There Are 5 Steps to Creating a Pinterest-Worthy Potting Shed – and I’m Shopping These Beautiful, Timeless Staples to Make it Happen
Take your potting shed from functional work space to styled sanctuary
One of my main goals for the garden this year is getting my potting shed in order. I'm not talking about just making it functional (though having all your tools organized is essential), but I want to make a truly beautiful space that I look forward to spending time in – my own personal retreat where I can dedicate all my attention to the garden.
So, I've spent hours scrolling through Pinterest looking for beautiful potting sheds and finally have an image in mind of what I want: seed storage that has rustic charm, clever wall attachments that turn my tools into artwork, and soft furnishings to make my potting shed an extension of the home.
How to Create Your Dream Potting Shed
When it comes to creating your dream potting shed, there are a few things to think about.
We're spoiled for choice when it comes to inspiration, just take a look at this potting shed sanctuary in Ontario and this gorgeous flower house potting shed, for example.
With an idea of what you would like your potting shed to look like, you also need to consider what will work for the space you have.
You might already have a shed structure or may want to get one installed. Some gardeners even opt for using a glasshouse to make the most of the growing space it offers.
For those with smaller gardens, you may wish to create an outdoor potting station. You can actually purchase garden work benches, like this on Amazon, that can simply be set up next to a garden wall to create a growing station.
You should also think about where it's positioned in the yard for both convenience and to create a quiet sanctuary.
With these things established, you can follow the below five steps to create your dream potting shed.
1. Set Up a Work Station
The most fundamental element of a potting shed is a work surface, offering a dedicated space for sowing seeds, repotting plants, and more.
But, this isn't the only foundation you need to create your dream potting shed. You'll also need shelves and cabinets to hold tools, pots, seeds, and bulbs.
Starting with an empty space, add these key pieces of furniture in, thinking about how much room you'll need to work, the kind of things you'll want on display, and the kind of vessel they'll need – even something like these simple oak wall shelves from IKEA can provide invaluable storage space in a potting shed.
This potting bench can be used outdoors or inside a potting shed. It has a removable sink to contain dirt and water when tending to plants, as well as shelf storage and hooks. It measures 16.9x39.8x47.2 inches and is made from rot-resistant HDPE.
Use this wooden garden cabinet to store away tools and pots. It doubles as table surface, measuring 23.6x43.3x34.8 inches, and is made from fir wood. The natural wood finish gives it a timeless feel for potting sheds.
This potting cart is on wheels, ideal for moving lots of materials around. It has two shelves which can be used for both storage and work surfaces. The shelves can also be removed to be used as trays.
2. Put Your Tools on Display
With the bones of your potting shed in place, you can now add some details.
Of course, one of the most important things to be housed in this space are your essential gardening tools. But, they don't just have to be hidden away in a drawer, you can display them like artwork.
Using vertical space is a great space-saving to do this, and it looks great. For example, you can use wall hooks and purpose-built tool hangers (like this from Amazon) to hang tools up.
This also keeps them organized and easy to see, while keeping them in pristine condition off the floor.
Top tip: place them near the door so you can quickly access them without trudging excess dirt in.
This cast iron wall hook this ideal for hanging a number of garden tools. It has charming gardening motifs and a wood grain details. With 4 prongs, you can display your everyday garden tools somewhere convenient.
This wall hand tool organizer has a shelf to place items on top and hooks for hand tools. It can hold up to 40lbs and is made of solid steel wire. It comes with mounting hardware to install easily.
This tool cart offers an alternative storage solution to wall hooks. It has a grid design to neatly store different long-handled garden tools, as well as hooks for smaller tools. It's portable and measures 22.5x15.5x33 inches.
3. Think About Seed Storage
I can't emphasize enough how important proper seed storage is. Dry, cool containers are vital for keeping seeds viable so you don't end up disappointed when you sow seeds and none of them germinate.
