Making a DIY tiered planter is fun and easy, and this quick project will take you about 20 minutes or less to complete.
In this post, I will show you how to make your own, with detailed step by step instructions. Trust me, you’re gonna love it.
I had a corner in my backyard that was empty and boring. I needed to find something that would add height to fill in the space, but I didn’t want to invest a lot of money in a tall planter.
So I came up with this super simple DIY tiered planter project using flower pots that were just collecting dust in my garage – and it turned out beautifully!
It’s perfect for your deck or patio, a front step or porch, or you could make several of them to put around your yard.
How To Make This DIY Tiered Planter
Before getting started, choose a location that is level. Then plan to assemble your planter right on that spot, rather than building it somewhere else and trying to move it. It will be heavy and difficult to move once you have it completed.
Supplies Needed
- 3-4 pots *
- Container gardening soil
- Level
- Plants
* Each flower pot should be smaller than the one below it, allowing enough room for the plants to grow. All of the containers must have drainage holes on the bottom.
Step By Step Instructions
Step 1: Position the base container – The pot that you use for the bottom, or base tier, needs to be completely level so that your planter won’t topple over. So place it on a flat surface, and use a level to ensure it’s not leaning to one side.
To make this easier, I put a flat stepping stone down first and leveled that, then I built my tiered planter on top of it. Once you’ve positioned the bottom pot, fill it with container potting soil.
Related Post: Choosing The Best Potting Soil Mix For Container Gardening
Step 2: Stack the next pot on top – Fill the next smallest pot with soil and then place it on top in the center of the one you just put down. Press the pot into the soil a bit to stabilize and level it.
I buried about a 1/4 of each container into the soil of the pot beneath it to give my tiered planter more stability. If you want it even more stable, you can bury it deeper. Once you’ve placed the second pot, check to be sure it’s level too.
Step 3: Repeat with the rest of the pots – Continue centering, leveling, filling, and stacking the smaller pots on top of each other until you have your multi tiered planter completed.
Related Post: How To Design Stunning Container Gardens
Step 4: Plant it – Now comes the fun part, planting your tiered pots. You can use flowers, herbs, or vegetables.
Just be sure to choose container plants that will thrive in the sun exposure of the area where you put your planter. Mine is in full shade, so I filled it with begonias, polka dot plants, and tradescantia.
Tips For Success
Each container you use could be the same style. Or you could mix and match ones with different textures, colors, or patterns to create visual interest, and something completely unique to you.
You don’t need to use 4 pots like I did, you could create a 3-tier planter instead, if you want. But I wouldn’t go much higher, or it might get too top heavy.
My DIY tiered planter is in a protected corner where it won’t be affected by wind or severe weather. If you plan to put yours in an open area, I recommend using ceramic or clay pots that are heavier, rather than ones made out of a lightweight material like plastic.
If you want to use plastic pots, you could put rocks in the bottom of each one to add more weight. This will help ensure your planter won’t tumble over in a strong wind.
Related Post: How To Paint Terracotta Pots Step-By-Step
This DIY tiered planter project is ridiculously easy, beautiful, and you can build it almost for free if you have a lot of plant pots sitting around like I do.
If you’d like to learn how to make the most of your space and get as much homegrown food as possible, then my Vertical Vegetables book is perfect! It will teach you all you need to know, has tons of gorgeous photos, and includes 23 DIY projects you can build for your own garden. Order your copy today!
Learn more about my Vertical Vegetables book here.
More DIY Projects You Might Like
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- How To Install A DIY Drip Irrigation System For Potted Plants
- How To Plant A Mum In A Pumpkin Step By Step
- How To Preserve A Carved Pumpkin & Tips To Make It Last Longer
Have you made a DIY tiered planter yet? Share your experience or tips in the comments section below.
Karen Woolner says
Would love to do one with herbs
Amy Andrychowicz says
Herbs would be perfect for this tiered planter!
Christina says
Great idea! I have so many extra pots and planters of various sizes laying around that making one or more of these should be fairly easy. Think it would work great on the patio for flowers and herbs. Excited to get it started!
Amy Andrychowicz says
Awesome, have fun!
Nancy says
I love this idea! I am anxious to put one together tomorrow. Have a great day!
Amy Andrychowicz says
Yeah! Glad you love the tiered planter! Have fun building your own. 🙂
Katherine Rose says
Wow! The tiered planter looks great all grown in!!
Amy Andrychowicz says
Yes, I’m very happy with how well my tiered planter has filled in! Thanks!
Roberta Kelly says
You might run a length of rebar or something like that down the middle of the whole thing and into the ground for extra stability…
Amy Andrychowicz says
Great idea Roberta, thanks for sharing!