10 Hanging Strainer Planter Ideas For Herbs And Flowers

If you love gardening but are short on space or budget, hanging strainer planters are a fun, practical way to grow herbs and flowers almost anywhere. Old colanders or metal strainers already have built-in drainage, handles for hanging, and charming shapes that look great once filled with greenery.

In this post, you’ll discover 10 easy ways to turn kitchen strainers into beautiful hanging planters for patios, balconies, porches, and small gardens. You’ll get simple styling ideas, budget tips, and practical suggestions to help you hang, plant, and enjoy them safely. With just a few inexpensive pieces, you can create a fresh, personal garden display that feels playful, cozy, and full of life.

Quick List

1. Rustic Enamel Strainer Herb Planters By The Back Door
2. Color-Painted Metal Strainer Flower Baskets On The Fence
3. Vintage Colander Cluster Above The Patio Table
4. Tiered Hanging Strainer Herb Garden For Small Balconies
5. Window-Framed Strainer Planters For Sun-Loving Herbs
6. Galvanized Strainer Planters With Fairy Lights For Evening Glow
7. Playful Colorful Strainer Planters For Family Gardens
8. Minimal White Strainer Planters Along The Balcony Railing
9. Boho Macramé-Hung Strainer Planters In A Cozy Corner
10. Kitchen-Themed Strainer Planters Near The Outdoor Dining Area

1. Rustic Enamel Strainer Herb Planters By The Back Door

Hang old enamel strainers on sturdy hooks near your back door and plant them with everyday herbs like basil, mint, and parsley. The speckled or chipped enamel finish instantly gives a rustic, cottage feel, and the herbs stay close to the kitchen where you actually use them. Line the strainers with a bit of mesh or coffee filter, add potting mix, and tuck in small herb plants. They’ll soften the doorway, smell wonderful, and turn a plain wall into a charming, useful feature.

• Best For: Back doors, small porches, and side entrances that need a little character.
• Budget Tip: Hunt for inexpensive enamel strainers at thrift shops or markets; minor chips add charm.
• Styling Idea: Stick to classic colors like white, cream, and navy for a timeless country look.
• Practical Note: Make sure hooks are firmly fixed into brick or wood so the weight is safely supported.
• Care & Maintenance: Snip herbs regularly to keep them compact and prevent them from getting leggy.

2. Color-Painted Metal Strainer Flower Baskets On The Fence

Transform simple metal strainers into bright flower baskets by spray-painting them in cheerful colors and hanging them along a fence. Once the paint is fully dry, fill them with potting mix and add easy annuals such as petunias, marigolds, or trailing lobelia. The small holes in the strainer create great drainage, while the color pops liven up even the dullest fence. Group three or five strainers together for a strong visual impact that looks like a living piece of wall art.

• Best For: Dull fences, narrow side yards, and overlooked corners.
• Budget Tip: Use leftover spray paint and choose low-cost six-pack flower trays.
• Styling Idea: Pick two or three colors and repeat them for a fun but coordinated look.
• Practical Note: Use strong screws or zip ties to attach handles securely to the fence.
• Extra Idea: Add small hooks underneath each strainer for tiny wind chimes or hanging ornaments.

3. Vintage Colander Cluster Above The Patio Table

Hang a cluster of vintage colanders at different heights above a small patio table to create a playful, green “chandelier.” Plant them with trailing herbs, violas, or strawberries so the foliage softly cascades down. Use chain or sturdy rope to suspend each colander, and stagger them so they don’t block your view. The perforated metal adds texture and charm, and the mix of plants becomes a natural talking point when you sit outside for coffee or dinner.

• Best For: Covered patios or pergolas where you dine or relax.
• Budget Tip: Mix inexpensive modern colanders with one or two vintage pieces as accents.
• Styling Idea: Stick to metal tones like white, cream, and zinc for a soft, vintage palette.
• Practical Note: Hang them high enough that people can comfortably walk or sit beneath them.
• Care & Maintenance: Water gently with a small watering can to avoid splashing guests or tableware.

