Repurpose Handkerchiefs into Cute Planters - DIY Gardening Project

Repurposing Handkerchiefs into Cute Planters

Old handkerchiefs can be given new life by transforming them into adorable planters for small houseplants or herbs. This easy DIY project is a creative way to upcycle fabrics you have around your home rather than throwing them away. Handkerchief planters make great gifts too!

Selecting Handkerchiefs for Planters

Almost any type of handkerchief can be turned into a planter, whether it's a small delicate hankie or a large bandana. Solid colored handkerchiefs work best so the focus remains on the greenery rather than busy patterns. White handkerchiefs can be decorated before planting, while darker colors help hide accumulated dirt over time.

Consider the size of the handkerchief when selecting plants. Smaller handkerchiefs best suit tiny succulents, cacti cuttings, or herb starts. Bandana sized handkerchiefs have enough room for mini violets, small foliage plants, and other compact houseplants.

Preparing the Handkerchief

Start by ironing the handkerchief to remove any wrinkles and folds. This allows you to see the shape and size you have to work with. To transform the handkerchief into a pot, conceptually divide it into thirds.

The bottom third will become the base. For stability, this portion should remain double layered. The middle third will wrap around the plant and any soil. The top third folds down over the edges of the middle section to create a finished look.

Assembling the Planter

Lay the ironed handkerchief on a flat surface. Place a small funnel or cone in the center of the bottom third. Carefully pour potting mix around it until you have about an inch or two of soil built up. Gently lift the funnel without disturbing the soil.

Consider placing landscape fabric, burlap, or mesh over the soil to prevent it falling through any loose weave in the handkerchief. Place the plant in the soil, filling in around it with more potting mix to cover the roots.

Lift the top and middle sections of the handkerchief to cover the soil. Adjust the fabric, lightly pressing and tucking until you have a nice draped effect. Top off with a pretty bow tied around the middle, decorative pins, ribbons, lace, or other embellishments.

Caring for Handkerchief Planters

These cute planters work best for plants that don't require frequent watering. The small amount of soil dries out faster than regular pots. Ferns and most herbs do well, but plants like tomatoes will struggle.

Use a spray bottle to gently water the soil without oversaturating the handkerchief. Remove the plant to water thoroughly whenever the soil is fully dry one inch below the surface. Let it drain well before replacing in the handkerchief planter.

Consider placing the planted handkerchief inside a wide, shallow dish. Fill the dish with an inch of pebbles and water. This creates extra humidity while also catching excess water drainage.

Fun Handkerchief Planter Ideas

Decorating your handkerchief planters lets you add even more personality! Try dyeing them with natural materials like berries or tea bags prior to planting. Or leave white handkerchiefs plain for kids to color or decorate with fabric markers.

Stencil designs on the fabric before assembling your planter for a crisp look. Painted patterns underneath will still show through once you've filled the handkerchief with soil and plants.

Use ribbons, lace overlays, silk flowers, buttons, felt shapes, and other crafty notions to embellish your finished handkerchief pot. This is a great opportunity to play with different color palettes and textures too.

Holiday and Seasonal Handkerchief Planters

Coordinate handkerchief planters into your holiday home decor or as unique seasonal gifts. Red and green prints easily transition into Christmas with sparkly twigs or tiny ornaments. Rich orange and black bandanas make perfect Halloween holders for ghoulish succulents.

Pastel colors with faux floral clusters create lovely Easter or Mother's Day presents. Patriotic handkerchiefs surrounding red flower starts work wonderfully for 4th of July. You can even tuck hand warmers inside during winter months to create fun snowman planters for indoor use.

Displaying Handkerchief Planters Around Your Home

Group multiple handkerchief planters together on shelves or countertops to create intriguing displays. Mix and match colors and embellishments for lots of visual interest.

Hang them individually or connect handkerchiefs together garland-style to display greenery in otherwise challenging spaces. Use removable Command hooks to prevent damaging walls as you move your hanging planter garden around over time.

Set a single handkerchief pot at each place setting for a unique twist on table decor. Sprinkle coordinating botanicals like rosemary sprigs or eucalyptus around the tabletop to complement your planters. This works beautifully for casual meals, tea parties, weddings, and more.

Let the charming simplicity of handkerchief planters shine through anywhere you need a boost of green. Their versatility and customization options mean you're limited only by your creativity.

FAQs

What type of soil should I use?

Use a regular potting mix rather than garden soil which may be too heavy. Opt for a mix formulated for containers to provide drainage.

How often do I need to water the planter?

Check the soil with your finger about an inch below the surface. Water whenever it is fully dry, using a spray bottle to control oversaturation. The small amount of soil dries faster than regular pots.

What plants work best?

Mini houseplants, succulents, cacti, herbs, and other plants that thrive in small spaces or containers are ideal. Avoid large, thirsty plants like tomatoes that require frequent watering.

Can I hang my handkerchief planter?

Yes! Connect multiple handkerchiefs together garland-style to hang while still supporting the weight of soil and plants. Use removable hooks to prevent wall damage over time as you rearrange displays.