Home and Garden

Ideas For DIY

Dollartree Hack – Farmhouse Porch Numbers

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There is something so satisfying about a good Dollar Tree hack, especially when it takes something completely ordinary — like a plastic beach shovel — and turns it into something you would actually be happy to hang on your front porch. This DIY farmhouse porch numbers project is one of those wonderfully clever budget home décor ideas that makes you look twice and say, “Wait… that started as what?”

If your porch, patio, entryway, or garden gate could use a little farmhouse charm, this is such a fun and affordable way to add personality without spending a fortune on custom house numbers. Store-bought porch number signs can be surprisingly expensive, and let’s be honest, half the time they all look exactly the same. This project gives you that rustic farmhouse look using simple supplies, a little spray paint, and a bit of crafty imagination.

What I love most about this Dollar Tree farmhouse hack is that it has that upcycled, “I made this myself” feel without looking too homemade. The plastic toy shovel shape gives it a lovely elongated sign-style base, and once it is painted and decorated, it becomes a charming piece of farmhouse wall décor for your front entry. Add your house numbers, a touch of raffia, and maybe a little greenery if you want to dress it up, and suddenly your porch has a custom handmade feature for just a few dollars.

This is also a great DIY porch décor idea if you like seasonal decorating. You could keep it simple and neutral for everyday farmhouse style, or change the embellishments throughout the year — mini sunflowers for summer, faux eucalyptus for spring, buffalo check ribbon for fall, or a little Christmas greenery when the holidays roll around. It’s one of those projects that can be made to suit your home’s style, whether you lean rustic farmhouse, cottage garden, country porch, or budget-friendly Dollar Tree DIY.

And truly, this is the kind of craft that proves you don’t need a huge budget or fancy tools to make your home feel more welcoming. Sometimes all it takes is a plastic shovel, a can of spray paint, and the willingness to ignore the voice in your head saying, “Surely this won’t work.” Because sometimes, it absolutely does.

You can see the full tutorials for making these house numbers over on our sister site Craftbits.com 

What you will need:

Large Plastic Beach Shovels

Spray Paint

Craft Glue

Raffia

 

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Have you read?

Zero Cost Indoor Garden for Beginners Review: Grow Herbs and Vegetables at Home Without Spending a Fortune

I had to smile when I saw the title of this one because honestly… who hasn’t started a “budget-friendly garden” that somehow turned into a full-blown shopping trip? One minute you’re thinking “I’ll just grow a few herbs,” and the next you’ve got pots, soil, tools, and a receipt that makes you question your life choices.

So the idea behind Zero Cost Indoor Garden for Beginners immediately caught my attention. A guide focused on growing herbs and vegetables without spending a fortune (or close to nothing) feels like exactly what so many of us are looking for right now.

A Beginner-Friendly Way to Start Indoor Gardening

This book is clearly aimed at beginners, which is always a good sign. Indoor gardening sounds simple… until your basil decides it’s offended by everything and gives up overnight.

What I like about this approach is how practical it feels. It focuses on:

  • Using items you already have at home
  • Growing herbs and vegetables in small spaces
  • Keeping things simple and achievable
  • Making gardening feel accessible, not overwhelming

It’s very much a “start where you are” kind of guide, which I think is why it works so well for beginners.

Perfect for Modern Homesteading (Without the Farm)

This book fits beautifully into the modern homesteading trend we’ve been seeing everywhere. And no, not the “buy land and raise chickens tomorrow” version.

More like:

  • Growing fresh herbs on your windowsill
  • Learning simple self-sufficiency skills
  • Reducing your grocery bill in small ways
  • Making use of what you already have

If you’ve been exploring homesteading ideas, you’ll love how achievable this feels. You might also enjoy reading Homesteading – No Farm Required over on CraftGossip, which is all about starting small with practical, everyday changes.

And if you’re thinking about expanding beyond indoors later, take a look at 33 DIY Raised Garden Beds You Can Make Yourself. It’s a great next step once you get the gardening bug.

The Real Appeal of “Zero Cost” Gardening

Now, let’s be real for a second—nothing is ever completely free.

But I absolutely love what this concept encourages.

Instead of rushing out to buy everything new, it leans into:

  • Reusing jars, containers, and household items
  • Regrowing vegetables from scraps
  • Using natural light instead of fancy setups
  • Keeping things simple and low-pressure

And honestly, that’s where the magic is.

Every crafter and DIYer I know has a stash of “this might come in handy one day” items. Turns out… this might actually be that day.

Why This Book Works

What makes this book appealing isn’t just the idea of saving money—it’s the mindset shift.

It gives you permission to:

  • Start small
  • Make mistakes
  • Learn as you go
  • Enjoy the process

And that’s exactly how most of us actually succeed with gardening.

If you’ve ever killed a plant (no judgment here), this kind of guide feels far less intimidating than diving straight into complicated gardening systems.

Is It Worth It?

If you’re looking for:

  • Indoor gardening ideas for beginners
  • Budget-friendly ways to grow herbs and vegetables
  • Simple homesteading skills you can start today
  • A no-pressure way to try growing your own food

Then yes, this is definitely worth a look.

It’s practical, approachable, and feels like a gentle introduction to something that can become incredibly rewarding.

And honestly, there is something really satisfying about snipping your own herbs for dinner—even if it’s just from a little jar on the kitchen windowsill.

You don’t need a backyard. You don’t need a big budget. You just need a starting point.