The Best Deck Rail Planters for a Space-Saving Garden
These railing planters will add lush vegetation to your deck space without overcrowding it.
A deck is a great gathering space for family and friends when the weather is nice, but it can become overcrowded quickly. Most decks quickly become cluttered with tables and chairs, a grill, kids' toys and more; so bringing in plants, herbs or flowers often feels out of the question.
However, if you're looking to add some pops of color, grow herbs or simply create some colorful ambience, you might benefit from a deck rail planter. A deck rail planter is a great way to add lush vegetation to your deck without taking up valuable space. These planters are made to go directly on top of or on the side of your deck railings to keep them secure and off the ground.
There are a few types available, too. There's the saddle planter, which is an over-the-rail planter that you put directly on the top of the railing. These sit snug on top, but you'll need to measure the width of your railing to ensure it fits properly. There are also ones that clamp on with brackets, which allow the plant boxes to hang over the railing rather than on top and are more of a universal fit.
Whichever style may be best for you, a deck rail planter will add some botanical beauty to your deck and allow you to have a nice herb or vegetable garden accessible to your kitchen without clutter. It's a great way to style a deck this summer, and we've rounded up our favorites you can buy online below.
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A galvanized metal planter in a copper color is perfect for a rustic or farmhouse-style patio or deck. Perhaps the most unique part about this deck rail planter is the included kit, which includes a dehydrated growing medium and a fertilizer packet that is made for container gardening. That means growing flowers, herbs, and even salad greens or certain fruits is a lot easier with this all-in-one planter.
Made to fit securely over either a 3.5-inch or 5.5-inch deck railing, this lovely sage green option will add bright cheeriness to your outdoor space. Made in the USA, it comes equipped with removable drainage plugs. Plus, its natural matte finish is UV-resistant and won't fade with sun exposure or the elements.
This modern planter set is 36 inches long and meant to look like stone with a subtle textured finish. It comes pre-drilled with drainage holes and can be hung over railings from one to five and a half inches wide. The material is UV-resistant to prevent fading and can handle both frigid cold temperatures and intense heat. There's a variety of colors available, and we love how high-end it looks.
Made for individual succulents, flowers or plants, this three-pack is unique because it attaches to the vertical railing balusters rather than the top of the railing. They're UV-resistant and have a flat bottom should you want to bring them indoors. Each one comes equipped with high-quality hook-and-loop cinch straps for easy installation.
This railing planter from Winston Porter comes with insertable soil trays that form a pocket of air just below the roots for proper aeration, which also allows it to be self-watering. It also comes with drainage holes to prevent stagnant water from pooling. The self-watering element makes it a great planter option for drier climates.
Another sleek, modern option from Canadian brand Veradek, this sturdy planter set is impact- and crack-resistant, made for the elements, and comes equipped with drainage holes and removable plugs. Its geometric design also has an intuitive leveling bar to make sure it doesn't sag or look crooked.
Another unique option is this two-tiered hanging plant box. It's 16.9 inches long and comes with both water storage and drainage. It comes in a few colors, but we like this classic terra-cotta option.
The Latitude Run Metal Hanging Planter Baskets are smaller baskets made of metal and have detachable hooks. These would be great as decorative options and would even work with fake or dried flowers, should you want to put them out for a party.
The Bloem RailScapes Adjustable Floating Planter Hangers allow you to use your own planters and saucers up to 10 inches and 15 pounds. The powder-coated steel won't become damaged in inclement weather and has bumpers to protect the railings as well.
This wrought iron planter set includes a coco liner made from recycled coconut fibers, which provides both aeration and drainage for healthy root growth. The wrought iron won't rust over time, and there are a few different unique designs to choose from to best complement your deck space.
This grandiose round planter from Pure Garden holds one larger plant in its durable plastic base. Its capacity is 2.64 gallons and fits railings from 3 to 3.75 inches wide. There's a removable insert that allows water to collect, but drainage holes can be drilled in it as well.
How to Make a Deck Rail Planter 8 Photos
This easy DIY planter can be made for a deck railing, porch balcony or hung under a window to make a window flower box.
