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Article written by: Emma Croft
After the first frost, many gardeners start packing their supplies away for the winter. But thecooler months are a great time to garden! Plants go on sale as garden centers close, the cold weather makes pests less of a threat, and the dormant season reduces transplant shock to trees and shrubs. Now is the perfect time to transform your garage into a functional gardening space where you can keep your beloved hobby alive all winter long.
For gardeners without a garage, a small garden shed is an excellent alternative. According to BH&G,garden sheds are relatively easy to build and can be constructed in one weekend by a couple of skilled carpenters. You’ll just have to pick the style, size, location, and building materials. According to Armstrong Steel, both wood and steel are popular options for shedbuilding materials. While wood buildings can be beautiful, steel tends to be stronger, longer-lasting, and better able to withstand the elements. Keep in mind that wood can be susceptible to mold, termites, rot, and warping over time.
Whether you’re repurposing your garage or outfitting a dedicated garden shed, here are some ways to design an inviting gardening space—and grow some plants there, too!
Incorporate a Cleanup Area
Gardening is messy work. Design a little cleanup area in your garage to keep the dirt contained and out of your house. If possible, install a countertop and sink for washing your hands and sanitizing tools. Taking care of yourgarden tools is essential for avoiding rust and preventing the spread of plant diseases. Pruning shears, for example, should be sanitized in betweens plants. You can also use your cleanup area for arranging bouquets and dusting off yourhouseplants.
Design a Comfortable Workspace
A large work surface can come in very handy for planting seedlings, potting plants, taking cuttings, and pruning houseplants. Make sure yourpotting bench is high enough that you can comfortably work at it while standing. You can always keep a stool nearby if you want to sit down. Most home potting benches are made out of wood, but an industrial steel potting bench will be easier to keep clean and sanitized—try repurposing a metal kitchen trolley! If you’re short on space, mount a folding table on the wall that can fold away when not in use.
Try Creative Storage Solutions
Gardening, like many other hobbies, involves various tools, supplies, and odds and ends. Without proper storage, these items end up in a frustrating mess. Usecreative storage solutions to corral your gardening supplies so they’re easy to access and look tidy when stored away. Consider mobile shelving for stacking plant pots, recipe boxes for filing away seed packets, and dish racks for storing planter saucers.
Don't forget to use your wall space! Mount hooks on the wall for hanging larger tools like rakes, brooms, shovels, and pitchforks. You can even use wall mounts to store your rain boots upside down. Hanging shoe organizers work great for storing gardening gloves and small hand tools—Birds & Blooms recommendsgrowing plants in these as well!
Keep it Plant-Friendly
During the cool months, use your garage gardening space to start seedlings for the coming spring. If you really want to have some fun, try growing a whole garden in your garage. This is a great way to enjoy fresh produce all winter! Hang plants on the wall or design a hydroponic system to maximize space and cut down on maintenance—this works great for herbs, green beans, and tomatoes. If your garage lacks adequate natural light, install some full-spectrum grow lights over your plants. You may also have to use a space heater or solar lamps to control the temperature.
Don’t put off your gardening plans for spring. Keep gardening throughout the cooler months with the help of a dedicated indoor gardening space. A warm, organized garage is an ideal place to continue your gardening projects when the weather gets cold and wet. Take some time to design an inviting space where you can enjoy your hobby all year round!
