Are you growing a vegetable garden this year? While gardening can be a lot of hard work, it's also rewarding. Yet sometimes even the most avid gardeners need a break from digging, weeding, and watering. So why not try one of these fun DIY garden projects?
Tips on Creating Fun DIY Garden Projects
Before diving into some of the creative and fun DIY garden projects I found around the web, here are a few tips and explanations of our own projects.
Upcycle for DIY Gardening Projects
Our family homesteads and homeschools in a remote part of Canada's subarctic Northwest Territories. As we live off the grid about a 35-minute drive from town, waste removal is an issue. It's a pain, and it is expensive.
So when we can find ways to upcycle or repurpose items in our backyard garden, we do.
Tip: Use what you have on hand for your DIY gardening projects, or pick up a few inexpensive supplies to get started.
Include Your Kids
I'm still homeschooling our two youngest children. Our homeschool summer routine includes working on our backyard garden, gardening activities for kids, and also reading gardening books for kids.
And you know what? They LOVE any kind of craft or project that showcases their creativity.
For example, we recently renovated our master bathroom as one of our homestead projects. Ava, my eleven-year-old, wants to turn one of the old pedestal sinks into a birdbath for the garden. (She already made a DIY bird feeder.)
Tip: Get your kids involved in creating their own fun DIY garden projects!
Relax and Have Fun With It!
So this year has been....a bit stressful for us. The winter was long, cold, dark, and lonely without our big kids coming for visits.
And honestly, planning our garden hasn't brought me the joy it usually does. You know what? I think I'm just a bit too anxious this year.
We're always trying to become as self-reliant as possible. We raise animals to produce our own homestead meats. I calculate how much to plant to feed our family.
We preserve, can, and dehydrate whenever we can. We're always focused on trying to secure our family's food supply.
That doesn't leave a lot of time for plain old family fun. So this summer, that's what I'm trying to focus on.
Tip: Don't worry if your fun DIY garden projects aren't "perfect." The idea is to be creative, de-stress, and make something to add some character to your garden.
15 Fun DIY Garden Projects
When I was looking for a few fun DIY garden projects to tackle this summer, I found some really helpful and beautiful posts online. Here they are!
Caterpillar Garden Stone - Kid's Craft
If you have a handful of edging gardening stones leftover from another garden project, turn them into this cute caterpillar. All you need is the stones, paint, adhesive, a black pipe cleaner, and some googly eyes. One of our favourites!
Easy DIY Garden Markers
These super-cute and durable polymer clay herb/vegetable markers make a fun rainy day family DIY gardening craft project.
Make Your Own Fairy Garden
Are your kids fascinated by fairies? Mine are. They love this creative DIY garden idea!
How to Build a Cinder Block Garden
Learn how to build a cinder block garden and get started growing your own vegetables with this easy-to-follow tutorial.
Flower Garden Cart
You've seen them at garage sales, thrift stores, or maybe even in your own attic and garage. Upcycle an old metal storage cart with a fresh coat of paint to showcase your potted flowers and herbs in your garden or on your patio.
DIY Garden Watering System - Easy & Inexpensive (+ Printable Supplies List)
Now this might not look like "fun," but think of all the time you'll save when you don't have to water? A perfect project to use up leftover PVC pipe!
Homemade Garlic-Mint Garden Insect Spray (that really works!)
This simple homemade garlic-mint garden insect spray works well to keep pesky bugs off your herbs and vegetables.
Recycled Key Garden Markers: An Easy Recycled Craft For The Garden!
Just love this idea! We have a TON of old keys around....who knows what they were originally from. Plan a painting afternoon to get them done as a family summer gardening activity.
DIY Planters for Indoors and Outdoors
Your fun DIY garden project could include upcycling old containers to make a planter...or two! Here are some ideas to get you started.
Homemade Plant Food: 7 Easy Natural Fertilizer Recipes
Here's another indoor DIY gardening project to try!
Make homemade plant food with these seven easy natural fertilizer recipes using ingredients you already have on hand.
DIY Garden Fountain
Need a water feature in your garden? This DIY garden fountain uses two sizes of planter pots, plastic tubing, and a small water pump - a fun STEM activity to enjoy together.
Recycled Tin Garden Marker Craft
Do you ever use those disposable tin foil trays? You know, the kind you use to take lasagna or a homemade casserole to a potluck? If you have some old ones lying around, try this fun garden marker project.
Galvanized 4th of July Planter
Here's a fun one for our American friends and family - so simple and a pretty way to show your patriotism!
Easy DIY Stamped and Beaded Garden Markers- landeelu.com
Now, this fun DIY garden project is a little more involved, but it's worth it. Add these long-lasting stamped and beaded garden markers to your own garden or share them with a gardening friend.
Herb Garden Sign: Toads Welcome
We just love this rustic country garden sign project. Use jumbo craft sticks, or even leftover shims from a window or door project.
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Amber D Ferguson
Great post! I am happy to feature you today at TFT. Thanks for sharing!
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Julie
You've put together some great garden ideas here. Lots of inspiration for getting outside whilst the summer is here and making the garden a nicer place!