Barn-Style Planters

36 Creative Barn-Style Planter Box Ideas for Your Garden

Ridhika

24 Jun 2025 — 9 min read

Are you looking to bring rustic charm to your garden or patio? Barn-style planter boxes are a perfect way to add character and function to your outdoor space. These creative ideas offer a blend of practicality and aesthetics, with a touch of countryside nostalgia. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or a beginner, there's a barn-style planter box idea to inspire your next DIY project. Let's dive in!

1. Rustic Wooden Ladder Planter

Rustic wooden ladder with herb-filled planters — Source: @takasho_india

Turn an old wooden ladder into a multi-tiered planter. This idea maximizes vertical space, allowing you to display a variety of plants. Simply lean the ladder against a wall or fence, and attach small wooden boxes to each rung. Fill them with herbs or colorful annuals for a charming display.

2. Vintage Milk Crate Garden

Vintage metal milk crate with blooming flowers — Source: @inwiththeoldgoods

Repurpose vintage milk crates into unique planter boxes. These crates provide a sturdy base for your plants and add a nostalgic touch to your garden. Line them with burlap or landscape fabric, fill with soil, and plant your favorite flowers or vegetables.

3. Antique Wagon Wheel Accent

Antique wagon wheel with planter box in center — Source: @gaiapotteryofficial

Incorporate an old wagon wheel by attaching a circular planter box in its center. This creates a focal point that combines history with horticulture. Choose climbing plants to weave through the wheel's spokes for added visual interest.

4. Galvanized Trough Planter

Large galvanized trough filled with succulents — Source: @solargardens

Utilize a galvanized trough as a large planter. These containers are perfect for creating a statement piece in your garden. Fill it with a mix of succulents or native grasses for a low-maintenance yet striking display.

5. Barn Door Vertical Garden

Reclaimed barn door with mounted planters — Source: @barndoorz

Convert a reclaimed barn door into a vertical garden by attaching planters to its surface. This is an excellent way to bring greenery to small spaces. Paint the door in a weathered finish for extra rustic charm.

6. Wooden Barrel Planter

Half-cut wooden barrel with vibrant flowers — Source: @thefadedbarn

Cut a wooden barrel in half and use it as a sturdy planter. These barrels offer ample space for deep-rooted plants and add a classic barnyard feel. Position them near entryways or along paths for welcoming splashes of color.

7. Hay Bale Planter Box

Hay bale planter with fresh vegetables — Source: @planterinagh

Create a temporary planter box using hay bales. Stack them to form a rectangle and fill the center with soil. This setup is ideal for growing vegetables like tomatoes and squash, giving your garden a true farm-like ambiance.

8. Reclaimed Wood Trough

Long reclaimed wood trough with seasonal flowers — Source: @frontyardfarmsbc

Build a trough using reclaimed wood for an eco-friendly and stylish planter. These troughs are perfect for lining walkways or defining garden areas. Plant seasonal flowers for continual color throughout the year.

9. Corrugated Metal Planter

Corrugated metal planter with lush greenery — Source: @__arphibo__

Craft a planter box from corrugated metal to introduce texture and durability. These planters look great in modern or industrial-themed gardens and can withstand harsh weather conditions. Fill them with lush greenery for contrast.

10. Barn Window Planter Frame

Old barn window frame with hanging pots — Source: @family_tree_nursery

Repurpose an old barn window into a hanging planter frame. Attach small pots to the pane sections and fill them with trailing plants. This creates a stunning vertical garden that can be placed on walls or fences.

11. Horse Trough Herb Garden

Horse trough filled with various herbs — Source: @inhergardenmagazine

Transform a horse trough into an herb garden. These large containers are perfect for cultivating a variety of herbs, providing easy access for cooking. Position it near your kitchen for convenience and fresh flavors.

12. Rustic Toolbox Planter

Vintage toolbox with small flowering plants — Source: @plantercraftusa

Use an old toolbox as a compact planter. The compartments are great for organizing small flowering plants or succulents. Place it on a patio table or windowsill for a charming touch of green.

13. Barn Wood Raised Beds

Barn wood raised garden bed with vegetables — Source: @vvictorygardens

Construct raised beds using barn wood for a natural and durable garden structure. These beds allow for excellent drainage and soil control, ideal for vegetable gardening. Arrange them in rows for a traditional farm plot look.

14. Wagon Cart Planter

Old wagon cart with flowers spilling over — Source: @inhergardenmagazine

Use an old wagon cart as a mobile planter. Fill it with cascading flowers for a whimsical touch. This planter can be moved around your garden to catch the best sunlight or to refresh your layout.

15. Pallet Planter Wall

Wooden pallet with attached planters — Source: @succulentartworks

Turn a wooden pallet into a planter wall by attaching pots to the slats. This project is perfect for small spaces or urban gardens, allowing you to grow vertically and save floor space.

16. Cowboy Boot Planters

Pair of cowboy boots with cacti — Source: @rockemofficial

Repurpose worn-out cowboy boots as quirky planters. These unique containers are ideal for cacti or succulents, adding a playful Western flair to your garden.

17. Wooden Crate Stack

Stacked wooden crates with flowering plants — Source: @downshilohroad

Stack wooden crates to create an eye-catching planter tower. This setup can be customized in height and design, making it versatile for different spaces. Fill each crate with a different type of plant for a varied display.

