How to Turn Any Outbuilding Into A Potting/Garden Shed

Are you a gardener without a proper shed? Every gardener needs a spot to keep tools, pots, soil and everything else we use while tending our gardens. And if we do it right, that little shed could end up being the perfect little get-away.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. 
   THIS OLD BUILDING ALREADY LOOKS THE PART

   Many of us have outbuilding' s on our property that were built for one thing or the other, but over the years may have gone to the dogs. If a building isn't really being used for a definite purpose, why not convert it into a potting/garden shed? If all you have to do is empty things that were being stored, your halfway there. Do think about a good cleaning and maybe even a paint job, remember this is going to be your own little get-away.

2. 
   MY LITTLE DREAM SHED

   This photo shows my own garden shed and I'm pretty sure you would never guess what it use to be. When we first bought this house, this was a dog kennel! It had a concrete floor and a metal roof with heavy wire enclosing it all. A torn blue tarp enclosed 2 sides to give some protection from the weather, it was a true mess. We tore off the wire and put new siding on it, and since we replaced our house windows, we saved 2 of the old ones for the shed. My husband built a bench under each window from wall to wall, which gives me lots of room for all my clay pots. The end wall has a row of very large nails from which I hang all my tools. I also have a chair to rest on and I have many baskets hung from the rafters to use in the garden. I love working in my shed when it rains, the sound on the metal roof reminds me of my youth on Key West.

3. 
   A PUMP HOUSE WOULD MAKE A GREAT SHED

   Anyone who gets their water from a well has a pump house on their property. Most of these pump houses are very well made and since many are in the front of the property, have been built to resemble the house. Now granted, there isn't lots of extra space in these pump houses, but you could add some shelves and store small items in here. A climbing vine, a birdbath and lots of flowers would make your pump house a real part of the landscape.

4. 
   A PERFECT PLACE TO READ

   If your a gardener without a potting/garden shed, now' s the time to put one up on your property. Building materials are at a all time low right now, so cost shouldn't be too terribly expensive. If you and a partner are DYI'ers, you could build something just to your liking and to fit all your gardening equipment. Plan on planting all around it, make it fit right into the landscape. Save room for an old comfortable chair, where you can sit, have a cup of tea and look at all the new seed catalogs.

Tips & Warnings

• Please don't limit yourself to a free standing shed, many potting sheds are built right up against the back of a garage wall or another wall that borders the garden area. These are usually called lean-to' s, as they literally "lean" up against an existing wall, leaving the builder to only construct 3 walls and the roof. Depending on your climate, you may not even have to enclose your shed, leaving it open and easily accessible.

Resources

• Give The Best Gardeners Gifts
• How To Design A Culinary Herb Garden
• How To Decorate Your Garden
• Create Safety & Privacy in Your Yard
• How To Rearrange Your Landscape

[askapeach]

on 10/18/2009 Gardening is a favorite activity of mine and I enjoyed reading your article on making a potting shed. Your photos really adds to your information and shows what success you have had! Thanks...5* and a rec

[tequilasunrise]

on 10/18/2009 Your nicely done shed, and ideas, reminds me that I had been procrastinating and not persistent in doing mine. Thanks Dusty Mills. 5*+recommended

[Bambimorgan]

on 10/17/2009 Awesome article!

[ronniepadonna]

on 8/8/2009 Beautiful photos and instructions.

[veryirie]

on 5/20/2009 Lots of great suggestions and pics. Love your own potting shed; how lucky!