Budget Friendly Ways to Decorate Your Porch with Mums

I may have one of the smallest front porches for an old 1850s farmhouse. It’s so narrow, but I still love having one. It still works well enough for the kids to wait for the bus, and of course, I can still decorate for fall and not worry about everything getting ruined in the rain.

I’m not a huge fan of spending much money on flowers and things that will go in the trash or compost in a month. So I’ve come up with ideas to share on how to decorate your front porch for fall on a budget!

Decorating your porch for fall with mums is a beautiful way to welcome the season, but it doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Mums (chrysanthemums) are affordable, long-lasting, and come in a variety of vibrant colors, perfect for autumn.

With a few budget-friendly tips and creativity, you can transform your porch into a stunning display without overspending.

Shop Smart for Mums

Mums are often found at garden centers, grocery stores, and local farmer’s markets, but prices can vary widely. Here are a few ways to save when buying mums:

Buy Small, Grow Big

Smaller pots of mums are significantly cheaper than fully grown plants. You can grab a few small ones and let them grow over the season. Mums grow quickly and will fill out nicely with proper care. This also depends on what region of the country you live in.

Shop End-of-Season Sales

As the season progresses, many stores discount their mums to make room for winter stock. If you’re willing to shop later in the season, you can snag healthy plants at a fraction of the original price. I find that wholesale clubs like BJ’s and Costco have pretty good deals and regular prices on their mums if you don’t want to wait until the end of the season.

Of course, the cheapest way is to grow your own! I know it’s a little late now, but it’s always something to consider for next year.

Share or Swap with Neighbors

If neighbors or friends are also into gardening, consider swapping plants or cuttings. Mums are perennials in many areas, so you may be able to get free plants by dividing established mums from someone else’s garden.

Keep an eye on your local Cooperative Extension program. They tend to have fall plant sales that are much cheaper than retailers’ and are all local plants.

Repurpose Planters to Save Money

Instead of spending money on expensive planters, try using items you already have around the house or yard. Repurposing adds a creative touch to your decor while saving money.

Here are a few ideas:

1. Vintage Colander Planter:
   • Description: Colanders are perfect for plants because they already come with drainage holes. Their unique shape and metal texture add a rustic or industrial touch to your porch.
   • Preparation: Simply place a layer of landscape fabric or a coffee filter inside to hold the soil. Fill with potting soil and plant your mums or other seasonal blooms.
2. Teapot and Teacup Planters:
   • Description: Give old teapots and teacups a new life as whimsical planters. Their delicate designs make for charming displays, especially when grouped together.
   • Preparation: Drill small holes in the bottom for drainage, or if drilling is tricky, add a layer of small stones before the soil to prevent waterlogging. Arrange your plants and enjoy the quaint look.
3. Drawer Planters:
   • Description: Salvage old drawers from unused furniture to create vintage-inspired planters. Drawers provide ample space for larger arrangements or multiple small pots.
   • Preparation: Drill drainage holes in the bottom, line with plastic to protect from moisture, and fill with soil. Consider painting the drawer in a fall color for added flair.
4. Boot and Shoe Planters:
   • Description: Turn worn-out boots or shoes into quirky planters that add personality to your porch. Their unique shapes create eye-catching conversation pieces.
   • Preparation: Ensure there are holes for drainage, either by using existing ones or carefully creating new ones. Fill with lightweight potting mix, and plant small mums or hardy succulents.
5. Tin Can Planters:
   • Description: Upcycle tin cans for a simple and versatile planting option. They can be decorated with paint or fabric to suit your porch aesthetic.
   • Preparation: Remove labels and thoroughly clean the cans. Use a hammer and nail to punch drainage holes in the bottom. Add soil and plants, arranging in colorful groups for a striking effect.
6. Gutter Gardens:
   • Description: Leftover sections of gutter make for modern, linear planters that can be mounted on walls or fences.
   • Preparation: Seal the ends with caps and drill drainage holes along the bottom. Mount securely and fill with lightweight soil. Plant shallow-rooted plants like pansies or herbs for a compact garden look.
7. Old Tire Planters:
   • Description: Give old tires a new purpose by turning them into bold, circular planters. Their size makes them ideal for larger arrangements.
   • Preparation: Lay the tire flat, paint it in vibrant colors if desired, and line the bottom with a plastic sheet. Fill with soil and plant larger mums or a mix of flowers for a colorful display.

