A DIY Planter That'll Make Use Of Your Old Shower Caddy

When it comes to a patio, backyard, or porch, there's only so much space available for potted plants. One way to get around the limited square footage is to set your sights higher and go vertical. A vertical garden makes use of any wall, railing, or structure to add even more plants to that outdoor living area. One surprisingly effective option? An old shower caddy. These bathroom staples make excellent small to medium-sized planters thanks to built-in tiers and a sturdy top hook, perfect for creating a stunning DIY plant wall for your backyard.

The nice thing about any vertical garden is that it doesn't require some expensive prefab structure on which to hang or support your plants. It's all rather open-ended as far as what can be used for both the planters and the means to secure them to a vertical surface. Hang your shower caddy planter from a fence, deck railing, chain-link panel, or along one of the horizontal beams of a picket fence. You can even decorate a DIY trellis made from old bed springs. With a bit of imagination, a shower caddy becomes a simple, affordable way to elevate your garden — literally.

To transform a shower caddy into a planter, start by lining each basket with coconut coir or sheet moss. If you go with moss, lightly moisten it, squeezing out any excess water. Then press bits of it into the wire frame to create a soft base. Layer the moss to cover any gaps, since it remains visible once the plants are in place. Next, press an oversized piece of burlap into each basket and trim away the excess, so it's hidden inside the moss liner. The burlap contains the soil better than moss alone, especially when you water. Alternatively, you can fill the hanger baskets with individual potted plants.

Once you're ready to add greenery, add plants based on where the caddy will hang and the general aesthetic you're going for. Petunias, many herbs, and nasturtiums don't mind a combination of sun and shade, while a succulent-filled planter is best in full sun. Fuss-free, beginner friendly plants like mint and rosemary can be both fun and functional, as they smell nice, are great herbs for the kitchen, and naturally repel pests from the garden. 

Test-fit each plant to determine the best layout. Once you're satisfied, remove individual plants from their containers, loosen their roots a bit by squeezing them, then gently tuck them into the caddy basket. Add extra potting soil between plants, then water your plants and hang them up. The beauty of these caddies is they're easy to remove and move as needed, whether to replace plants or to hang multiple planters if you have the room.