The Well-Stocked Potting Table
Posted: House & Home » Gardening » Decorating | July 26th, 2006
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By Sarojni Mehta-Lissak
There’s nothing quite as satisfying as working in the garden when warm weather takes us outside during long summer days. Through this activity we become one with the cycles of nature and reap the rewards by seeing our efforts in great display.
Most gardeners have a wide variety of tools and other important supplies to nurture their creations. Some may even have potting tables where they can work and do tasks such as transplanting and potting. If you are a gardener who has a potting table, or if you’re thinking of purchasing one, then make sure it’s well-stocked to help keep your gardening experience enjoyable — and to ease frustration (“Where is that darn trowel?”).
Your gardening area
Look around your garden or patio and choose an area that would be a good location for a potting table. If you live in a part of the country where harsh weather is a consideration, then ensure that your table will have some protection from the elements. This might be under the eaves of your house, in a patio or in a potting shed (you’ll need good lighting in this location).
Take measurements of the space, including height, length and depth. The potting table should fit well into this area. Also, select a spot on sturdy ground to avoid having the legs wobble when you begin your work.
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Your potting table
If you already have a potting table, what condition is it in? Is it old, creaky, unstable — almost ready for the fireplace? Then spend some time evaluating any problems it may have. Sometimes a few nails will do the trick. You might even want to give it a new coat of stain. To do this, wipe away any cobwebs or dirt, give it a light sanding and dusting, then paint the wood with a protective stain (see resources below). This will give it a revitalized look.
If you’re in the market for a new potting table, check that it has sturdy legs, drawers that slide well, adequate shelving that meets your needs and the size that fits your space. Also look for rust-resistant hardware, such as hinges made of brass, and extras like pull-out side shelves.
Stocking your table
Your tools
Perhaps your tools are strewn about and need to be in one spot for a quick retrieval. Once you have your potting table refurbished or assembled, lay out all the gardening implements you use on a regular basis. Decide if you’d prefer to have them in drawers or hanging on brass hooks; then start placing them in their new home. Remember to organize your table according to your habits and frequency of use. Some gardening implements might include trowels, weeders, gloves, transplanters, hand-hoes, clippers/shears, pruners, hand rakes and plant markers
Your pots
Pots come in many sizes, from large to small, and are typically made of clay, plastic or ceramic. You can place the smaller ones (seedling size) on your potting table or on the upper shelves stacked neatly for easy access. For larger pots, use the shelf below. These come in handy when the time comes to plant those beautiful six-packs for your porch or patio. Keep broken clay pot pieces in their own container to use for covering the drainage holes in other pots before adding the soil.
The soil
Potting soil and planting mix usually come in large bags, and most potting tables have lower shelves that are perfect for storing them on. It’s convenient and accessible. To prevent spilling, use a clothespin or snack bag clip to keep the plastic securely closed, then store it upright or horizontally on the bottom shelf.
Using your table
Once your table is organized, you can enjoy using it for a variety of tasks. The surface of a potting table is great for filling pots with your favorite flowers. It’s also a good place for setting things on, such as individual potted plants that need some close-up attention. You can transplant, fertilize, clip, trim or plant seeds in small containers on your table. And use the bottom shelf for extras like kneeling pads, trays or rubber garden shoes. Keep a watering can handy.
Ready to have some parsley on your windowsill? use this table to set up your own herb collection — with no more backaches from bending over!
Having a potting table can be a wonderful addition to a garden area and can provide you with a place to work with all your supplies within an arm’s reach. Use this well-stocked work station to enjoy the many pleasures of gardening — and then stand back and watch the bounty that is sure to follow.
Wood stains
Auro Paint Stain
BioShield
AFM
Weather-Bos
© Sarojni Mehta-Lissak


