A DIY tiered planter is a great way to spruce up your outdoor space for very little money. Terracotta pots are super inexpensive and you can paint them in minutes to get the look that you want for your porch or patio. Grab a few different size terra cotta pots to make your own tiered planter easily. Plus I have a super-secret weapon to make that confetti pattern. This one would also make a great gift so be sure to make a few extras.

This was first published April 14, 2013, however, I am republishing with more information.

Make a DIY tiered planter in minutes with this technique! Also sharing how to easily add some paint to make this project extra special! #outdoors #gardening #planters #painting

Table of Contents

Supplies needed:

Terracotta pots and saucers (I recommend stacking them in the store to make sure they will work together.)
Dirt
Outdoor paint for clay (I am using Patio Paint for my version.)
Pencil, paper towel roll, or any other object to make a shape
Paintbrushes

Painting Clay Pots

You will need to start by painting your pots either a solid color or with a fun pattern. You can actually see all of my tips for painting terracotta here. I do have two techniques that you can use today to make painting a design on your pots easier than ever. The first uses a pencil eraser.

Just dip the eraser end in your paint and touch to the pot to make small dots that look like confetti. I made more dots towards the top of my pot and used fewer as I went down. You can make the dots however you would like.

The second technique uses a paper towel roll. Bend and shape the end into an oval and dip that into paint to make a design in minutes.

What else can you do to decorate your pots? Try a few of these links to see some other techniques.

Be sure to follow all directions on your bottle of Patio Paint and allow to cure completely before continuing with your project.

DIY Tiered Planter

Once your pots are painted and cured, you can stack them into a fun planter for your outdoor space. This technique for making your own tiered planter is super easy! Follow along below to see how this one comes together.

Total Time 30

How to Make a Tiered Planter

Stack your clay pots to make a tiered planter that will look great in your outdoor space.

Supplies

Terracotta pots and saucers I recommend stacking them in the store to make sure they will work together.
Dirt
Outdoor paint for clay I am using Patio Paint for my version.
Pencil paper towel roll, or any other object to make a shape
Paintbrushes

Instructions

Be sure your pots are painted and fully cured before starting to stack your planter. You will want to be sure to follow all directions on the packaging for the paint you are using.
Fill the bottom pot partially with dirt and pack down well. You want to be able to set the saucer for the next pot on the dirt and have it go almost to the edge of the pot.
Then add the second pot to the saucer.
Continue stacking with as many pots as you are using. Fill up the pots with dirt after your stack is complete. Then just add in your plants to complete the look.