How to Make a Plant Tray from an Old Window
We’re sharing how to make a plant tray from an old window as we team up with some of our favorite creative ladies for the Handcrafted Society Blog Hop.
One of our biggest goals this year has been to revamp some of the garden areas around our property.
We didn’t want to have to drag the big wheelbarrow out each time we decided to weed, though.
So, we hatched a plan to make it easier to haul the weeds to the compost pile.
This DIY plant tray, made from an old window, was simple to create and comes in handy while weeding the garden boxes and flower beds.
I know we’ll continue to use it into the fall and winter seasons because it’s so convenient, and I hope it’s something you will want to create and use as well!

How to Make a Plant Tray From An Old Window…
Plant Tray Supplies:
- Window (without the window panes)
- Galvanized Hardware Cloth Roll
- Wire Cutters
- Gloves
- Staple Gun
- Staples
- Hardware Handles
- Measuring Tape
- Screwdriver or Cordless Drill (if needed)
Plant Tray Steps:
Gather your supplies.

Turn one side of the window frame over to the back to measure how much hardware cloth you’ll need to cut.

Using caution and care, as hardware cloth and wire cutters will be sharp, cut the desired length of hardware cloth.

Again, using caution and care, as hardware cloth edges will be sharp, affix the hardware cloth to the window using a staple gun and staples.
Make sure the hardware cloth is completely secure to the window frame.

You’ll also need to tuck or clip off any prongs on the hardware cloth edge, so you don’t get stuck or pinched.
You might even choose to put a piece of sturdy cloth or a piece of wood over the clipped edge of your plant tray to reinforce it.

Flip the plant tray back over to the front and use a measuring tape to measure where the hardware handles will go.

Using caution and care, secure them to the plant tray using a drill or screwdriver and the accompanying handle hardware.

Keep in mind that you can protect your window frame with a clear coat of sealant.

In addition, hardware cloth will rust if left out in the elements.
So, make sure to put your plant tray back in the garage or your potting shed when you’re finished using it.

Crafting a Simple Garden Solution…
We still have a long way to go with all the garden beds.
But I’m excited about the way things are coming together.

Thankfully, this plant tray is made from a large window.
So, we only have to make one or two trips to the compost pile.
It’s way too hot in Florida to be weeding anyway.
Besides, I’d much rather be curled up with a summer beach read while sipping cucumber and mint-infused water.
Hope you’re finding fun ways to stay cool this season, too!

Up Next on the Handcrafted Society Blog Hop…
WM Design House
How to Turn a Vintage Birdcage into a Whimsical Garden Planter
Wendy from WM Design House is turning a vintage birdcage into a whimsical garden planter, complete with a mossy nest of trailing plants spilling through the bars. It’s the sweetest way to give an old treasure new life in the garden.

South House Designs
How to Start a Neighborhood Cutting Garden Full of Zinnias and Joy
Cutting gardens bring smiles by their very existence — but when that garden is for the whole neighborhood, it also builds community. Diane’s zinnia cutting garden does exactly that, complete with a handmade sign, painted birdhouses, and scissors ready for any neighbor who wants to snip a fresh bunch. See how she did it!

Sonata Home Design
What to Do with Old Picture Frames in the Garden
Missy is sharing how we can put old picture frames to work in the garden with this creative, budget-friendly idea that turns garden flowers into 3-D artwork.

Thistle Key Lane
Michelle is sharing how to build your own solitary bee hotel or update a ready made one that will blend in with your garden.

An Organized Season
How To Hang Flowerpots For A Charming Outdoor Display
Donna is sharing an easy way to hang flower pots to create a charming outdoor garden-inspired display.

Sky Lark House
Create an Affordable Wire Cloche for Plants in Your Garden
Anna is sharing how to create a budget-friendly wire cloche to help protect plants in the garden.

Other Garden Inspired Posts to Explore…
How to Whitewash Terracotta Pots with Chalk Paint


Make at Home Lavender Gardener’s Hand Scrub

Many blessings,
CoCo

This is SO smart CoCo! We have some old window frames and windows – definitely going to make one of these! Thanks so much for sharing your heart with us. Losing a beloved pet is never easy – this is a great way to honor your precious Tally. Much love and hugs to you!
Ugh it is so hard to get motivated to work in the garden when it’s so hot, but your clever tray will make it so much easier! I think it would look so cute propped up or hung somewhere as a backdrop in the off season. As always your projects inspire me! Sending you big hugs, and hopefully a break from the heat soon!
Coco, this is such a creative project and an adorable way to repurpose an old window! I imagine you’re dealing with quite a bit of humidity right now too, so it’s the perfect excuse to sit back, relax, and enjoy a cup of tea while reading instead of weeding.
What a clever idea, CoCo! Anything you can do to make weeding easier is a plus! Take care out there in the heat! I go out early in the morning and only for about thirty minutes at a time! You’ll have to let me know which flowers you’ve successfully grown. I would love to add some pretty flowers to our boring landscape beds!! Take care, and hope you have a happy summer!
These are all such great ideas! I love all of the blogs sharing the ideas too!
Hi CoCo – This is such an elegant and simple solution. I love the weathered look of the window frame. Another bonus is that this tray can easily be stowed away since it is so flat. I too wish I was sipping on cucumber and mint infused water while reading a good beach book! Stay cool in Florida. Always fun participating in HCS with you!
Such a clever idea, CoCo! When I think of how many trips I make to dispose of weeds…yikes! This is the perfect project to make all of that so much easier. Great idea! Enjoy the rest of your summer!