18. Wine Barrel Planter

Full wine barrel with roses — Source: @handjflowers

Use a full wine barrel as a large planter. These barrels provide ample space for larger plants like roses or small trees. Their natural color and texture add warmth to any garden setting.

19. Barn Beam Planter Ledge

Barn beam ledge with pots of herbs — Source: @flowbylara

Install a barn beam along a fence or wall as a ledge for pots. This is a simple way to add a rustic touch while keeping plants off the ground. Use it for herbs or small flowers for easy maintenance.

20. Chicken Feeder Planter

Metal chicken feeder with succulents — Source: @bricksnblooms

Convert a metal chicken feeder into a succulent trough. These feeders have a unique shape that complements the compact form of succulents, making it an unusual yet charming planter.

21. Painted Tire Planters

Brightly painted tires with flowers — Source: @diyshowoff

Use old tires painted in bright colors as planters. Stack them for height or lay them flat for a more traditional look. This is a fun way to recycle while adding a pop of color to your garden.

22. Grain Silo Mini Garden

Small grain silo with wildflowers — Source: @canadianfarmgirl

Repurpose a small or broken grain silo as a garden centerpiece. Fill it with wildflowers for a natural, country-inspired look. This idea is perfect for large gardens seeking a unique feature.

23. Tin Can Herb Planters

Assorted tin cans with herbs — Source: @sanobars_craft_and_cultivate

Recycle tin cans into small herb planters. Paint or label them for a personal touch. Arrange them on a shelf or windowsill to create a mini herb garden that’s both functional and decorative.

24. Tree Stump Planter

Hollowed tree stump with ferns — Source: @terrarium.imaginarium

Hollow out an old tree stump to use as a natural planter. This not only recycles the stump but also integrates seamlessly into the garden. Ferns or hostas work well for a lush, green look.

25. Milk Can Flower Stand

Antique milk can with sunflower arrangement — Source: @bloomingfoods

Use an antique milk can as a flower stand. These cans are perfect for holding tall flowers like sunflowers or delphiniums, adding height and rustic charm to your garden.

26. Log Bench Planter

Hollowed log bench with colorful blooms — Source: @sunnygardentime

Craft a bench out of a large log and hollow out sections to plant flowers. This dual-purpose furniture adds seating and beauty to your garden. Use it as a feature piece in a natural setting.

27. Barn Board Window Box

Barn board window box with petunias — Source: @contained_creations

Create window boxes from barn boards and attach them to your home or garden shed. Fill them with trailing plants like petunias for a classic cottage look that enhances any rustic facade.

28. Oversized Basket Planters

Large wicker basket with mixed flowers — Source: @bloomjar

Use oversized wicker baskets as planters. These baskets add texture and warmth, suitable for patios or garden corners. Line them with plastic to hold soil and plant a mix of flowers for a lush display.

29. Metal Bathtub Garden

Vintage metal bathtub with lavender — Source: @vintagetub

Repurpose an old metal bathtub as a large planter. This container is perfect for creating a lavender or herb garden, offering a unique and expansive planting space with vintage vibes.

30. Wooden Sled Planter

Wooden sled with winter greens — Source: @therootedpetal

Use a wooden sled as a winter planter. Fill it with evergreens or winter pansies for a festive touch. This planter can be placed at the porch for a welcoming seasonal display.

31. Stone Trough Planters

Stone trough with alpine plants — Source: @thewateringcan

Use stone troughs for a natural, durable planter option. These are ideal for alpine plants or succulents, providing excellent drainage and a rugged aesthetic that complements barn-style gardens.

32. Barn Shutter Planter

Old barn shutter with mounted pots — Source: @plantslover1990

Mount pots on an old barn shutter for a vertical garden with character. This idea is great for small spaces and adds a splash of greenery to any wall or fence.

33. Tool Box Succulent Garden

Vintage metal toolbox with succulents — Source: @capegarden

A vintage metal toolbox can be transformed into a succulent garden. The sturdy structure and compartments make it ideal for arranging different succulent varieties, offering a unique display piece.

34. Old Boot Planters

Assorted old boots with geraniums — Source: @plantplacenursery

Turn old boots into quirky planters. These unique containers add a playful touch to your garden, perfect for smaller plants like geraniums. Line them up along a path for a whimsical effect.

35. Barn Roof Planter

Barn roof piece with climbing vines — Source: @potterybarn

Repurpose a piece of barn roof as a planter by placing it at an angle and securing pots to it. Plant climbing vines to cover the structure, creating a living wall that brings rustic charm to any space.

36. Wine Crate Stacked Garden

Stacked wine crates with herbs — Source: @my.planty.abode

Stack wine crates to create a tiered garden. These crates are perfect for herbs or small vegetables, allowing you to maximize space and add a rustic, organized look to your garden.

Final Thoughts

Creating a barn-style planter box is a wonderful way to bring rustic elegance to your outdoor space. These creative ideas not only enhance your garden's aesthetics but also offer practical solutions for displaying plants. Whether you're repurposing old materials or crafting new pieces, each project adds a unique touch to your landscape. Get started on your favorite idea today, and watch your garden transform into a charming oasis. Don't forget to share your creations with friends and inspire others to embrace the rustic charm of barn-style planters!