March 31, 2026, 3:14 pm | Read time: 5 minutes
Spring has arrived—and with a few simple DIY ideas, it can quickly make its way to your balcony or garden. Whether it’s plants, lighting, or decorations, even small touches can create a pleasant atmosphere and instantly lift your mood.
From a homemade bench to floating light jars, myHOMEBOOK garden expert Franka Kruse-Gering presents five projects that are easy to implement and won’t break the bank.
1. Euro Pallet Lounge
Euro pallets are surprisingly affordable—depending on their condition, they often cost between 5 and 25 euros each. This makes them ideal as a solid and versatile foundation for creative projects in the garden or on the balcony. Their robustness and flexibility have secured them a permanent place in the DIY world. Particularly popular: the homemade pallet lounge, which is a classic among outdoor ideas for good reason.
What you’ll need: Euro pallets, sandpaper, optional paint or wood stain, and suitable cushions or pillows.
How it works: One pallet serves as the seat—for more comfort, simply stack two on top of each other. It’s important to thoroughly sand the surfaces beforehand and, if needed, paint or stain them afterward. For the backrest, place another pallet upright behind it and secure it if necessary. Finally, add cushions or pillows—and your cozy lounge for the balcony or garden is ready.
2. Raised Bed from Old Crates
Old fruit or wine crates are true all-rounders for outdoor spaces: They look charming, are usually easy to find, and often cost little—with some luck, you might even get them for free. They are the perfect base for a simple DIY raised bed, ideal for herbs, flowers, or small vegetables, and fit even on small balconies.
What you’ll need: Wooden crates or fruit boxes, pond liner or sturdy trash bags, potting soil, and herbs, flowers, or vegetable plants of your choice.
How to do it: First, carefully line the inside of the crates with liner to protect the wood from moisture. It’s important to then poke a few small holes in the liner to allow excess water to drain and prevent waterlogging. Afterward, fill the crate with soil and plant as desired. Depending on size, the crates can be placed individually or stacked decoratively. This creates a personalized, space-saving raised bed for the balcony or garden in no time.
Tip: For a larger project, you can expand the idea and build a raised bed from Euro pallets—this offers even more planting space and design flexibility.
3. Herb Garden with a Twist
Empty walls on a balcony or terrace can quickly look bare and unused. Why not transform them into a green space that’s also practical? A vertical herb garden combines both: It saves space, costs little, and provides fresh greenery right at hand—perfect for small outdoor areas.
What you’ll need: A wooden board, a narrow shelf, a grid, or even an old coat rack—the possibilities are endless. Screws or clamps for mounting, small flower pots or cans, soil, and various herbs.
How it works: First, securely mount the board or shelf on the wall. Then attach the containers—depending on the material, they can be screwed, hung, or clamped. Next, fill with soil and plant the desired herbs. This quickly creates a space-saving, vertical garden solution that’s not only practical but also visually appealing.
Tip: A subtle string of lights adds a cozy atmosphere—and makes the herb garden a highlight even in the evening.
How to Build a Raised Garden Bed from Pallets
What to Consider for an Outdoor Apartment
4. Floating Light Moments for Mild Evenings
For cozy evenings, floating light jars are a simple yet effective idea. They bathe the balcony or garden in warm, gentle light and quickly create a relaxed atmosphere—almost like being on vacation.
What you’ll need: Screw jars (like old jam jars), sturdy wire or strong string, pliers, and tea lights or small LED lights.
How it works: First, wrap the wire or string around the top edge of the jar to form a stable hanger. Then fill the jars with tea lights or LEDs. They can be hung from branches, hooks, or the balcony railing. The effect is especially charming when several jars are placed at different heights and gently “float” in the space.
5. Upcycling Meets Plant Love
Old containers don’t have to end up in the trash—with little effort, they can be transformed into unique planters. Whether it’s buckets, cans, crates, or even old shoes, creativity knows no bounds. This quickly creates a personalized look that not only beautifies the balcony or terrace but is also sustainable.
What you’ll need: Old containers like buckets, cans, or crates, optional paint, and jute or rope for decoration, plus soil and suitable plants.
How it works: First, thoroughly clean the containers. If desired, paint them or wrap them with jute or rope to give them a special look. It’s important to drill small holes in the bottom to allow excess water to drain and prevent waterlogging. Then simply fill with soil and plant—your personal eye-catcher with upcycling character is ready.
Even old car tires or a discarded bicycle can be creatively repurposed in this way, adding a special touch to your outdoor space.