7 Brilliant Ways To Repurpose A Shoe Caddy In The Garden

We may receive a commission on purchases made from links.

Got an old shoe caddy that you're thinking about getting rid of? Don't toss it just yet — you might want to try using it for your garden instead. There are many ways to repurpose a shoe caddy to help you solve gardening problems you didn't even know you had. Sustainable, eco-friendly storage is easy with this practical storage solution, as it retains its durability season after season, even when used outside.

From growing plants in a hanging shoe caddy (yes, it really works!) to reorganizing all of your favorite garden tools, there are endless ways to repurpose an old model you're no longer using. In case you didn't know, we've already covered all the amazing ways you can use an old shoe rack around your home. And now we're rounding up seven of the best ways you can repurpose your shoe caddy for your garden, whether you're growing plants or harvesting them.

If you're searching for a way to organize your gardening essentials for easy access, look no further than your old shoe caddy. An over-the-door model can be stored on your patio door or hooked over a garden fence to help you keep track of all those must-have tools. A trowel, handheld rake, and gardening gloves can be stored inside the caddy pockets for easy access. You can also stow away packets of seeds and other small essentials, like a water bottle, bug spray, or sunscreen.

Struggling to find space for the seedlings you've started? Many gardeners start dozens of seeds at a time, and they need to be easy to keep track of. To make your seed organization simpler, plant them inside a shoe caddy. If you've got a fabric design, simply fill each pocket with soil and start your seedlings right inside of the shoe caddy itself. You can even use it as a planter for small herbs and indoor species, too.

An old shoe rack is a great way to keep all your favorite indoor or outdoor plants on display. When used indoors, it provides you with plenty of storage for your small potted plants or any seedlings you've sowed. You can even attach grow lights to the underside of each shelf to help your greens get a little extra illumination. When used outdoors, you'll have a secure, multi-layered garden display of your potted plant arrangements — perfect for using on a deck, patio, or even your porch.

If you're looking for a unique way to reuse a shoe caddy, take a pair of scissors, cut out each pocket, and fashion them onto an apron or tool belt. A gardening apron usually comes with a few pockets for easily transporting garden tools, but what if you want more? Shoe caddy pockets are easy to cut, can get dirty, and are strong enough to store tools like pruning scissors without ripping. They're also often much deeper than other kinds of repurposed pockets.

Individual pots can be expensive, and using an old fabric shoe caddy is a great way to get around the cost. For this hack, you'll want to utilize a design that has sturdy wiring inside. Lay it down in your garden, fill each box up with soil, and you're ready to go. A single caddy can hold several plants at a time, and you can cover them with netting to prevent pests from getting inside. You can also customize this idea by adding the planters to a garden bed for a more uniform look.

You can attract more birds to your yard by making a mesh shoe caddy feeder. All you need to do is hang a pocket on your fence, fill it with birdseed, and wait for your feathered friends to show up. To protect this DIY bird feeder from being eaten by other animals, string it up with sturdy twine or rope and hang it in a covered area. Mesh shoe caddies work best as they mimic a sock bird feeder.

Turn the walls of your garden beds into usable space by cutting your old shoe caddies to the same height and lining them over the sides. Next, fill the pockets with dirt and plant a miniature herb garden, start seedlings, or grow microgreens. The caddies are perfect for growing plants that will be changed out frequently. You can even use them to contain spreading plants like mint and store extra tools for easy access.