How to Build a Potting Shed

Potting Sheds

Introduction:

A potting shed is an outbuilding designated specifically for gardening tasks as opposed to a backyard shed that is used for storage of equipment. Potting sheds are used for potting and re-potting plants, starting seedlings, maturing of seedlings before planting them outdoors, and garden tool storage and minor maintenance.

While different gardeners have different gardening Potting shed needs, there are a few must-have amenities that everybody should incorporate into their potting shed plan.

Rather than building a potting shed from scratch you could turn an existing structure such as an old building or old shed into a potting shed. If there is an old outbuilding on your property it probably could be adapted to your gardening needs. In most cases it's a fairly easy transformation.

If you start a potting shed from scratch there are several options. Any common backyard shed of the kit or pre-fabricated variety can easily be modified into a perfect garden shed. Or you can build a custom built potting shed to meet your needs.

Windows for natural light is one of the main reasons a potting or garden shed is different than a backyard storage shed. Keep in mind that a potting shed isn't just a storage area for tools. It is a sheltered place where you can pass hours at a time doing valuable garden work in preparation to planting a garden or potting plants. The shed should have several large windows that let in enough light to make it inviting and functional as a mini greenhouse. A roof with plexiglass panels will greatly increase sunlight to transform the potting shed into a mini green house.

If possible run electricity to your potting shed. This will extend the time that you can work in your shed during the early spring and late fall. Large fluorescent fixture hung over the potting bench is the best lighting.

Most small potting sheds are 6 X 8 or 8 x 10 feet. Anything larger will make your hobby into serious work and if it is smaller it will be too small to meet your needs. A small garden potting shed must include a potting bench either inside the shed or just outside the shed under a porch roof.

A potting shed also serves the dual purpose of the storage of garden tools and equipment and providing a working area for potting or repotting plants. For an additional flare add flower boxes on the outside of the windows and fill with colorful flowers.

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Instruction for Building a Potting Shed

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