Every True Gardener Needs A Potting Bench
Todd Arend is a freelance writing professional whose expertise covers a variety of areas, including patio and backyard furniture, landscaping and design. He regularly writes for such sites as http://www.cedarwoodfurniture.com/
If gardening is in your soul, then most likely a potting bench is in your garden.
A potting bench is a combination of a desk and a bench. A potting bench is an ideal workstation, whether you are an occasional gardener or a serious hobbyist. If you are considering a potting bench, here are some tips to get you focused and become a better consumer:
- Look for a potting bench made from a solid cedar or other durable wood. Cedar is a great material for outdoor use. The aroma of cedar, while pleasing to humans, is a repellant to insects and other pests. (That is why closets are often lined with cedar). Cedar contains natural chemicals that make is resistant to water and harsh weather. A cedar potting bench, if constructed in a quality manner, will lasts for years.
- Look for craftsmanship. The Amish are well known for building quality furniture, both for indoor and outdoor use. However, not everyone lives near an Amish community. When buying a bench, look for solid metal brackets, smooth finishes and rugged construction. Check the reputation of the manufacturer. Talk to friends who have bought benches and find out if they are content with their purchase. Ask for recommendations at your local nursery.
- Consider the architectural style. What style are your other outdoor furniture pieces? Are they made with cedar, teak, metal or plastic? Are they contemporary or traditional in style? Imagine in your mind how a potting bench will blend in with the rest of your outdoor decor. Potting benches can be found in a wide range of styles, including rustic, contemporary, classic, traditional, modern and American. A rustic bench will have a weather appearance to it and a contemporary bench will have a sleek finish.
- Think about your storage needs. Some inexpensive potting benches will be barely more than a simple shelf. Look for one that has pullout drawers and a place to hang all of your gardening tools. Many benches feature peg-board backing so you can install hooks and pegs to hang items on. A place to store at least one pair of gardening gloves is also a must. Try to find a bench with as many storage features and shelves as you can afford.
- Ask what the weight limit of the bench is. You want a bench that is sturdy enough to hold heavy bags of potting soil and fertilizer but not so heavy that you can’t budge it. Wheels are often an ideal solution here that will enable you to move your bench from place to place. Many of today’s benches have wheels installed to make relocation a breeze.
- Think about how much you want to spend. A potting bench can be purchased inexpensively or it can be a major purchase. The higher-end woods usually add to the cost of a bench. Be sure that wherever you buy your bench, it comes with a satisfaction guarantee. That way if you get it home and something isn’t right about it, or you found you made a bad decision, you have the option to return or exchange it.
Once you have your potting bench, its time to put it to use. Get out those flowerpots and gardening tools. Happy gardening!
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