Weekend project: these painted house number pots are perfect for your front garden
Try this quick and easy paint project – it's a fun idea that even kids can create in just 3 easy steps

This is a great project to get stuck into over the weekend and it's simple enough for the kids to join in with too. All you need is some outdoor paint with a chalk finish. When you’ve completed this you can be sure visitors never miss your house by arranging these pretty planters into a vibrant display outside your front door.
We’ve chosen terracotta pots as they take the chalk paint so well and the bright colour helps to make the overall palette pop even more. But if you have existing pots which have been looking a bit sorry for themselves then this is the perfect opportunity to give them a bit of a spruce up!
Keep reading for details on how to make them, then make sure you take a look at our front garden ideas for more ways to give your home's exterior some added kerb appeal.
YOU WILL NEED
- Small pots of chalk paint
- Masking tape
- Terracotta plant pots
- Your choice of late blooming perennials or potted herb plants
- Paint brushes
STEP 1: PREP YOUR POTS FOR PAINTING
In order to create the cleanest finish for your house number, use masking tape to act as a stencil and create the shape of the house number. Stick the strips down and keep positioning them until you’re happy that they will have an even thickness left inside the masking tape strips for the numbers. If you have a ruler to hand you can make sure they are close enough to each other. If your door number is a single digit you will only need the one pot.
STEP 2: APPLY THE CHALK PAINT
Select a paint brush, ensuring that the bristle head isn’t too wide for the area you are painting, you don’t want to create smudges! Paint the space inside the masking tape to create the numbers, then allow to dry. Remove the masking tape and cover the rest of the pot with mini flowers painted freehand. Alternatively leave the rest blank for a more bold contemporary look.
STEP 3: POT UP YOUR CHOSEN PLANTS
Once your paint is dry pop a plant inside and top up the pot with compost to keep it secure. We recommend using upright plants, rather than trailing varieties, that won’t cover the numbers. Water regularly as potted plants dry out much quicker than those planted directly in the soil.
More garden ideas:
- How to make a bug hotel
- Wildlife garden ideas: encourage creatures great and small into your garden
- Painting garden furniture: how to give it a fresh new look
-
-
Outdoor kitchen ideas: 26 chic designs to elevate your alfresco entertaining
Ideas Colorful to monochrome, traditional to modern – whatever your style, we've got the outdoor kitchen ideas to match
By Ellen Finch •
-
Best wooden garden furniture 2021: classic patio seating
Buying Guide The best wooden garden furniture; from teak to acacia, benches to patios sets, we've rounded up the best wooden outdoor furniture
By Sarah Warwick •
-
The best garden parasols 2021: top patio umbrellas for shade
Buying Guide The best garden parasols for some welcome shade, from the best cantilever garden parasol to stylish patio umbrellas
By Sarah Warwick •
-
Best gas grills 2021: from Weber, Char-Broil, Napoleon and more
Buying Guide Our roundup of the best gas grills for outdoor chefs this summer, with travel and premium grills, and options for under $500
By Millie Fender •
-
Gardening expert reveals tip for growing herbs and it costs nothing
Will you be giving this gardening trick a go for spring?
By Millie Hurst •
-
Here's why you need a rain garden this winter
Gardens Rain gardens look great and are exactly what you need this wet winter. Here's why...
By Anna Cottrell •
-
How to make a garden feel modern: 11 on-trend tips to refresh your plot's planting, layout and style
How To If you're wondering how to make a garden feel modern, we've got all the tips you need to know – from outdoor fireplaces and minimalistic features to creative canopies
By Holly Crossley •
-
These are the biggest pruning mistakes you're making, according to a gardening expert
How To Are you pruning your plants correctly? Improve your technique by avoiding these errors, says a gardening expert
By Anna Cottrell •
-
How much does decking cost? What to budget for when elevating your seating area
Landscaping How much does decking cost? If you're ready to take your garden up a notch, you'll definitely want to know. Read on to find out
By Holly Crossley •
-
The most poisonous plants for dogs: the flowers and shrubs to watch out for in your garden
Plants Are you wondering what the most poisonous plants for dogs are? We've got the info you need to help keep your four-legged friend safe
By Holly Crossley •