Would you like to add storage and utility space to your yard while making it look better? If so, you should consider what garden potting sheds have to offer you and your landscaping. A cross between a storage shed and a gigantic planter, potting sheds are a garden and shed all in one.
The eaves of a potting shed should be designed to hold up relatively heavy hanging plants, which allows you to grow plants that are known for their trailing vines. On the ground these plants don’t get to show off the full extent of their beauty.
Shelves that are built in to potting sheds can help showcase other potted plants. Since these are often under eaves, it means you can grow shade tolerant varieties which need some protection from the hot sun or heavy rains.
Having the plants elevated off the ground can help guard against disease and pests which are harbored in the soil. This is an important thing in regards tot he long term health of your garden, as otherwise it’s a viscous cycle of the diseases transferring to the plant from the soil, and then being returned to the soil when the plant dies.
Easily Construct Your Own From Shed Kits
You might think that building a potting shed would take a lot of time and effort to plan and build. But the truth is that most potting sheds are simply assembled from kits these days. You can find a wide variety of kits online or at your local hardware stores and home centers.
With so many designs and styles to choose from, it’s pretty easy to find one that fits in well with your landscaping.
Which Wood is Right for Your Shed?
Garden Sheds and Potting Areas by Penelope O’Sullivan
Most garden sheds are still built from wood. This is because of how easy it is to build wooden structures, as well as the natural look and feel that wood brings as a material. You may find the odd aluminum or vinyl potting shed, but by and large it’s the natural timber look that’s going to be a major selling point.
That doesn’t mean all wood is created equal. It’s not. There is quite a lot of variation in looks such as grain and color. Cedar potting sheds are especially nice because the wood has a wonderful rich and dark color, while adding in a fragrance that makes this wood the first choice for closets and chests as well. The fragrance is not only good for the senses, but also as a pest repellant.
Other woods that are well suited for such an application would be teak or redwood. Both of these woods are naturally resistant to water damage and insect pests due to oils that occur in the wood. This means that your investment will stand the test of time rather than rotting away before your eyes.
Even with weather and pest resistant materials though, it’s advisable that you keep the exterior of the potting shed treated with sealant. Preferably one which has UV protection, as otherwise the beautiful color of your wood will fade to gray.
Adding a Greenhouse Into the Mix
Sometimes you already have enough storage for tools and other supplies. That doesn’t mean you can’t still benefit from the additional room that a potting shed brings to the table.
For one, you can utilize the space as a work area that is near to your garden. As such a garden shed can make for a wonderful place to get out of the hot sun or rain while you take care of some of your gardening tasks. Re-potting plants for instance goes a lot more smoothly when you have a table to work on and you aren’t exposed to the elements, especially on windy days.
You can take it further than that though with some modifications to your potting shed. Skylights that allow some sun into the shed can turn a dark interior into the perfect place to grow seedlings. You can easily modify the amount of light they receive with a shade cloth, and the roof and walls keep the damaging elements and pests from attacking your new plants before they get established.
This means that not only will a potting shed make your yard more beautiful by giving you a place to showcase your best plants, and adding a charming structure to draw the eye, but also can help all your plants in the garden get off to a healthier start.