4. Tiered Hanging Strainer Herb Garden For Small Balconies

If floor space is tight, build a tiered hanging garden using three strainers stacked vertically on chains or rope. Plant each layer with different herbs or small flowers so you can enjoy a mini garden in the air. The top tier can host sun-loving herbs, while the lower ones suit trailing plants. Hang the whole piece from a secure hook in the ceiling or beam. It creates a strong vertical line that makes small balconies feel lush without crowding the floor.

• Best For: Tiny balconies, rental spaces, and compact patios.
• Budget Tip: Use basic hardware-store strainers and simple galvanized chain or jute rope.
• Styling Idea: Keep all strainers one color so the plants become the main focus.
• Practical Note: Check that the top hook is anchored into a beam or masonry, not just plaster.
• Care & Maintenance: Rotate the tiers occasionally so all plants get even light.

5. Window-Framed Strainer Planters For Sun-Loving Herbs

Mount one or two strainers beneath a sunny outdoor window and fill them with neat, compact herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano. The plants frame the view and add soft green lines under the window, almost like living shutters. Use brackets or hooks fixed into the wall, and line the strainers with mesh or coconut fiber to hold the soil. This setup keeps herbs close at hand when you lean out to harvest, while keeping your windowsill neat and uncluttered inside.

• Best For: Kitchens or living rooms that look out onto a yard or courtyard.
• Budget Tip: Reuse old strainers and basic wall brackets instead of buying window boxes.
• Styling Idea: Match the color of the strainers to your window frames for a tidy, built-in feel.
• Practical Note: Avoid very heavy plants if the wall is old or soft; keep arrangements light.
• Care & Maintenance: Prune herbs occasionally so they don’t block light entering the window.

6. Galvanized Strainer Planters With Fairy Lights For Evening Glow

Hang galvanized strainers along a pergola or fence and weave warm fairy lights around the handles and supports for a magical night-time display. Plant the strainers with trailing ivy, lobelia, or white flowers that catch the glow after dark. The tiny perforations in the metal let pinpricks of light shine through, creating a gentle lantern effect. This is an easy way to combine soft lighting with greenery, turning your garden into an inviting evening retreat.

• Best For: Outdoor seating areas used at dusk or night.
• Budget Tip: Use solar fairy lights and inexpensive galvanized strainers for a low-running-cost feature.
• Styling Idea: Keep the palette cool and simple with silvery metal, green foliage, and white blooms.
• Practical Note: Ensure all lights are rated for outdoor use and keep connections away from water.
• Extra Idea: Add one scented plant, like night-scented stocks, nearby for an extra sensory touch.

7. Playful Colorful Strainer Planters For Family Gardens

Create a fun row of colorful strainers along a fence or railing, painted in bright shades and planted with easy, forgiving flowers. Let children pick paint colors and help plant pansies, nasturtiums, or small sunflowers. You can even paint simple faces, stripes, or spots on the strainers. The result is a happy, informal border that encourages kids to care for plants while still looking decorative. It adds personality and makes the garden feel friendly and lived-in.

• Best For: Family gardens, play areas, and shared courtyards.
• Budget Tip: Choose budget-friendly seeds or multi-packs of seedlings that children can plant themselves.
• Styling Idea: Use a rainbow of colors, but repeat a few shades to keep it from feeling chaotic.
• Practical Note: Hang the planters low enough for children to water, but secure them firmly.
• Care & Maintenance: Select robust plants that can cope with enthusiastic watering and handling.

8. Minimal White Strainer Planters Along The Balcony Railing

For a cleaner, modern look, choose simple white strainers and clip or hook them evenly along a balcony railing. Plant them with neat herbs, small grasses, or white-flowering plants. The repeated shape and color create a tidy rhythm, while the greenery softens the hard lines of metal or concrete. This is a great way to add garden style in apartments without committing to heavy pots. It feels calm and airy, especially when paired with neutral outdoor furniture.