The same goes for bulbs. Keeping them stored correctly will keep them in fit condition and stop pests, like rodents, getting to them.
But, seed and bulb storage doesn't have to be boring. There are so many aesthetic options in a wide range of different styles, from DIY seed packets for collected seeds, to beautiful tins, and rustic crates. Styled on shelves, they instantly elevate a potting shed into a curated space.
Whatever storage solutions you decide on, make sure to avoid seed storage mistakes, like using a container that allows moisture in.
This charming seed storage tin keeps plant seeds dry and cool, with 3 internal compartments. It comes with bamboo seed labels to use when planting and garden twine.
These KNAGGLIG pine crates are perfect for bulbs storage. The slates provide airflow, while the overall wooden finish brings timeless charm to a potting shed. It measures roughly 9x12x6 inches.
These seed packets are perfect for anyone who harvests seeds to store and replant next year. You get 120 envelopes, each with a clear window to view the seeds and a space to note down details on the front.
4. Don't Forget About Decorative Accents
With the essentials taken care of, this is the step that truly enhances your potting shed and transforms it from a purely functional space into one that is personal and reflects the type of gardener you are.
You can adorn shelves with beautiful trinkets, hang up signs and photos, fill empty spots with your favorite gardening books, and even display houseplants for some greenery (so long as your potting shed is light and warmth enough).
I personally love how this Door County potting shed is styled, where antiques and artwork transform the space into a treasure trove of stories.
No potting shed is complete without pots, either, and they look especially impressive when stacked together on shelves, or you can dot an eclectic mix of planters you've collected over the years around the shed to add warmth and color.
If you're looking for simple, uniform pots to display, this set of 6 terracotta pots from Amazon is a good place to start.
Turn these decorative plates into pieces of art by mounting them on the wall of your potting shed or displaying on a shelf (with the help of these plate display stands from Amazon). You get 6 plates with gorgeous botanical illustrations.
Beautiful and practical, this bird seed storage tin keeps bird seed dry and doubles as a decorative piece for a shelf. It comes with a scoop so you can easily top up your bird feeder.
This copper watering can has an eye-catching silhouette. It serves a dual purpose: a statement piece on display and a useful tool to water young plants and seedlings, thanks to its narrow spout.
5. Add Soft Furnishings
To take your potting shed a step further, you can add soft furnishings to turn it into more than a garden work space.
If you have sufficient room, consider adding seats, cushions, curtains, and even a rug (outdoor rugs that can be washed easily are best, especially if you're expecting muddy boots to walk over it often).
It will instantly make it feel like a garden room that can be enjoyed in so many ways, from hosting, to sitting down to do some planning in your garden journal, or using it as a peaceful reading nook.
These sheer curtains have a subtle gingham pattern. They allow plenty of light through, making them ideal for this garden space, simply adding a soft touch and turning the potting shed into a warmer room.
This stunning patterned rug is suitable for indoor and outdoor use, ideal for high-traffic areas. It has neutral and earthy tones, and can be cleaned by hosing down and air-drying. It's 100% polypropylene, made to be durable and long-lasting.
This gorgeous throw pillow has a floral pattern that fits perfectly into potting shed seating areas, especially those housed in a cottage style garden. It's 100% cotton with a a polyester fill and is machine washable.
FAQs
Can You Start Seeds in a Potting Shed?
A potting shed is often an ideal spot to start seeds, offering protection from cold temperatures. But, it all depends on the structure you're using as a potting shed. A shed without any windows won't be suitable for starting seeds. Likewise, one that isn't airtight might not be warm enough to encourage germination.
Our guide on seed sowing mistakes has more information on the growing environment requirements for seeds, which will help inform if your potting shed is a suitable location.
Now your tools are all organized in a beautiful space, don't forget to give them some attention between use. This includes cleaning gardening tools to prevent the spread of pests and diseases, and sharpening pruning shears as they become blunt.
