Is a potting bench a luxury or a necessity? We think both. It's a way to avoid an aching back from squatting to pot plants, a means to contain gardening mess, and provider of outdoor storage. We're thinking a good potting bench can even do double duty as an outdoor drinks station come next summer.
(N.B.: For a DIY project, see Sunset's Backyard Potting Center Project that offers downloadable plans.)
WOOD
Above: This hard-working Cedar Garden Center includes a deep top to contain soil and a tray that can be carried from the table to the garden. It measures a lengthy 73.5-inches long, 24-inches deep and 35.5-inches high and is $219.98 through Amazon.
Above: The Vintage Galvanized Potting Table is crafted from a salvaged German biergarten table. The top is made from galvanized metal and the trim is created from reclaimed pine. The table measures 70-by-21-by-30 inches high, and the metal legs fold to pack flat for easy storage or transport; $699.95 at Williams Sonoma.
Above: The Simple Folding Potting Bench folds flat for easy storage. It measures 47-by-23-by-37 inches and could easily double as a food and drinks table in the warm weather; $94.99 at Brookstone.
Above: Crafted by a German furniture maker, the Larch-Wood Gardener's Table has a weather-resistant larch-wood frame and a three-sided galvanized steel work surface with two drain holes. Measuring 39-by-35.5-by-17 inches, the table is practical but compact - perfect for a size-challenged urban garden; £314 at Manufactum.
Above: The affordable and compact Gardenia Cedar Potting Bench measures 30-by-23-by-33 inches and has three built-in storage trays on the back of the work surface; $139.99 at Hayneedle.
Above: The Able Table Potting Bench by Maine Garden Products is made to be left outside year around. Built of Eastern white cedar combined with lobster trap wire, it is assembled using galvanized hardware. It comes with six brass hooks to hang garden tools and optional 5-inch wheels under two of the table legs. It measures 50-by- 26-by 45 inches; $282.73 at American Garden Tool Company.
Above: Esschert Design Hardwood Potting Table has a built-in basin to hold soil. It measures 31-by-22.8-by-35.5 inches; $335.05 at Amazon.
METAL
Above: The Poly-Tex Galvanized Steel Potting Bench is durable and easy to clean. It measures 44-by-44-by-24 inches; $134.99 at Wayfair.
Above: The Palram Greenhouse Steel Potting Bench is constructed from corrosion-resistant galvanized steel. It stands 32 inches high and holds up to 80 pounds. The top shelf can be positioned upside-down as a soil tray; $89 at Home Depot
Above: For the serious gardener, Big Jakes Garden Center is made of rust proof aluminum with a clear powder durable coating. It features a removable thick cutting-board-like plastic top, a debris catching gutter on the front, and storage shelf. It measures 19-by-29-by-55 inches; $429.07 at Greentrees Hydroponics.
Above: Like the industrial look? Consider using a heavy-duty powder coated steel Mobile Work Bench as a potting station. It has a tray top and lower shelf and measures 30-by-60 inches; $323.95 at Global Industrial.
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