Ten DIY garden ideas on a budget

Old wooden pallets are a brilliant resource for planting. Simply stand them upright, staple some landscape fabric to the base of each slat and fill with soil and plants. It’s perfect for growing herbs or flowers. If you want to save some cash, you could keep it plain and rustic, or paint it a colour to match your garden or personality if you’d prefer. See CAP worker Hayley’s creation below, painted green and filled with herbs to compliment her lovely garden.

Create a cosy home for all kinds of garden creatures by stacking natural materials like twigs, pine cones and leaves into a wooden box or old plant pot. Slot it into a quiet corner of the garden and watch the wildlife move in rent-free!

Don’t throw away those food tins! Wash them out, paint them with bold colours or fun patterns and pop in a few flowers or herbs, making sure you punch some drainage holes in the bottom. They’re perfect for windowsills, balconies or lining up on a garden wall like a mini art gallery. 

Gather long twigs or bamboo canes and tie them at the top to make a teepee-shaped frame. Strong sticks work well as they’ll support the weight of your plants. If you’re growing peas or sweet peas, wind string or twine around your structure (like in the picture) to give the tendrils something to grab onto!

You’ll be amazed what can become a planter with a little imagination. Buckets, tyres, crates – even an old kitchen sink! Claire from CAP kept hers after moving house, filled it with soil and grew spring onions and broccoli. It’s a great way to reuse what might otherwise go to waste, and gives your garden its own unique story to tell.

Turn a broken pot, tray or corner of your garden into a miniature fairy garden and create a world of imagination for your kids. Gather together moss, pebbles for walkways, tiny twigs and lollipop sticks for houses. This DIY garden idea is perfect for the whole family and a fun summer activity, too.

No flowerbeds? No problem! Transform a plain fence or wall into a lovely display by hanging potted plants from a branch, fence or pole. Use twine to create simple hanging holders, or find some macramé designs online if you’re up for a challenge!

Encourage feathered visitors to your garden with a simple bird bath. Use a tuff tray or any old tray that you might have, and fill it with water and rocks to let bees come and get a drink too. It’s a super simple garden idea on a budget that requires no DIY skills! 

Clare from CAP found the perfect bowl at the charity shop and converted it into a bird bath in her garden – proof that you can make this garden idea budget friendly and still look lovely!

Brighten up your existing garden space with a splash of colour! An old bench, fence panel or wooden crate can be totally transformed with just a bit of paint. Go bold with rainbow colours or soft pastels – opt for whatever lifts your mood the most! Make sure to check the paint you choose is suitable for outdoor use so it doesn’t wash away in the rain!

Want to feed your plants for free? Create your own compost! It’s a top budget-friendly and eco-conscious way to turn kitchen and garden waste into nutrient-rich food for your soil without spending a penny! You don’t even need fancy equipment. A simple bin can be made from old wooden pallets, box or even just a corner of your garden – just make sure there’s good airflow to the area.

Gardening doesn’t have to cost the earth. In fact, you can transform your space – no matter how big or small – using things you already have. Whether you’re opting for garden ideas on a budget or looking for DIY projects, it’s about finding joy in the little things and making most of what you’ve got.