About Garden Sheds
Garden sheds are small buildings usually built apart from a house that are used to store all the necessities for growing a garden. From keeping soil to seeds, tools to gasoline, rakes to weed eaters, depending on its size, a garden shed can have a variety of uses. Some sheds are exclusively built for storage. Other sheds are little retreats that the garden-lover in the family has made into a cozy space for the cultivation and enjoyment of nature.
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History
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The word "shed" comes from the Old English word "shadde" or "sceadu" meaning shade, shadow or darkness. It was first recorded in 1481. The current Oxford English Dictionary refers to a shed as "a slight structure built for shelter or storage, or for use as a workshop, either a separate building or attached to a permanent building as a lean-to; often with open front or sides."
Function
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A garden shed is used for storing large gardening tools and equipment like lawn mowers, shovels, rakes, wheelbarrows and weed eaters. A garden shed may also house soil, fertilizer, seeds, pots, watering cans, trash bags, gloves and hand spades. The shed may have a greenhouse aspect and be used for cultivating seedlings in pots. The second function of a garden shed is not unlike a tree house for kids--a shed that is comfortable and big enough can become a separate space for the happy gardener to be away from the house, forgetting all troubles and indulging in the gratifying hobby of gardening.
Types
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Small storage sheds made of galvanized metal or plastic are the cheapest sheds to put up and are fairly durable. Wooden sheds are usually larger and may be constructed to match the look of the house, painted with the same trim, and may have porches, furniture and windows. Vinyl-sided sheds are also built to look like little houses, and are the most durable of the sheds, but also more expensive.
Size
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The smallest shed is a corner shed, which measures 3 feet tall by 3 feet wide by 2 feet deep. Vertical sheds may be 5 feet tall by 3 feet wide by 4 feet deep, and horizontal sheds measure 3 feet tall by 5 feet wide by 4 feet deep. A larger, wooden shed can be made to order any size or shape, from 10 square feet to 500 square feet, and can be roomy enough to stand up and move around in comfortably.
Features
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A garden shed may have a potter's bench, where the gardener can sit at a counter and plant seedlings in pots. The walls of a garden shed has hooks to hang tools, saving counter space. A deluxe garden shed has running water and electricity, skylights and windows for ventilation, and plenty of storage areas. On the outside, a shed may have a porch, a ramp, benches or a greenhouse attached.
Benefits
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The main practical benefit of having a garden shed is having a central location for all things relating to the garden, away from the clutter of a garage or regular storage shed. This makes it easier when it comes time to do chores around the yard and garden, and to retrieve, use and then store the various tools for lawn maintenance. A garden shed can also be a decorative outbuilding on the property, providing space for the serious gardening hobbyist.
Considerations
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When constructing a garden shed, keep in mind the weather of the area in which the shed will be standing. Heavy snow will dent a light metal framed shed. Wooden sheds will rot, warp and mildew over time and must be protected. Plastic sheds are lightweight, durable and require little upkeep, but they aren't as attractive to the eye or made of a natural material.
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