DIY Moss Flower Planter
Add character and appeal to your flower or container garden!
You've admired it from afar, but did you know it's easier than you think? Here is an easy home gardening project for the novice gardener, the seasoned gardener and the DIY gardener!
Make a planter using your traditional hanging baskets, wall half baskets or window and railing baskets. Scrounge around and get innovative in using what you have around you - in the garage or basement, thrift stores, garage sales, old barns...
The finished moss basket displayed!
Gather Your Materials
Materials you will need:
Soil
Wire basket
Trowel
Gardening scoop for soil (in this case, a yogurt container)
Watering can
Moss
Plants
Optional:
Floral wire
Plastic bag
Line the Basket with Moss
Supplies
Containers:
Don't be limited on containers for your moss planters - anything with wires or even wicker can be turned into a moss basket! A bicycle basket, an old colander, in the seat of a chair, an egg basket... Rest your finished product on an old stump for a nice woodsy effect!
Moss:
Find sheet moss online, or check your local gardening center or craft store for more moss options.
Finding Moss
A friend who owns acreage is a great resource to have in picking your own moss! Look for logs or rocks holding thick large moss pieces.
Where Would You Get Your Moss for This Project?
Extend the Moss Well Above the Rim
Did You Know... - Facts about moss:
- In World War II, Sphagnum moss was used as a first-aid dressing on wounds.
- Moss was used to help extinguish fires in rural UK.
- During famine, peat moss has been used to make bread in Finland.
- Moss is used as a Christmas decoration in Mexico.
- Moss is an excellent toilet paper when you are out in the woods!
- Click here for more information on moss!
Find the Holes
Fill in the hole...with moss or with flowers!
Try placing plants through the side in layers to have flowers cascading down, maximizing your soil and basket space, creating a basket with multiple layers and height. This works especially well with hanging baskets!
Fill Planter with Soil
Hold up the sides of moss while using your gardening scoop to fill planter.
This is where either a second pair of hands can come in handy to hold up the moss, or using floral wire to fasten it to the basket.
You can place soil around the edges first to help keep the moss held up.
I also place a plastic bag at the bottom of the planter (on top of the moss, but under the soil) to prevent excess water leakage.
Gardening Scoop for Potting Soil - Pot your plants in record time!
Gardening on a tight budget?
Need a soil scoop? Buy a dog food scoop at a Dollar Store in the pet section! It is made of plastic and not as durable, but mine will usually last one season of gardening!
Firmly Pack Down the Soil
Continue adding and packing down soil until about an inch from the top.
You may need to add more moss at this point or fill in any holes in the moss, as the soil may have packed it down a bit.
Arrange Your Plants - And dig a small hole to plant them!
Plant and Press Firmly Around Roots - Add more soil if needed.
You may want to move planter to its final resting place before watering, as it can get quite heavy once waterlogged.
Water Thoroughly
Don't Let Your Plants Dry Out in the Heat!
If you find your moss too absorbent, use soil specifically for hanging baskets, or add some water crystals to your soil. Water crystals will absorb water and release slowly as the plant dries out.
My favourite way to water my moss basket is to soak it in the little kids pool before it's been emptied! I find this helpful for many of my pots during a heat wave.
Maximize Your Watering
I use an old tin wash basin or the kiddie pool and fill it with water. Place the basket in it for a few hours to give it an extra good soaking on those really hot and dry days.
Finished Moss Planter!
Bringing New Life to Houseplants - Add some moss for a houseplant makeover!
More Moss Projects! - Love the look of moss? Here are some more ideas!
- How to Make a Vertical Chicken Wire Planter on Pallet Wood
Make a cone-shaped, vertical chicken wire planter and attach it to a piece of pallet wood for a moss filled hanging flower container. - Our recycled DIY Planter - Four Generations One Roof
Recycle a chair by carving out the middle and transforming into a cute DIY planter. - Moss Projects
Try out these moss projects to add a fresh look to centerpieces, chairs, planters, and more. - Make a moss terrarium in a wine bottle: moss-age in a bottle Dr Vino's wine blog
A unique centerpiece using an old wine bottle for a moss terrarium. - How to Grow Moss Technique
How to grow moss in your garden or on your pottery!
Let me know what you think of my page and ideas!
