Puppies and potted plants don’t mix well. I remember looking out of a window and seeing my new puppy dragging one of my potted plants around the yard, shaking it vigorously, as if to kill it. Dogs also like to chew on plastic pots; I guess they like the crunchy sound. If you have small children, you may have experience with finally getting some flowers to sprout and then turning to see you little helper enthusiastically digging in that pot. These are great reasons to get a potting bench, but I also like being able to have my pots, seeds, cuttings and plants at a comfortable level.
diy pallet potting bench
The pallets to make this potting bench were free. My husband just looked at some pictures of what one looked like, then put it together for me. For those of you who need plans, you could check out the plan on Wood Working for Mere Mortals ( I love that name!) or if you are feeling adventurous and/or crafty, you could check out some of the plans on Ana White’s site.
My potting bench is great for keeping supplies organized. I use the bottom shelf for storing extra pots, my watering can, and plants that need a little extra care or shade. When I am trying to root cuttings(like rosemary or tomato), I like to tuck them on the bottom shelf. They get shade there, and it is easy to bring them to the top once they are established.
There is a little slot formed by the top pallet that I like to slide flats of newly planted seeds into just until they get started.
I have a ceramic garden boot that I use to store my tools- if you look closely you can see the handle of the big knife that I used in my post on dividing oregano.
pallet potting bench
The top shelf is for plants and seedlings that are ready for sunlight. I love how my little seedlings can get sunlight on the top shelf and I can watch their progress at a glance.
You can often get pallets for free. This is an inexpensive project that will make starting seeds and propagating plants so much easier. Having a potting bench will help to save you money. Of course, you save even more money if you follow my tips on how to get seeds for free! 🙂 I have started so many seeds and cuttings there. No need to spend lots of money on a potting bench when you can make one! What do you think? Does this look like something that you would use in your garden?
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I totally agree with having a potting bench to avoid the nuisance from puppies, dogs and kids. Thanks for sharing the tips!
Having a pallet potting bench helps to make the starting from seeds process so much easier too. I feel so organized when I’m working at it. 🙂
I would love to have a bench like this. I love using wooden pallets for projects. A bit off topic, but I used some wooden pallets about four years ago and my father and I made a full-size coffin for Halloween. It was a huge hit with the kids, everyone wanted to lay in it and get their picture taken. A bit too morbid for my taste but it makes a great decoration on the front porch.
I’ll have to see if I can recruit my father for another project. This time a bit more useful — a potting bench. Thanks for the great idea.
The coffin was an interesting idea. I think the potting bench will be easier to make, although a less of a conversation piece than the coffin. 🙂
I use my potting bench all the time. The bottom shelf is great for storage and for propagating plants.
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Very thoughtfuul blog