Gather Your Supplies

Start with what you have and add a few fall finds:

• Summer survivors: Assess summer containers for vines and grasses and any blooming plants that fit your fall color scheme and can be reused. Often lantana and black-eyed Susan will continue blooming into fall and can be repurposed in your fall planters.

• Containers: Empty tired summer planters and repot with a fall theme. Or repurpose buckets, tin pails, old bushel baskets, wooden crates, or any type of basket. Lined with plastic or drill holes for drainage, these make charming, rustic planters.

• Farmstand finds: Support local farmers and add some corn shocks, gourds and pumpkins.  Skewer small pumpkins and gourds on sticks or dowels for added texture.  

• Craft materials: Twine, ribbons, or burlap scraps can dress up your containers and tie everything together.

Pick Fall-Friendly Plants

Choose plants that love cooler weather and bring out beautiful autumn hues, such as:

• Chrysanthemums (Mums): Vibrant flowers that bloom in yellow, orange, red, or purple.

• Ornamental Kale, Peppers and Cabbage: Add texture and deep green, purple, or white accents.

• Pansies and Violas: Hardy, cheerful flowers that thrive in fall’s mild temps.

• Asters: These daisy-like flowers come in lovely shades of blue, purple, and pink.

• Grasses: Varieties like fountain grass or millet provide height and movement, and some are deep purple in color.

• Trailing vines: Ivy or Creeping Jenny cascade beautifully over planter edges.If you have leftover herbs (like sage or thyme) from summer, tuck them in for texture and fragrance.

Assembly Steps

1. Prepare Your Base: Ensure your selected container has drainage holes or line it appropriately. Fill with potting mix.

2. Gather your Treasures: Carefully extract any summer plants that will be reused, protecting the root base as you transplant to the fall container. Gather any other items to add to the planter as well. 

3. Arrange Your Plants:

   • Place taller plants, like grasses or kale, in the back or center.

   • Fill around with mums, asters, and pansies for color.

   • Let vines or trailing plants spill over the edges.

   • Tuck in decorative items—mini pumpkins, pinecones, sticks, or even faux leaves.

4. Add Finishing Touches: Secure burlap or ribbon around the rim. Nestle in some twigs, berry branches, hydrangea blossoms, or a small decorative sign for added charm.

Tips for Success

• Cluster multiple planters: Vary heights and shapes for an eye-catching display. Check your summer pots to see if you can re-use some yellow, orange or purple bloomers or some of your vines. Use straw bales to vary the height and add dimension to your space.

• Water regularly: Fall can be dry, so check soil moisture often. Remember to water at the soil and not on the foliage or blooms for best results.

• Use what’s plentiful: Gather colorful leaves, branches, or seed pods locally for a natural look. Tuck in hydrangea blooms for a fuller look.

Enjoy Your Fall Planters

With a little creativity and items already on hand, you can build a front porch planter that celebrates the season in style. Add some straw bales or corn shocks for even more fall flare. Each time you walk up to your front door, you’ll be greeted by a burst of fall colors and textures—proof that a little resourcefulness (and a lot of autumn spirit) can go a long way.

Photo Credit: https://momcrieff.com/fall-planter/ (1), www.merrifieldgardencenter.com (2), www.pinterest.co.uk (3), www.gardengatemagazine.com (4)