This planter stand is one of those wonderfully scrappy projects that feels almost too simple to work, and then it turns out surprisingly polished. By flipping a basic metal tomato cage upside down and crocheting thick jute twine through the wires, you get a lightweight outdoor stand with lots of texture, a handmade look, and just enough structure to hold a summer planter beautifully on a porch, balcony, or patio.
I love projects like this because they borrow from two worlds I know well: practical garden-store problem solving and the rhythm of handwork. If you can manage a basic crochet stitch and don’t mind working with a slightly rustic material, this is very doable. It’s especially good for anyone who wants an inexpensive seasonal plant stand without hauling out lumber, saws, or power tools.
Materials
Instructions
1. Put on gloves and flip the tomato cage upside down so the wide ring becomes the top of the stand and the three wire legs point downward.
2. Use the wire cutters to remove the small pointed ends or any extra wire hooks that stick up awkwardly, then bend rough spots smooth with pliers so the frame is safe to handle.
3. Set the planter on the top ring to check the fit; the pot should sit securely inside or just above the ring without wobbling too much.
4. Tie the jute twine firmly to one vertical wire just under the top ring, leaving a 4-inch tail, and begin with a round of single crochet or tight wrap stitches worked around the top ring and over the wire.
5. Continue crocheting around the top ring until it is fully covered in jute, pulling each stitch snug so the metal disappears beneath the twine.
6. Work downward from the top ring, crocheting between the vertical wires with chain stitches or single crochet mesh, then anchoring each section around the next wire to create the first band of open woven sides.
7. Repeat the same pattern from wire to wire all the way around, keeping the spacing even so the stand looks balanced and the sides stay taut instead of sagging.
8. When you reach the next horizontal support ring, crochet tightly around it to lock the mesh in place and strengthen the middle of the stand.
9. Continue crocheting downward toward the narrow end, reducing the number of chain spaces slightly if needed so the jute follows the taper of the cage cleanly.
10. At the bottom ring or lowest support point, wrap and crochet densely around the metal again to create a finished band that reinforces the stand near the legs.
11. Knot the twine securely on the inside, weave in the end through several stitches, and trim any excess jute close to the work.
12. Check that all three legs sit evenly on the ground; if one is off, adjust it gently with pliers and add end caps if you want to protect decking or patio tile.
13. If you want extra weather resistance, lightly spray the jute with a clear exterior sealer and let it dry completely before adding the planter.
14. Place your potted summer plant into the top of the stand and make any final adjustments so the pot sits centered and stable.
Variations & Tips
Tighter weave: If you want the stand to look more basket-like, use shorter chain spaces or more single crochet rows between the rings. It takes more twine, but the finished piece looks fuller and hides the frame more completely.
Pot size check: I always test the actual planter before I get too far into the crochet. Tomato cages vary more than you’d think, and a stand that looks perfect empty can be annoying if the pot slips too low once planted.
Weather note: Jute has a beautiful natural look, but it will age outdoors. For a whole summer season, that rustic wear can be part of the charm; for longer life, keep the stand in a covered area or swap to synthetic outdoor rope with a similar thickness.
Color option: You can brush the finished jute lightly with diluted exterior paint or stain for a whitewashed, driftwood, or darker natural look. I’d test a scrap first, because thick jute can absorb color unevenly in a way that’s either lovely or frustrating.
Floor protection: Add rubber caps or a wrap of outdoor tape at the leg ends if the stand will sit on wood decking or stone. It’s a small detail, but it keeps the metal from scraping surfaces when you move the planter to water or sweep.
Best plants to use: This stand is ideal for medium-weight pots with trailing summer flowers, herbs, or compact foliage plants. I’d avoid very heavy ceramic containers unless the tomato cage is especially sturdy and the leg spacing is rock solid.