The DIY Dollar Tree Planter That Shines After Dark

Who says your porch and lawn should be the only parts of your house glowing after the sun goes down? What about your plants? If you're tired of watching your outdoor plants disappear slowly into the darkness during the evening hours, there is a solution. With a few bucks and a quick Dollar Tree run, you can create an "all-day" outdoor planter that gives your plants a luxury upgrade and turns your patio or porch into your very own Studio 54. This planter upgrade might be perfect for you if you struggle with keeping easy houseplants alive or are looking for creative ways to use faux plants in your interior design.

For this project, take an Inxugao Artificial Flower Hanging Basket and add a few of Dollar Tree's Solar Yard Light Stakes to highlight it. This is a super simple hack that can be completed in under 30 minutes, and it will only cost around $50 to make it happen. Let's break down the costs: $32 for the hanging basket (which includes the plants), $1.25 for each solar light, and about $9 for a Shjade Hot Glue Gun. Even better if you already have one.

Start this DIY by removing all the contents from your hanging basket set. Then, grab the fake boxwood and turn it upside down. Add a layer of glue along the top edges of the foam piece and place it inside the boxwood. This will help secure it in place. Next, flip the greenery back into place and stick three solar lights into it, spacing them about 6 to 8 inches apart in a triangular shape.

From there, you'll want to unwrap your flowers and spread them out with your hands to give them more volume. Stick the flowers inside the grass ball and foam, evenly distributing them for full coverage around the lights. Finally, place the entire finished ensemble inside the hanging basket and hang it up on a bracket — and you're all set!

Consider adding some Aogist Balloon Lights or additional solar lights to your DIY hanging planter to liven up your home even more at night. Gluing on a few fake bees or butterflies to the sides of the basket can also help give it a bit of flair. You can purchase these items online or at your local garden store. If the planter is going on your front door, consider adding your house or apartment numbers for easy visibility for night guests. Finish everything off with a few fake hanging vines or wind chimes to creatively call attention to the piece.