8. Old Baskets: Worn-out or thrifted baskets make charming planters for mums. Just line the inside with plastic or a trash bag to hold the soil.

9. Buckets and Pails: Old metal buckets, tin pails, or even plastic containers can make rustic, vintage-style planters. Drill a few holes in the bottom for drainage, and you’re good to go!

10. Crates and Wooden Boxes: Wooden crates can be repurposed into stylish planters for mums. Use them as is for a farmhouse look or paint them in fall colors for added charm.

11. Ceramic Bowls and Crocks: Check around your kitchen for old bowls or crocks that can be turned into planters. They’re perfect for creating unique arrangements on your porch.

Create Beautiful Displays on a Budget

Once you’ve got your mums and planters ready, it’s time to put everything together. Here are some budget-friendly styling tips:

Group Plants for Impact: Instead of scattering small pots around your porch, group them in clusters—pair mums with other seasonal plants like ornamental cabbage or kale for a more dynamic look. Adding pumpkins, gourds, or pinecones (which you can often find free or cheaply) can also enhance the fall feel.

Use Height to Your Advantage: Place some of your mums on steps, benches, or overturned crates to create height. Mixing plants at different levels adds depth and interest to your display.

Add DIY Accents: Incorporate simple DIY fall accents, like a handmade wreath or garland made from dried leaves, corn husks, or twigs, to enhance your porch decor without spending money. These natural elements pair beautifully with mums and give your porch a cozy, homey feel.

Caring for Mums on a Budget

Proper care is key to keeping mums looking fresh and full throughout the season. Fortunately, mums are relatively low-maintenance, and caring for them won’t require expensive products.

Water Wisely: Mums prefer to be kept moist but not waterlogged. Water them at the base rather than from above to avoid wetting the leaves and causing rot. A good rule of thumb is to water them when the top inch of soil feels dry.

Deadhead Regularly: Removing spent flowers encourages new blooms and keeps your mums looking fresh. This simple step extends their flowering time, giving you more value for your investment.

Protect from Frost: If you’re in an area where frost hits early, cover your mums with cloth or bring them indoors at night to prolong their life. Frost can cause the blooms to wither prematurely.

Decorating your porch with mums is a delightful way to embrace the fall season, but maintaining these vibrant blooms requires a bit of know-how, especially when facing seasonal challenges.

Here’s how you can keep your mums thriving through pests and extreme weather conditions, along with some creative visual aids to guide your decorating journey.

Dealing with Pests

Mums, like any garden plant, can fall victim to pests. Here are some common culprits and how to manage them:

• Aphids: These tiny insects can sap the life out of your mums. Combat them by spraying a mixture of water and a few drops of dish soap directly onto the affected areas. Repeat every few days until they’re gone.
• Slugs and Snails: These pests love munching on mum leaves. Sprinkle diatomaceous earth around the base of your plants or set out shallow beer dishes; the slugs are attracted to the beer and will drown.
• Spider Mites: If you notice yellow stippling on leaves, spider mites might be the cause. Rinse your mums with a strong jet of water to dislodge them, and consider using an insecticidal soap for severe infestations.

Tackling Extreme Weather

Seasonal weather fluctuations can be tough on mums.

Here’s how to protect them:

• Frost Protection: If an early frost threatens, cover your mums with a light cloth or bring them indoors overnight. This simple step can prevent blooms from wilting prematurely.
• Heatwaves: During unexpected warm spells, ensure your mums are well-watered. Mulching around the base can help retain moisture and keep roots cool.
• Windy Conditions: Strong winds can damage stems and blooms. Consider positioning your planters in a sheltered area or using stakes to provide additional support.

Decorating your porch with mums is an affordable way to celebrate the fall season, especially if you use these budget-friendly tips. You can create a welcoming, seasonal space without overspending by shopping smart, repurposing household items as planters, and giving your mums the care they need.

With just a little effort and creativity, your porch will be the envy of the neighborhood—all while staying within your budget!

Happy decorating!