If you like to garden, having a potting shed is nothing short of convenient. Putting all of your tools and supplies in one location, makes it easy to find what you need. If you are a "died in the wool" gardener you need a place to start your seedlings in the early spring. Potting shed windows with a sunny exposure is better than lining the windows in your home. And if you have the "deluxe" potting shed model it will include a cold frame outside of it where you can harden those seedlings before planting them to assure a stronger beginning for them.
Let's look at ways to design your potting shed to ensure making the most of it.
Insulation
If you live in a cooler to cold climate during which you would still be using your potting shed, consider insulating it. It will make all the difference when you are trying to get an early start with seedlings. And, of course, you will be a lot more comfortable in a warm environment while you are working.
If you are expecting freezing weather after you've plated your seedlings, it's a good idea to keep a portable heater handy in your potting shed.
Tools
Choose a part of one of the walls to create a holder for your long-handled tools, shovels, rakes, hoes, etc. A simple stand which is a box frame without enclosed sides is simple to make out of wood and very functional. It can be increased in size and sections added if you have a lot of tools. Now, screw the tool holder to studs on the potting shed wall. Place all of your tools handle side down. Now, you can easily grab the tool you need and it has an easy home when your done with it.
Choose another windowless part of a wall to create a holder for your smaller tools, hand clippers, trowels, weed extractors, etc. This can be made from a piece of pegboard and peg hooks. Again, attach the pegboard to wall studs for sturdiness. Place hooks in the pegs and hang up your small tools. Leave a larger area to store wound up hose. This also makes a great place to hang a hat and gloves.
Storage
You will need shelving or an old cupboard with different shelf heights. Make the bottom shelves taller for storing heavy materials such as bags of potting soil, fertilizers and clay pots, with the top shelves smaller. Use simple shoe boxes for storing seeds and flower bulbs. But remember to poke holes in the box for the bulbs and place them so air can circulate through. You can write on the outside (as to what seeds are inside) and replace them easilywith new ones when needed.
Another easy project are wooden boxes. Purchase them ready made or put them together yourself. They should be a size that will easily slide in and out of your shelves. Cut a handy oblong hole in the top center for easy pullout. Store your bags of soil, sand or just odds and ends that don't have a home. Paint the boxes in your favorite colors to add to the cheeriness and enjoyment of the shed.
Plastic storage containers can be put to use in the potting shed. With their snap on lids you can store items that are not used often and stow them atop your cupboard or shelving.
It's wonderful if your potting shed is large enough to store the lawn mower and wheelbarrow. Remember, you'll want a ramp at the door for easy access.
Combination Greenhouse - Work Table
A wide table or wood built work table placed under a window makes an excellent greenhouse and working area. As you plant your seedlings just push them up against the window to bask in the warm sunlight. If you've built your table wide enough you will still have plenty of room to work on other projects.
If additional room is needed for seedlings, you can purchase glass shelving that sits across the window and attaches with hardware at the sides. If you can manage a drawer in your work table, it will come in handy to hold a garden journal, paper, pencils, rulers, string and wire.
Cold Frame
An easy cold frame can be constructed out of an old window pain. If you have a building salvage yard near by (most larger towns and cities have these), you can find a suitable window pane. You will just need some solid stakes to prop the frame up on one side with the bottom of the pane set on the ground.
Choose the southern side of your potting shed for the cold frame area in order to receive the most sunlight. Cold frames are used to "harden off" seedlings (a step before planting outdoors in order to acclimate the new seedlings) as well as to start cold tolerant plants such as cabbage, lettuce or pansies earlier than they could tolerate the open outdoors. If a temporary windbreak is needed from the north, you can use hay bales.
Although, you will leave the new plants in their seed pots, the area will need good drainage. Level the area and then spread a layer of gravel before placing your window frame. Beware of pests that may help themselves to your tender seedlings. If your garden has such problems you may want to protect the area with a wire mesh.
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