Potting Bench Plan

Your gardens and flowerbeds are fine for the moment. You do not need any more lawn ornaments or new plants. It is time to build a potting bench, where you can have pots, potting soil and hand implements all in one place and within easy reach. Does this Spark an idea?

Materials

Measure the area where you want to place the potting bench and purchase the required lengths of 3/4-inch plywood, four 4x4 treated posts, two 5-gallon buckets with lids, one 3-gallon bucket, nails and wood sealer. Additionally, purchase enough 2x4 treated lumber and more plywood to build two shelves. Except for the buckets, all sizes will be dependent on the size of potting bench you are building.

Construction

Measure and cut the 4x4 posts to a height that is workable for you (i.e. waist-high). Since people are different heights, the bench will be, too.

For the work surface, measure and cut the 2x4 boards to build a frame around the 4x4 posts. You will have two side panels and two long panels. Nail them to the 4x4s level with the top of the posts.

Measure and cut the plywood to make the top of the potting bench, and nail it to the 4x4 posts.

Use the buckets for soil and supply storage. Place one 5-gallon bucket near each end of the bench top and the 3-gallon bucket in the middle. Outline the bottom of the buckets with a pencil onto the plywood. Use a jigsaw and cut the circles out of the plywood. Set the buckets inside the holes; the lip of the bucket prevents it from falling through.

For a second shelf, measure and cut the plywood and 2x4s as above. Install this shelf under the buckets.

Finishing Touches

Paint the entire potting bench. When the paint is dry, apply several coats of a wood sealer to prevent it from rotting.

Pour a 20-pound bag of potting soil into one 5-gallon bucket. Stack extra pots inside the second 5-gallon bucket. Store your hand implements, gloves or other items in the 3-gallon bucket. Use the bottom shelf to store fertilizer, pesticides or any other garden item you use regularly.