When autumn arrives, our porches become the perfect place to celebrate the seasonโs colors and textures. Adding fall-inspired containers not only brings warmth to your entryway but also creates a welcoming space for family and guests. This season, think beyond the traditional terracotta potโthere are plenty of creative and unique containers you can use for your fall porch display. Here are three fun ideas, along with the best plants to pair them with and tips for care.
1. Rustic Apple Crates Turned Planters
Container Idea: Wooden apple crates or vintage produce boxes bring instant rustic charm. You can either line the inside with landscape fabric and soil or set smaller pots directly inside.
Plant Pairings:
- Ornamental cabbages and kales for bold texture
- Pansies for pops of vibrant fall color
- Creeping Jenny or ivy to spill over the edges
Care Tips:
- Place crates in a sunny to partly shaded area for best bloom and color.
- Water consistently but avoid overwatering since crates often drain quickly.
- Refresh spent blooms to encourage more flowers.
2. Repurposed Lanterns as Mini Planters
Container Idea: Oversized lanterns (with the glass removed or left in) make charming mini greenhouses for fall porch displays. Use them to hold smaller pots or plant directly inside with good drainage.
Plant Pairings:
- Succulents like hens-and-chicks for a low-maintenance look
- Small mums for bursts of orange, yellow, or burgundy
- Dwarf ornamental grasses for a touch of height
Care Tips:
- Ensure proper drainageโadd gravel at the base if planting directly in.
- Water lightly, especially if using succulents (they donโt like soggy soil).
- Rotate lanterns to give all sides of the plants some sun.
3. Vintage Wheelbarrow Fall Garden
Container Idea: An old wheelbarrow makes a statement piece for your porch or walkway. Fill it with potting soil or arrange multiple pots inside for a layered, mobile display.
Plant Pairings:
- Pumpkins and gourds mixed with trailing vines
- Chrysanthemums for bright fall blooms
- Heuchera (coral bells) for striking foliage color
Care Tips:
- Position in full sun to part shade depending on your chosen plants.
- Water deeply once or twice a week, letting the soil dry a bit between waterings.
- Mix in fall dรฉcor like corn stalks, pinecones, or fairy lights for extra charm.
General Fall Plant Care
- Sunlight: Most fall plants thrive in full to partial sun, so place containers where they get at least 4โ6 hours of light.
- Watering: Cooler temps mean plants donโt dry out as quicklyโcheck soil moisture before watering.
- Fertilizer: Add a slow-release fertilizer at planting time to keep blooms and foliage strong throughout the season.
- Season Extension: As frost approaches, cover plants at night or bring containers closer to the house for added warmth.
๐ With a little creativity, your porch can become a cozy fall showcase. Whether you repurpose old crates, lanterns, or a wheelbarrow, pairing them with colorful seasonal plants will bring life and charm to your outdoor space all season long.