As a gardening-obsessed mom, I’ve always dreamed of having a lush outdoor oasis. But with a tiny patio, that dream seemed out of reach—until I discovered the magic of vertical gardening!
Today, I’m thrilled to share my latest DIY project: a space-saving 3-tiered planter that’s a game-changer for small spaces.
Materials and Tools
Wood Components
To build this planter, you’ll need:
- 1×4 boards for planter boxes
- 1×3 boards for back legs
- 1×2 boards for supports
Hardware and Accessories
Don’t forget to grab:
- Wood glue
- 1 1/2 inch screws
- 1 5/8 inch trim head screws
- Store-bought planter liners
Tools
You’ll be using:
- Miter saw
- Drill with pocket hole jig
- Speed square
- Small level
Building the Planter Boxes
Constructing Box Walls
I started by cutting 1×4 pieces for the front, back, and end walls of each planter box. Each wall is made from two stacked 1×4 boards. To join these boards, I drilled pocket holes along one edge of each board pairing. Then, I assembled the walls with wood glue and 1 1/2 inch screws. Remember to face the pocket holes downward to avoid water collection – a lesson I learned the hard way on a previous project!
Creating and Attaching the Base
Next, I cut 1×4 pieces for the base of each planter. I drilled two pocket holes at each end and along one edge of the base boards. Using glue and 1 1/2 inch screws, I attached the baseboards to the front and back walls. Then, I set the end walls between the front and back walls and secured them with 1 5/8 inch trim head screws.
Constructing the Legs and Supports
Cutting the Legs
Using my miter saw, I cut two 1×3 back legs. For the front legs, I set the saw to 22.5 degrees and cut two pieces with parallel mitered ends. I used cedar for my planter, so I made sure the rough sides faced inward for a cleaner look.
Creating and Attaching Supports
I cut 1×2 supports with a 22.5-degree miter on the front end and a square cut on the back end. After marking the support height on the back legs, I positioned each support perpendicular to the back leg and screwed it in place. Then, I aligned the front leg flush with the support ends and top edge of the back leg, securing it with two screws through each support.
Assembling the Tiered Structure
Positioning and Leveling
Standing the leg assemblies upright, I used a small level to ensure the supports were level and the back legs were plumb. This step is crucial for the stability of your planter, so take your time here.
Attaching Planter Boxes
With the legs in place, I screwed the planter boxes to the legs using 1 5/8 inch screws. Seeing the structure come together was so exciting!
Installing Cross Piece
To add extra stability, I placed a 1×3 cross piece between the back legs on the bottom supports. I secured it with 1 1/2 inch screws through pocket holes in the cross piece.
Finishing and Planting
Final Steps
The last steps were my favorite part. I installed the window box liners, filled them with nutrient-rich soil, and finally added my plants. Watching my herbs and flowers cascade down the tiered planter was incredibly satisfying.
Wrapping Up
This DIY 3-tiered planter has truly transformed my small patio into a lush green space.
It’s not just functional; it’s become a beautiful focal point that brings me joy every time I look out my kitchen window.
If you’re a plant lover like me but struggle with space, I highly recommend giving this project a try.