Charlotte from @new.house.home recently shared a clever and budget-friendly way to organize seed trays — by repurposing an inexpensive shoe rack. It’s one of those simple yet brilliant ideas that makes you wonder, “Why didn’t I think of that?” Not only does it save space, but it also keeps seedlings neat, accessible, and easy to care for.
Turning a Shoe Rack into a Gardening Tool
In her video, Charlotte shows how a basic shoe rack — yes, the kind meant for sneakers and sandals — can be used to hold seed trays. By stacking the trays on its shelves, she creates a vertical setup that makes the most of limited space. This setup makes watering and monitoring seedlings much easier, and since the trays are lifted off the ground, they get better airflow and light.
Traditional greenhouse shelving can be pricey, and not everyone has the space for bulky plant stands. Shoe racks have the perfect structure for seed trays and at a fraction of the cost.
@new.house.home This is the best seed sowing hack – using a shoe rack as a shelf to put all your seed trays on. It’s the perfect depth & it’s super affordable too. I’ve been using this one from Argos for years after being inspired by @Sophie who is the queen of gardening on a budget. Cx #garden #gardening #gardentok #gardeningtips #seedsowing #gardenhacks ♬ Good Vibes (Instrumental) – Ellen Once Again
Why This Hack Works So Well
There are plenty of good reasons to give this trick a try:
- Saves Space – Instead of covering every available surface with trays, you can go vertical and keep your gardening area tidy.
- Budget-Friendly – Shoe racks are easy to find and cost far less than traditional plant stands.
- Keeps Things Organized – Having seedlings stacked neatly on shelves makes it easier to keep track of what you’ve planted.
- Better for Your Back – No more bending down to check on your seedlings—everything is within easy reach.
Give It a Try in Your Garden
This simple trick is a great reminder that gardening doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. Repurposing household items — whether it’s a shoe rack, an old dresser drawer, or a muffin tin for starting seeds — can lead to smart, sustainable solutions.
If you try this out, just make sure the rack is sturdy enough to hold the weight of your trays and soil. And for best results, place it somewhere with plenty of sunlight.
