The Easiest Front Porch Planters Ever

How to put together the easiest front porch planters ever. A super simple idea to dress up your front door area. These fern planters will transform your porch from drab to amazing!

If you’ve ever stood in front of your local garden center wondering what to plant in your porch containers, you’re not alone. Today I’m sharing a simple method for putting together front porch planters that look professionally done, but take just minutes to assemble. These really are the easiest front porch planters ever. Adding fresh greenery and seasonal blooms to your entryway is a beautiful way to welcome guests, and it sets the tone for the rest of your home.

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How to Assemble the Fern Planters

• What makes this front porch planter idea so simple is that the ferns stay in their original containers. There’s no need to remove them or repot, so you won’t need any potting soil, which saves both time and money.
• Depending on the size of your planters, the ferns might sit at just the right height. But more often than not, they’ll need a little boost. To raise them up, just add some filler material to the bottom of the planters. Here are a few easy options:
  • Packing peanuts (tuck them into a mesh produce bag before placing in the planter)
  • Air pillows from shipping boxes
  • Plastic grocery sacks
  • Empty plastic bottles or jugs
  • An upside-down plastic container or nursery pot
  • A section of a pool noodle, cut to size
• Aside from the time it took to shop for the ferns, these planters came together in less than ten minutes. This method works with any type of front porch planter—even basic terra cotta pots. The key is making sure the plant’s original container fits snugly inside your decorative pot.

Fun Facts About Ferns

• Ferns are incredibly forgiving and easy to care for. They can go a few days without attention, and with a good drink of water, their fronds perk right back up. That said, a regular watering schedule will keep them looking their best.
• To encourage healthy growth, use a water-soluble fertilizer once a month. A few thoughtful readers have also shared that lightly misting the fronds with cool water once or twice a week helps keep them fresh and vibrant.
• Ferns love shade, so a covered porch is the ideal spot. The Boston fern, with its soft, cascading fronds, is a longtime favorite for porches. It’s especially pretty in a hanging planter, where the fronds can gently spill over the sides and sway in the breeze.

• Ferns also look wonderful in tall planters. They add just the right amount of height without making the planter feel top-heavy. Their texture and fullness make them a perfect choice when you want something that’s simple, but still makes a statement.
• If the weather turns especially hot or windy, try to move your ferns to a more protected spot. Strong sun and drying winds can damage the fronds, so keeping them sheltered will help them thrive all season long.

How Do I Choose A Planter For My Front Door?

• The simplest way to choose planters is to follow your heart and buy what you truly love. If you decide to invest in more expensive planters and plan to use them year after year, it’s easy to refresh the look by simply switching out the plants with the seasons.
• Think about the style of your home and choose planters that complement those lines. Consider the color of your front door, siding, or trim, and pick something that coordinates, but doesn’t blend in too much. Planters that add contrast can really stand out in a good way. (See our front door paint color information.)
• Size is another thing to keep in mind. Larger planters make more of a statement and give you plenty of room to layer different types of plants. If you’re working with a smaller porch or tight space, go for a pair of medium-sized containers that frame the door without overwhelming it.
• Also, consider the material. Lightweight resin or plastic planters are easy to move and store, while ceramic or stone planters add heft and stability, especially in windy areas. Just make sure they have drainage holes, or add them yourself, so your plants stay happy and healthy.