A Guide to Buying a Potting Shed

If you’re someone who loves growing plants, fruit and vegetables in your garden but doesn’t want to rely on a break in rainfall, a potting shed could be the perfect solution. There is a lot to consider before buying a potting shed, so we have put together a complete guide covering everything you need to know before making a purchase.

We will look at:

• What is a potting shed?
• What is a potting shed used for?
• Potting shed buying considerations
• Types of potting shed
• Where should I position my potting shed?

What is a Potting Shed?

Potting sheds are very similar to greenhouses. They provide a sheltered place in the garden to grow potted plants and vegetables, which is very useful if bad weather often stops your work in the garden. There are very few differences between a potting shed and a greenhouse. Potting sheds are also used to cultivate plants but can also be used for storage, and are built using wood rather than glass panes.

What is a Potting Shed Used for?

Potting sheds provide a warm, dry place where gardeners can sow seeds, pot seedlings, and prune and deadhead potted plants. They often have large windows, so plants get lots of light and a shelf for working on plants at a comfortable height. Potting sheds also have space for storage, which is useful because you can keep your potted plants and garden tools all in the same place.

Potting Shed Buying Considerations

There are different types of potting sheds available, so it’s important to consider your buying requirements before purchase. We have put together a list of buying considerations for potting sheds:

Size

You need to consider what size you need for the plants and vegetables you want to grow and the tools you need to store. You should also look at the space you have available in your garden; you want to make sure your potting shed is large enough without dominating your outdoor space.

You can find the following sizes with Power Sheds:

Budget

This may sound obvious, but you should also consider your budget. You need to get the best potting shed that you can afford, and have some money left over for plants, pots, and anything else you will need for your potting shed.

Doors and Windows

The types of plants you want to grow and your storage requirements make the doors and windows of your potting shed an important consideration. The size and position of the windows decide how much sunlight your plants will get, and if you’re storing large items like lawnmowers in your potting shed, you might want to consider double doors so it’s more accessible.

Potting Bench

You want to make sure your potting shed has a sturdy bench at the right height for you to pot and tend to plants without straining yourself. It’s also useful to look for a potting bench with space underneath for large containers of soil and compost.

Security

Your final consideration should be security. This is more important if you plan on storing a mower, strimmer, and other costly garden equipment. Double check the potting shed you want is lockable to keep valuables safe.

Types of Potting Shed

Once you have an idea of what you’re looking for, it’s useful to know all the different options you have available. There are several different types of potting shed you might want to consider:

Apex Potting Shed

An apex potting shed comes with an apex style roof which influences both the look and the space inside your shed. An apex roof has a peak running from one gable end to the other. This offers more headroom along the centre of your shed. The door is also usually on a gable end, which could be important depending on where your new shed is going to be positioned.

Pent Potting Shed

A pent potting shed has a sloping roof that offers more headroom on one side. This could be useful if you plan on having a workbench along one of the longer walls. The lower section of a pent potting shed also makes it ideal for positioning under trees or up against a wall or fence.

Double Door Potting Shed

Double door potting sheds are available with both an apex or a pent roof. These are a useful option if you plan to store large gardening equipment and want it to be easily accessible. Both doors can open, making it easy to move things in and out of your new shed.

Potting Shed Greenhouse

This is a great option if you’re unsure whether to buy a potting shed or a greenhouse. A potting shed greenhouse is half greenhouse, half shed, and is also known as a “growing shed”. These models aren’t very common but have the benefit of shed space for storage and a greenhouse section where potted plants can get maximum sunlight.

Where Should I Position My Potting Shed?

If you have found a potting shed that meets all your requirements, the next step is positioning it in your garden. The sun should be your main consideration. Since many wooden potting sheds have glazing on one side, you need to position your windows to face south. This will allow your plants and seedlings the most sun exposure throughout the day. You should also look to put your potting shed up against a wall or fence. Not only does this make it more discrete when it comes to garden design but it will also offer some protection against wind, rain and heat.

Potting sheds are a great option for gardeners looking for a dry place to grow potted plants, who also need some additional storage space. Power Sheds have a selection of the best potting sheds in the UK, available in different sizes and designs.

If you’re looking for more information on potting sheds like:

• What foundation do I need for a potting shed?
• How to build a potting shed?

You can find more in-depth information about sheds, including construction and foundations on Sheducation.