Potting tables also called potting benches have many uses. I know that my potting bench is an invaluable asset to my garden and backyard work area. My potting bench is one of the most useful garden tools I have – I would be lost without it.

photo credit: SuperFantastic

There are two main concerns to consider when adding a potting table to your garden area, location and if it’s sturdy enough for how you intend to use it. Ideal potting tables will also have enough shelves and trays to store gloves and tools with sufficient workspace left for potting and planting.

Potting tables are also used for sorting seeds, mixing soil, and fertilizers.  When working with soils its best to have storage nearby and water for cleaning.

Another advantage of a potting table is for weather related problems. You can still plants and use the table in the winter, with additional heat and lighting. And if you have a cold and wet summer like my last summer you can have the table under cover and play in soil to you hearts content.

And if you want to interest children in gardening and plants, a potting table will give them a place to plants and play under supervision.

Types of potting table and potting benches

Cedar and Teak potting tables are lightweight and unlikely to crack.  They are also resistant to weather and insect attack.  Normally these potting tables are three feet high with strong storage compartments.  Cedar and teak have a look that will fit into a patio or balcony area and add to the atmosphere.

Aluminum potting tables are favored by many horticultural enthusiasts because they clean up well and being aluminum do not seem to have as many cleaning or disinfecting problems. Just spray and wipe down and its ready to go.  These tables are available with two sections or three sections. My potting bench is wood but the sinks, which are located under a worktop, are aluminum.

Tip: Sinks in a potting table speed up cleaning garden vegetable, watering plants and cleaning garden pots.

There are also plastic potting tables. These tend to be the most reasonably priced. I can honestly say I know very little about them.

Wood potting tables are also widely used. My potting bench is handmade from rustic wood and sealed for water. It has aluminum sinks and a water source that is two foot away. It is very durable and cleans up well. And being made from rustic wood it matches my patio area. Its also has wheels on the legs so that it can be used indoors in the winter or outdoors.

My potting bench is my gardener’s play station where I can spend hours enjoying my plants and planning my garden areas.

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Gardening is simplified when you have a workspace. A practical garden tool is the addition of as a potting bench or potting table for the pots, manures, garden sprays and other garden mixes. It also serves as temporary storage for garden supplies.  My gardening bench is my work area and even a place to relax and enjoy my plants.

photo credit: blodgett esq.

This is also the area where I plan the garden activities and garden and backyard design.

Your garden potting table can be on the patio, garage, storage shed or in a utility section of your garden area. The table or bench size and accessories will be based on the requirements of the garden.  By using a potting area you can better utilize you small space garden areas.

Some potting tables have two or three shelves to store small garden tools in the lower shelf and garden supplies in slightly higher shelves.  If you have small children it’s best if the shelves have doors and locks. Pets are also a concern and any chemicals need to be put away from inquisitive noses.

The Potting area will also help the gardener to keep garden supplies away from rain, mud or insects.

Many lower shelves on the potting bench or table will also serve as incubating place to grow small seedlings. Temperatures and lighting can be controlled here to help produce healthy plants.  You will even be able to extend you gardening season with seedlings if you can enclose the lower shelving area with glass or plastic and create a mini greenhouse effect.

My potting bench is made from rustic wood with an aluminum table top and hidden sink area. I have two shelving areas below the bench and the back of the bench has two shelves and a pole up above where I can hang hanging baskets. This arrangement makes to most out of my available space.

I also have wheels on the bench so that it can be moved for cleaning or indoors in the winter to use for my winter plants.

There are many potting tables and bench from a rustic look to beautifully hand crafted cedar or teak potting tables. Your home design, use and budget will determine what style you choose.

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Each year is a new experience in gardening and garden planning is one area that helps shape and define you garden and backyard. In 2010 The Gardener’s Rake will emphasis more Do It Yourself ideas for gardening and backyards. Garden businesses and money saving gardening ideas are also top considerations for this site.

photo credit: Joshua Kaufman
How to start a perennial gardening business has been covered before but a more detailed plan and blogging results will follow. With times being tough for many the added income of growing your own plants, trees and shrubs will be helpful plus you may be able to add a little additional income from selling plants to friends or the neighborhood.

An herb garden or herb business is rather easy and easy to start with only a few plants. You may be able to trade herbs with someone else for a larger plant variety plus the benefits of herbs for cooking, crafting and your health are invaluable.

Fast and easy hand built greenhouse plans will be covered. I know they are easy. I put one up myself and it’s still standing. It’s made of old recycled windows and heated by solar heat. I picked up most of the windows for free so my main cost was for a fan and a door.

Plans and sharing ideas for a recession or community garden will also be covered more in-depth. By studying victory gardens from the past you can learn secrets from experienced gardeners.

Information on indoor plants, outdoor plants, fruits and vegetables will be covered. The information will either be covered here or links will be provided for the information you need to plant and harvest a successful garden.

There will be the addition of a forum to ask your gardening questions.

Gardening makes a great hobby, provides fresh air and exercise, it’s a time families can spend together and most importantly, its save money and at the same time provides healthy fresh food.

Technorati Tags: handmade greenhouse, money saving garden ideas, perennial gardening business, recession garden, the gardeners rake