Container gardening is a great way to grow herbs or greens when you’re short on space, but the price of planters can leave your budget in the dirt. Grow bags range from $5 to $20, and decorative pots aren’t much better. That’s why this offbeat, budget-friendly hack from Dollar Tree’s laundry aisle is gaining traction: with just two common items, you can DIY a grow bag that rivals the real deal.
Grab a Mesh Laundry Bag with a drawstring and a Stacking Plastic Laundry Basket â each just $1.25. Stack the basket inside the bag or flip the combo, depending on size. Either way, you’ve got a breathable, structured container that’s ideal for shallow-rooted plants like basil, lettuce, or mint. It’s simple, sturdy, and cheap enough to build a whole garden without going broke.
Beyond cost, this setup offers genuine function. The mesh allows airflow to roots, helping prevent rot, while the basket keeps soil supported. Think of it as a frugal gardener’s starter kit â easy, flexible, and surprisingly effective. If you’re inspired by this trick, you might also enjoy these other Dollar Tree planter ideas that reuse common household items in creative ways.
How to build and customize your own Dollar Tree grow bag
Start by combining your mesh laundry bag and stacking basket in whichever configuration offers a snug fit. This forms the shell of your DIY planter. Sticks or rocks can be used as a base filler to improve drainage and reduce the amount of soil needed. However, using sticks and rocks limits the amount of soil the roots can occupy, so keep that in mind. Unless you’re confident in your setup, stick to a well-draining potting mix. Once filled, you’re ready to plant. Most herbs and greens only need about 6 to 8 inches of soil, making this container just the right size. And don’t let its humble materials fool you â it performs comparably to more expensive grow bags used for crops like artichokes and tomatoes.
Customization is easy with this approach. If your local Dollar Tree is out of mesh laundry bags or baskets, other breathable fabric containers like reusable shopping bags or old pillowcases can work in a pinch. Similarly, a sturdier frame, like a crate or storage tub, can offer more support for heavier plants like tomatoes or peppers. For example, you can skip expensive pots by repurposing a simple Dollar Tree storage tub as a planter. Likewise, milk crates can be turned into mobile garden boxes that work well in urban settings, especially for those who have to make do with just a balcony or patio.
The takeaway? You don’t need designer pots or pricey setups to start a productive garden. Sometimes, your next grow space is just a laundry aisle away.
