DIY Galvanized Mail Sorter Planter

You can upcycle any type of container into a planter but vintage elements make captivating conversation starters!

Take a look at this ‘old’ mail holder that I converted into an eye-catching planter, perfect for hanging arrangements.

galvanized metal mail sorter with plants hanging outside a house

Table of Contents show

What You’ll Need To Make Your Planter

A galvanized mail holder
A drill or hammer/nails to make drainage holes
Potting soil
Plants of your choice

Directions

Using a hammer and nail (or drill) add some drainage holes to your mail holder.

Drill holes into the bottom of the metal mail holder for water drainage.

Add soil to each level of the planter and start to fill in with plants.

I like to place trailing plants on the edges and flowers in the middle.

Instead of mail, the holder displays lovely trailing leaves and pink flowers

Metal mail holder filled with soil and pink and white flowers

Once all the plants have been placed, top up with more soil.

Farmhouse planter using a 3-tiered metal mail holder, resting on an outdoor wicker side table

Finally, hang it up!

I recommend hanging this in a spot that doesn’t get too much afternoon sun so that the metal doesn’t fry the roots of the plants. A few hours of morning sun should be perfect!

I chose to hang my on the siding along my deck using wood screws. Isn’t it pretty?

Metal mail holder against siding of house, between two wicker deck chairs

Another option is to fill the slots with a sandy soil instead of potting soil and plant some succulents in place of the annuals I chose. Those will tolerate the heat a lot better….or you could even keep it inside, since the succulents won’t need to be watered much!

I’m excited to see the flowers fill out and bloom. And I love the little bit of farmhouse chic this simple project has added to my deck.

This hanging container also saves space in tight places – check out this article for more small deck decorating ideas.

Mail Sorter Planter

Active Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour

Estimated Cost: $20

A unique planter to add a bit of whimsy to your outdoor decor

Materials

A galvanized mail holder
Potting soil
Plants of your choice

Tools

A drill or hammer/nails to make drainage holes

Instructions

Using a hammer and nail (or drill) add some drainage holes to your mail holder.
Add soil to each level of the planter and start to fill in with plants. I like to place trailing plants on the edges and flowers in the middle.
Once all the plants have been placed, top up with more soil.
Finally, hang it up!

Notes

I recommend hanging this in a spot that doesn't get too much afternoon sun so that the metal doesn't fry the roots of the plants.

Another option is to fill the slots with a sandy soil instead of potting soil and plant some succulents in place of the annuals I chose.