Upcycle An Old Shovel Handle Into A Smarter Way To Move Planters With A Clever DIY

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Moving your potted plants from one spot to another is something every gardener needs to do at one point or another in the growing season. If winter is just around the corner, you need to move your outdoor plants indoors for the winter. Fast forward a few months and you'll be busy moving houseplants outdoors in the summertime. On a more regular basis, you may need to shift potted plants to clean your front porch, patio, deck, or balcony. If you have a thriving container garden or are constantly bringing new seedlings home from the garden center, what's the best way to move those pots without breaking stems, your back, or the bank? With this clever DIY, you can convert the handle of a shovel into a rustic pot plant transporter.

The process of making this plant carrier is pretty straightforward because you'll just attach the shovel handle to the center of the tray base. That's it! Afterward, you can customize it in various ways to increase both functionality and aesthetics. Begin by gathering your supplies and tools. First, you'll need a shovel handle, which you can cut from an old shovel or buy new. Go for something sturdy, like this Lbtodh D-Shaped Black Plastic Shovel Handle, and pair it with a wooden pole of a similar diameter, like this Luxshiny Wooden Replacement Shovel Handle. You'll also need a flat, sturdy, tray-like base — a metal trash can lid, a cake pan, a vintage metal tractor seat, or even a wooden board could all do the trick. The base could be any shape, but round is the most stable, balanced option. You can get a four-pack of Patikil 22-Inch Black Plastic Plant Saucers for about $41. Tools-wise, you'll need a drill, a drill bit set, and some weatherproof screws and washers.

Ready to give this creative way to repurpose an old shovel in your garden a go? Measure your base to find the exact center and mark the spot. Drill a pilot hole through the base, right at this spot, and another one through the wood of the shovel handle. Position the handle in the center of the base, aligning the holes, and flip the pair upside down so you can easily access the underside of the base. Fasten the handle in place by drilling a large screw with matching washer through aligned holes. Flip the whole thing right side up, and you have a tray to carry your potted plants around your garden using the ergonomic shovel handle. Note that metal bases will require at least a high-speed steel drill bit, and feel free to add one or two more screw holes for extra stability.

Don't fancy the rustic vibe of this DIY planter carrier? Apply a lick of paint for a fresh new look. If you're going to use this planter transporter in outdoor (or even indoor) living spaces, attach Felt Furniture Pads to the underside of the base to avoid accidentally scratching your paving, decking, or flooring. Or you can boost the functionality of this carry-all — and save your back — by adding Cloetfet Caster Wheels to the base so you can roll your pots from place to place. They even have locking brakes for extra safety. Beyond its role as a carrier, this handcrafted potted plant transporter can double as farmhouse-style decor on a patio or porch. Use it to permanently display a collection of succulents or flowering annuals.