Every gardener needs a good “potting place.” Having a functional space to do the dirty work of gardening, such as starting baby seedlings, potting new plants and storing the many tools and materials needed for the craft is essential.
Potting places are as unique as the gardeners who work in them. Many only desire a simple spot they can spread out and get dirty. Others want a full “room” where they can relax and literally enjoy fruits of their labor. There are a few basic must-have elements for a productive and efficient gardening workspace, but after that, the sky is the limit!
Must-Haves:
- Large, flat workspace – standing or chair-height surface that can be easily wiped clean
- Varied storage – pegboard, hooks, shelves, bins, baskets
- Good lighting – functional task lighting and grow lights, if no natural sunlight streams in
- Adequate ventilation – windows are ideal, providing light and airflow, or exhaust fans
- Shade or shelter – a fully enclosed shed is best, but any covered space will do
- Water – running water is a bonus, but even watering cans will do in a pinch
While this all might sound expensive, it doesn’t have to be! Potting places can range from a simple repurposed dining room table to a fully enclosed shed with running water and electricity. There really is a potting place for every price point—and Quality Built Exteriors is here to make your potting paradise a reality. Check out these fun ideas to get your creativity growing.
Simple Space
For beginning gardeners or those just looking for a simple place to pot plants and store a few basic supplies, start small. Try repurposing an old piece of furniture. A refurbished hutch or buffet is perfect because it has the two essential elements: a flat workspace and storage shelves. If you’re handy with tools, you can combine an old table and bookcase to create a basic potting place. The new structure can be placed on the ground up against your home, on your deck, on any existing concrete pad or flat surface. I see old hutches on Facebook Marketplace all the time, and also at thrift stores, so you can snag one for under $50.
Salvaged Setup
Potting places can be eclectic and elaborate, mixing elements of form and function—a potting patchwork, if you will! You can coordinate them with your own decorating aesthetic to enhance your back yard. Try searching flea markets, antique shows, Habitat for Humanity Restores and farmers markets for salvaged materials to take your potting place to the next level. Old watering cans, antique sinks and refurbished metal roofs are all great ideas to add a bit of fun and whimsy to your gardening spot.
Larger with Leftovers
For those looking for a bigger workspace or a bit more flair, upgrade to a piece with more storage and a larger tabletop to spread out. Or, better yet, build a custom piece with leftover lumber, shutters, metal roof panels, windows or other materials you have already lying around.
Covered Corner
On those hot, humid summer days, most gardeners appreciate a shady spot to cool off while working on their projects. If you already have a covered porch or patio, take advantage of any unused space for your potting spot. You can even place your potting bench inside of your garage to escape the heat.
Areas with concrete floors or pavers offer more stability for your workspace and are easy to hose off blow clean. Got a deck or patio, but no roof over it? Quality Built Exteriors can help with that! Porch covers are one of their specialties.
Happy Hideaway
If you’re in the market for a potting space that doubles as room where you can get away from it all, consider dedicating an entire structure to your craft. Sheds are the perfect way to create a space reserved just for you and your plants.
If you already have a shed, have fun customizing it to fit your personality. First, add a work surface and plenty of shelves, bins and pegboards for storage. Then go overboard with personal touches to make it feel more like home. Adding a comfy chair, fun lighting and a few pieces of art will create a dreamy haven you won’t want to leave.
No shed? Quality Built Exteriors can design and build a shed to meet all of your gardening needs.
Elaborate Escape
If gardening is more than just a hobby for you, then it might be time to take your plant passion to the next level. Why not pull out all the stops and create your dream garden oasis, complete with your perfect potting shed, relaxation spots, pavers and everything in between?
How best to bring it all together? Installing a lovely aluminum or vinyl fence around the entire perimeter is a beautiful way to bring together your planting areas and potting spaces, creating a more cohesive appearance. Fences are useful as well as decorative—providing climbing space for vines and other plants needing a support structure. They also can help keep deer, rabbits and other garden pests away.
Now is the perfect time to get your ideal planting place in order, before summer is upon us. Whether you need a new workbench and a few shelves added to your existing space, or you’d like a brand new gardening shed installed, the experienced team at Quality Built Exteriors is ready to help. Call them today for a free estimate.