Garden by an Outdoor Shower: Moisture Loving Plants plus Runoff
A garden by an outdoor shower sits in a spot that tends to stay damp. Iowa State lists native perennials for moist to wet soil, while Wisconsin Extension notes mulch holds soil moisture plus reduces soil erosion.
The short answer
A garden by an outdoor shower uses moisture loving plants plus thick mulch around a damp spot. Iowa State lists swamp milkweed, cardinal flower plus sedges for moist soil. Wisconsin Extension advises 3 inches of organic mulch in beds. Water the bed with a hose or can as plants need it.
Which plants suit shower runoff?
Plants that favor moist soil suit the bed. Iowa State lists natives for moist to wet soil, from full sun plants to turtlehead for part shade.
| Plant | Note | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Swamp milkweed | Moist to wet soil | Iowa State |
| Cardinal flower | Moist to wet soil | Iowa State |
| Joe Pye weed | Moist to wet soil | Iowa State |
| Sedges | Moist to wet soil | Iowa State |
| Turtlehead | Part sun to part shade | Iowa State |
Source: Iowa State University Extension.
Why mulch the bed?
Wisconsin Extension notes mulch holds soil moisture by slowing evaporation. Rain strikes the mulch rather than bare soil, which reduces soil erosion. Apply about 3 inches of organic mulch around the plants.
How do I water the bed?
Water the plants with a hose or watering can when the top of the soil starts to dry. The University of Maryland Extension notes rain gardens pair native plants with soil media plus mulch so water soaks in.
How to: step by step
- Check the slope plus drainage below the shower.
- Mark a bed beside the shower pad.
- Plant moisture loving plants around it.
- Spread 3 inches of organic mulch.
- Water the plants when the soil starts to dry.
- Watch for slugs in damp weather.
Troubleshooting
Wilting in sun: plant needs shade. Try turtlehead.
Slugs in the bed: damp mulch. Pull the mulch back.
Muddy path: water crossing it. Add gravel.
For more on outdoor growing see garden microclimates for cannabis, planning an outdoor cannabis garden layout plus the guide to overwatering and cannabis growth. Kind Seed Co also stocks cannabis seeds.
Sources
- Mulches for home gardens plus plantings, University of Wisconsin Madison Division of Extension
- Rain gardens, University of Maryland Extension
- Native perennials for moist to wet soils, Iowa State University Extension, Yard and Garden
FAQ
What mulch works by an outdoor shower?
Wisconsin Extension advises about 3 inches of organic mulch around plants in garden beds. Shredded bark, bark chips plus gravel decay slowly, so they do not need replacing each year. Mulch holds soil moisture plus cuts erosion in a damp bed.
What moist soil plants take partial shade?
Iowa State notes white plus pink turtlehead grow in moist to wet soils with part sun to part shade, spreading slowly by rhizomes. Cardinal flower grows in full sun to partial shade as long as the soil stays evenly moist. Both suit a shower bed shaded by a wall or fence.
Which plants suit a sunny shower bed?
Iowa State notes swamp milkweed needs full sun plus prefers soil that stays moist or wet. Southern blue flag grows 2 to 3 feet tall in moist to wet soil in full sun. Rose mallow handles heat plus humidity but not dry soil.
Do slugs like a damp mulched bed?
Wisconsin Extension notes organic mulches can bring more slug problems, mostly in damp weather. If the problem persists you may have to remove the mulch. Check under the mulch near the shower pad after wet spells.
Is a shower bed like a rain garden?
In part. The University of Maryland Extension notes a rain garden is a planted low spot with native plants, soil media plus mulch that lets rainwater soak in. A damp bed by a shower can use the same mix of natives plus mulch, watered by hose as the plants need.
