Make a Mini Blooming Garden Table to Showcase Your Favorite Succulents

Indoor garden tables are trending big time right now, but if you don’t have the space for one, you can make a tabletop version in just a few easy steps. Waterproof a display case for the base and fill it with your favorite plants. You’ll be surprised just how charming a mini blooming table can be.

mini Blooming table with garden gnomes

DIY Blooming Table by the Crafty Lumberjacks

Learn how to create a mini blooming table with step-by-step instructions from the Crafty Lumberjacks.

Bringing a bit of the outside in is a great way to liven up your living space. Making a mini blooming table is extremely popular right and a super fun way to cultivate a garden that is up close and personal. Traditional booming tables are large and can feel overwhelming to create. Make a tabletop version for a similar vibe on a smaller scale.

How to Create a Blooming Table
Loading Video...

Materials + Tools

  • flag display case
  • plastic liner/shower curtain
  • scissors or craft knife
  • standoff sign holders
  • glue gun
  • drill
  • horticultural charcoal
  • cactus soil
  • variety of succulents
  • pebbles or small rocks
  • garden miniatures/gnomes and mushrooms
  • clear table bumpers
mini Blooming table materials and supplies

Materials

Flag Display Case Plastic Liner/Shower Curtain Scissors or Craft Knife Standoff Sign Holders Glue Gun Drill Horticultural Charcoal Cactus Soil Variety of Succulents Pebbles or Small Rocks Garden Miniatures/Gnomes and Mushrooms Clear Table Bumpers

Remove the Glass + Drill Holes

Take off the backing of the display case. Remove the glass and place it in a safe spot while working (Image 1). On the backing of the display case, mark out a spot for each standoff about 1 inch from each corner. Drill a hole on each marked spot (Image 2), then put the display case back together without the glass.

Glue on the Plastic Lining

To make the inside of the display case waterproof, start by cutting a piece of plastic liner bigger than the inside of the case. Add a generous amount of hot glue to the inside bottom of the display case and press the liner on top. Work quickly or work in sections before the hot glue dries. Continue to add hot glue to the inner sides while pressing the liner against it. Tip: Use a low-temp glue gun to prevent the hot glue from melting through the liner.

waterproofing your blooming table

Glue plastic lining inside the display case

Make the inside of the display case waterproof. Cut a piece of plastic liner bigger than the inside of the case. Add a generous amount of hot glue to the inside bottom of the display case and press the liner on top. Work quickly or work in sections before the hot glue dries. Continue to add hot glue to the inner sides while pressing the liner against it. Tip: Use a low temp glue gun to prevent the hot glue melting through the liner.

Cut Lining to Size

Trim off any overhanging plastic lining with a craft knife or a pair of scissors. Glue and tuck in the lining under the top lip of the display case, so it is not visible from the outside.

mini garden table lining

Cut plastic lining down to size

Trim off any overhanging plastic lining down with a craft knife or a pair of scissors. Glue and tuck in the lining under the top lip of the display case, so it is not visible from the outside.

Add Standoffs

Screw the front and the back of the standoffs together into drilled holes (Image 1 + 2). Take the hot glue gun and add a generous amount of glue around each standoff making sure the inside of the case stays waterproof.

Add a Base Layer of Charcoal

Because the planter has no drainage holes, it’s important to add a layer of charcoal on the bottom of your mini blooming table. The charcoal will help soak up any stagnant water and prevent root rot. You can find charcoal at most nurseries, but if you cannot find any, adding a layer of pebbles to the bottom will work just as well.

charcoal for mini garden table

Add a base layer of charcoal

Because the planter has no drainage holes, it’s important to add a layer of charcoal on the bottom. The charcoal will help soak up any stagnant water and prevent root rot. You can find charcoal at most nurseries, but if you cannot find any, adding a layer of pebbles to the bottom will work just as well!

Add Soil + Succulents

Add a layer of soil for the succulents to sit on. Place the succulents into the box, arranging them into groups (Image 1). Fill the area with extra soil until the roots are fully covered. Wipe away any soil that has spilled on top of the succulents with a paintbrush (Image 2).

Layer in Pebbles and Miniatures

It’s all about the details! Cover the top of the soil with pebbles or sand. While adding in the pebbles, tuck in any plastic liner that can still be seen. Finish off the look by adding faux miniature mushrooms and other miniature garden accents.

adding pebbles to the garden table

Layer on pebbles and miniatures

It’s all about the details, cover the top of the soil with pebbles or sand. While adding in the pebbles, tuck in any plastic liner that can still be seen. Finish off the look by adding faux miniature mushrooms and other mini garden accents.

Add Bumpers + Glass Top

Place rubber bumpers on top of the standoffs. This will add more height as well as keep the glass in place while it’s resting on top.

bumpers for blooming table

Add bumpers and glass top

Place rubber bumpers on top of the standoffs. This will add more height as well as keep the glass in place while it’s resting on top. Remove the glass from the standoffs to easily water.

Your Mini Blooming Table Is Complete

You're all done! Enjoy your mini blooming table in all its glory. And remember, you can easily remove the glass from the standoffs to water your miniature garden.

How to Care for Succulents

Succulents are often regarded as the ultimate low-maintenance plant, but even seasoned gardeners have seen them perish under their care. Read our growing guide to help keep them happy indoors and out.

DIY Succulent + Cacti Planters

Make Clay Pinch Pot Hanging Planters to Display Your Fave Succulents

Learn how to make clay pinch pot hanging planters, perfect for mini succulents, with just a few materials and this easy, step-by-step tutorial.

DIY Concrete Vintage Camper Planter

Vacation starts now. Your plants can hit the road and see the sights in style in this vintage-inspired concrete camper.

Next Up

Make Clay Pinch Pot Hanging Planters to Display Your Fave Succulents

Learn how to make clay pinch pot hanging planters, perfect for mini succulents, with just a few materials and this easy, step-by-step tutorial.

Turn an Old Laundry Detergent Pod Container Into a Moon Planter for Succulents

This trendy, DIY upcycled moon planter is surprisingly easy to make out of an old laundry pod container. No one will believe that this lunar planter came straight out of your recycling!

Welcome Fall With This House Number Pumpkin Topiary

Spice up your curb appeal with this DIY fall topiary made with different sized faux pumpkins, seasonal jewel tones and super glue. It's that easy!

DIY This Moody, Mossy Living Dead Succulent Wall Planter

Snag a thrift store frame, some succulents, moss and glue to make this upcycled, scary-meets-stylish succulent wall planter perfect for Halloween — anyone with half a head can make it.

How to Hang Plants from the Ceiling

Learn the correct steps to securely and safely hang plants from the ceiling.

How to Make a Gumball Machine Pumpkin

With a little patience (and a whole lot of gumballs), you can create a one-of-a-kind decor piece that trick-or-treaters will flock to this Halloween.

Design a Striking Succulent Container

Succulents are a great choice for container growing.

How to Make a Vintage Book Planter

Turn an old book into a one-of-a-kind planter with our easy how-to instructions.

How to Plant a Cactus Container Garden

Look sharp. You can make a cactus container garden in about an hour.

Upcycle a 5-Gallon Bucket Into a Fun, Fabric-Covered Planter

A ridiculously easy DIY planter that's also ridiculously cute? Sign us up! This project takes less than an hour and uses five simple materials you probably already have sitting in the garage.

More from:

HGTV Handmade

What's New in Handmade

On TV

Follow Us Everywhere

Join the party! Don't miss HGTV in your favorite social media feeds.