Whether it is for an upcoming wedding, or you just want to add more light to your outdoor space, adding outdoor string lights is the perfect way to add light and ambiance. These DIY string light planter poles are easy to make and you can move them wherever you want them! Outdoor lights are a perfect inexpensive addition you can make to your outdoor space.
I was making these for my son's wedding and so we chose barrel planters from Home Depot to fit the vibe of the other decor. But you can choose any type of planter pots you want. Just make sure it is large enough to handle the weight of the poles plus the concrete base. It also needs to be deep enough to hold both concrete and soil. You want to make sure these string light planter poles can hold up under high winds.
Since we would be planting flowers in these as well, I wanted to add drainage holes. I drilled three large holes in the bottom of the pot.
Then I placed PVC pipe into the holes so they wouldn't get plugged up with concrete.
I placed the 4x4 light posts in the center. You can use a metal pole as well such as conduit. It is helpful to have another person there to hold the wood posts in place.
Add your quick set concrete mix a little at a time. Add water and mix. The repeat until the planter pot is about halfway full. It will depend on the size and depth of your pot. You want there to be at least 10 inches left in the pot for the soil and plants. We ended up using a bag and a half per large barrel planter.
When the concrete is mostly set up, wiggle the PVC pipe free and allow it to fully cure.
Plant the flowers of your choice in the planter. I have a post full of my favorite annual flowers that are easy to grow! I recommend planting them after you place them where you want to put them. You can hold onto the pole and kind or roll them in place. But even after planting you can move them by using a dolly or a couple of strong people.
Your new plants will love the added drainage holes and will be happy all season in your backyard space!
We added screw hooks to the top of the wooden posts to be able to hang the string lights. If you use metal poles you can also make grooves in the top of the pole for the string lights to sit in or use zip ties to secure the lights to the string light poles. Whether you use wooden poles or metal, just make sure to secure the string of lights well.
If the area you want to add more lighting to doesn't have access to an electrical outlet, you can use solar string lights. Or you can run an outdoor use extension cord if its not too far from an outlet.
Now you are ready to enjoy your new outdoor lighting! Gather friends around the patio or fire pit for fun night in your new outdoor space. These string light planter poles will be your favorite summer DIY project. You'll find you end up spending so much time
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