planters—they’re clever, practical, and packed with DIY potential. Think upcycled containers, statement garden features, and space-smart solutions that work whether you’ve got a big backyard or a modest balcony.

As you scroll through, keep your own garden layout in mind. Small space? Look for ways to visually open it up. Big garden? Add in a few statement pieces to draw the eye and break up the space. No matter your setup, the key is this: choose ideas that don’t just look great—they should be functional too. Because let’s be honest, the goal is to spend more time enjoying the garden, not constantly fussing with it.

Ready to dig in? Let’s get inspired.

Wash Tub Planter – The Wash Tub Planter is a unique and creative way to repurpose an old wash tub and turn it into a beautiful planter for your garden. This DIY project is perfect for those who love a rustic and vintage look in their outdoor decor.

Vertical Vegetable Garden   The Vertical Vegetable Garden is a space-saving solution for those who want to grow their own vegetables but have limited space. This DIY project is not only practical but also adds an interesting and decorative element to your outdoor area.

Flowers in Rain Boots

Flowers in Rain Boots is a charming and whimsical way to display your flowers and add a pop of color to your porch or patio. This DIY project is easy to do and adds a touch of personality to your outdoor space.

Herb Garden on Wheels

The Herb Garden on Wheels is a convenient and mobile way to grow your own herbs and keep them close at hand in the kitchen. This DIY project is not only practical but also stylish and adds a natural touch to your indoor decor.

Seedlings in Egg Shells 

Seedlings in Egg Shells is an eco-friendly way to start your garden and reduce waste. This DIY project is simple and adds a fun and creative element to the process of growing your own plants.

DIY Tomato Cages DIY Tomato Cages are a sturdy and reliable way to support your tomato plants and help them grow strong and healthy. This DIY project is easy to do and adds a functional element to your garden while also enhancing its aesthetic appeal.

33 DIY Raised Garden Beds You Can Make Yourself is a great resource for those who want to start a garden but have limited space or want to avoid the hassle of tilling and preparing the ground. These DIY raised garden beds are easy to build and customizable to fit your needs and preferences.

10 DIY Bee Hotels You Can Make For Your Garden is a unique and important way to help protect our pollinator friends and create a welcoming environment in your garden. These DIY bee hotels are easy to make and add a decorative element to your outdoor space while also serving a vital ecological purpose. 

Here are some low-budget gardening ideas:

Start seeds indoors using recycled containers like egg cartons or yogurt cups.
Use recycled materials like old tires or pallets to create raised beds.
Collect rainwater in a barrel to use for watering plants.
Start a compost pile with food scraps and yard waste to create nutrient-rich soil.
Look for free or discounted plants and gardening supplies on websites like Craigslist or Freecycle.
Use natural pest control methods like companion planting or hand-picking pests.
Trade seeds and plants with other gardeners in your community.
Grow herbs and vegetables in containers on a sunny windowsill or balcony.
Use homemade or DIY trellises and stakes to support climbing plants.
Choose plants that are well-suited to your climate and growing conditions to minimize the need for expensive care and maintenance.

And here are some plants that can be grown from food scraps:

Green onions
Carrots
Celery
Potatoes
Garlic
Ginger
Pineapple
Avocado
Basil
Cilantro
These are just a few examples, but there are many other plants that can be grown from scraps as well. It’s a fun and sustainable way to grow your own produce at home!