DIY Birdcage Planter for your Garden
If you’re looking for a fun and easy way to add some life to your garden, then you need to check out this Gorgeous, DIY Birdcage Planter. This project is perfect for beginners, to advanced gardeners and it only takes minutes to complete.
A vintage birdcage is a timeless symbol of elegance, grace, and beauty. But did you know that a birdcage can also make a stunning planter? Just add some soil and plants, and you’ve got yourself a unique way to showcase your green thumb. Of course, not just any birdcage will do. Try looking for a vintage cage that has plenty of character. I found this one at Homesense! Once you’ve found the perfect cage, it’s time to get creative. You can plant everything from succulents to herbs to flowers. Or, if you really want to make a statement, fill your cage with ivy or other climbing plants. Whatever you choose, your birdcage planter is sure to be a conversation starter.
What you'll need to make a birdcage planter:
- Birdcage (one that the top opens)
- Burlap
- potting soil
- plants of your choice (perennials or annuals)
Once you have gathered your supplies, it is time to get started on your project. First, remove any perches or other items from the middle of the birdcage.
DIY Birdcage Planter instructions (assembling the cage)
Step 1: Prepare your Birdcage for your planter
When choosing a birdcage for your indoor garden, it is important to select a model that features a fully opening top. This will allow you to easily insert the essentials, such as the burlap, soil, and plants. If your birdcage has a stand, you can remove it or keep it attached; the decision is yours. However, bear in mind that stands can be useful for stability, particularly if you have curious pets or children in the home. Whichever route you choose, make sure that your birdcage is firmly positioned before adding any plants or soil. The last thing you want is for your carefully curated garden to come crashing down!
Step 2: Add the burlap to your birdcage planter
Planting in a birdcage is a unique way to add some greenery to your garden. But before you get started, there are a few things you need to take into account. First, make sure you cut the burlap large enough to run up the sides of the birdcage. This will prevent the soil from spilling out. Second, having the burlap run up the sides of the birdcage will allow you to add enough soil for your plants. You don’t want them to be overcrowded or too shallow.
If you’ve ever made a mistake while cutting burlap, you know that it can be frustrating. The fabric is tough and doesn’t lend itself well to mistakes. But don’t worry, there’s a workaround. Burlap is actually quite forgiving, and if you happen to cut too much off, you can simply stretch it to make up the difference. Just take a step back and assess the situation. If the burlap is too short, simply grab the ends and give it a good tug. The fabric will stretch and you’ll be able to get the desired length.
Step 3: Add the potting soil to your birdcage planter
The next step in our DIY birdcage planter is to add potting soil. Be sure to use a good quality potting mix that is light and airy, as this will help to prevent the roots of your plants from becoming compacted. You’ll need enough soil to fill the bottom of the cage. Once you’ve added the potting soil, it’s time to add your plants. If you’re not sure what plants to choose, consult a local nursery or gardening center for advice. Remember, when it comes to planting, less is more. You don’t want to overcrowd the cage, as this can lead to problems with drainage and aeration. So take your time and choose your plants carefully. With a little bit of effort, you can create a beautiful and unique birdcage planter that will be the talk of your neighborhood.
DIY Birdcage Planter instructions (adding your plants)
Step 4: Plants
Once you’ve assembled your birdcage planter with the burlap and soil, it’s time to fill it with plants. You have two choices: perennials or annuals. Perennials are plants that live for more than one growing season. They come back year after year, so you don’t have to replant them. Annuals, on the other hand, only live for one growing season. You’ll need to replant them every year.
So which should you choose? If you’re the type of person who forgets to water your plants, then annuals are probably not the best choice. Perennials are much more forgiving when it comes to neglect. But if you want to change up the look of your planter from year to year, then annuals are the way to go. Whichever you choose, make sure to add some color and interest to different kinds and sizes of plants. That’s what will really make your birdcage planter stand out.
Step 5: Top your plants with more soil
It’s easy to get plant parenthood off on the wrong foot by over-or underwatering, but one misstep that’s often overlooked is not giving your plants enough soil to grow. When planting, make sure to cover the roots with two to three inches of soil, and be generous with mulch to help retain moisture. Once your plants are established, top them off with a fresh layer of soil every few months to give them a boost. Just like humans, plants need nutrients to stay healthy, and adding more soil is an easy way to give them the extra boost they need. So don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty, and give your plants the food they need to thrive.
For this planter I used
I wanted something to trail up the sides, so English Ivy was placed in center with branches guiding themselves towards their destination – a climbing vine along the sides of birdcage railings. Goldilocks Creeping Jenny has longer roots here too; long enough for this spot where they’ll dangle down below and hide among other plants like Angelina Stonecrop whose stunning golden yellow leaves change color as fall approaches (and then return again each year). For texture–well there are two kinds: Major stone cradles in one side and White Sea Thrift on the other with Silverine Hens & Chicks as a final flourish. Perfect!
Now that your birdcage planter is complete, enjoy it for years to come. Water regularly, fertilize monthly and trim any overgrown plants as needed. With a little bit of love and care, your birdcage planter will be the envy of your neighborhood.
Happy planting!
-Lana 🙂