• Best For: Modern apartments, rental balconies, and contemporary townhouses.
• Budget Tip: Buy identical strainers as a set to keep costs down and ensure a matching look.
• Styling Idea: Stick to green and white plants for a minimal, Scandinavian-inspired palette.
• Practical Note: Check balcony rules and railing weight limits before hanging anything.
• Care & Maintenance: Choose compact plants that won’t flop heavily over the railing as they grow.

9. Boho Macramé-Hung Strainer Planters In A Cozy Corner

Slip metal strainers into handmade or bought macramé hangers and suspend them at different heights in a sheltered corner. Fill them with trailing ivy, ferns, or flowering plants for a soft, boho vibe. The contrast between knotted cord and perforated metal adds interest, while the plants bring movement and life. Layer in cushions, a rug, and a small side table beneath to turn it into a peaceful reading or tea nook. It looks relaxed but thoughtfully styled.

• Best For: Covered porches, pergola corners, or balconies protected from strong rain.
• Budget Tip: Make simple macramé hangers from cotton cord and use second-hand strainers.
• Styling Idea: Use warm neutrals and natural textures like wood, jute, and cotton to enhance the boho feel.
• Practical Note: Choose lighter soil mixes so the hangers aren’t overstrained by weight.
• Care & Maintenance: Take the planters down occasionally for a thorough water and to check knots.

10. Kitchen-Themed Strainer Planters Near The Outdoor Dining Area

Bring the kitchen outdoors by hanging strainers planted with herbs close to your barbecue or dining table. Arrange them on a peg rail or simple shelf, and surround them with wooden spoons, cutting boards, or small spice jars for decoration. Plant culinary herbs you actually use when cooking outside, such as basil, chives, or oregano. This creates a themed corner that feels intentional and practical, making outdoor meals more enjoyable and fragrant.

• Best For: Patios with barbecues, outdoor kitchens, or dining sets.
• Budget Tip: Repurpose old kitchenware and simple pine boards for the peg rail.
• Styling Idea: Mix warm woods, neutral strainers, and lush green herbs for a cozy bistro feel.
• Practical Note: Keep at least one planter within easy reach so you can snip herbs while cooking.
• Care & Maintenance: Replace tired herb plants at the start of each season for a fresh, full look.

Conclusion

Hanging strainer planters are a simple way to turn everyday kitchen items into charming, space-saving homes for herbs and flowers. Whether your style is rustic, modern, or boho, there’s a version here that can brighten your balcony, patio, or garden fence. Start with one small display near a doorway or seating area and see how it changes the mood. Over time, you can add more pieces and build a unique, personal garden story overhead and all around you.

FAQs

1. Can I really use any old strainer or colander as a planter?
Yes, as long as it’s sturdy, has drainage holes, and isn’t cracked so badly that it might break when filled with soil. Metal and enamel strainers work best. Avoid anything with sharp edges and always check that handles are secure before hanging to keep plants and people safe.

2. How can I make hanging strainer planters on a tight budget?
Look for second-hand strainers at thrift stores or markets, and reuse old kitchen pieces you already own. Simple jute rope, basic hooks, and standard potting soil are all you really need. Choose low-cost herbs or flowers in multipacks, or grow from seeds for the lowest cost option.

3. Are hanging strainer planters suitable for renters?
They can be very renter-friendly if you hang them from freestanding supports, over-the-rail hooks, or removable adhesive hooks where allowed. Avoid drilling into walls or railings if your lease forbids it. Lightweight planters are easier to move with you and won’t risk damaging surfaces.

4. What plants grow best in small hanging strainers?
Compact herbs like thyme, chives, and oregano do well, as do small flowers such as pansies, violas, and trailing lobelia. Because strainers are shallow, avoid plants with very deep roots or those that need a lot of water. Always choose varieties labeled for containers or small pots.

5. How do I stop water from dripping everywhere when I water them?
Water slowly with a small watering can or spray nozzle so the soil can absorb moisture before excess runs through. You can hang the strainers over garden beds, gravel, or an outdoor sink so drips are not a problem. On balconies, place them where water can drain safely without bothering neighbors.