18 Potting Bench Ideas to Inspire You, Whether or Not You Have a Green Thumb
Which potting bench idea speaks to you?
Potting benches are super versatile, which is why they're all the rage both on and off the patio. Whether you want to get organized for planting season or just want to find cool ways to upcycle a potting bench, we've got you covered. Keep reading for creative potting bench ideas to keep you organized, whether you have a green thumb or not!
1. Create a Rustic Vibe
Manifest a laid-back, rustic vibe with this potting bench idea. Start by incorporating earthy terracotta planters. Place them in stacks or use them to hold excess soil on your potting table so you can get rid of store-bought soil bags. Then, add a rusted metal watering can – this can be a decorative or working watering can, whichever works for you. Add faux or live plants on and around your potting bench to further the display. Store gardening essentials in rusted metal storage bins for a vintage touch. Surround your potting bench with cozy storage baskets and gardening tools to complete the look.
Potting benches are convenient and functional on their own, but potting benches with storage? Even better! Organize under-table shelves with baskets or storage bins for all your potting station essentials. Designate a basket specifically for all of your plastic nursery pots (because you'll never know when you'll need them, right?). Use another container to store small gardening tools so you can always find what you need to complete your gardening project. Do the same for items like gardening gloves, seed-starting materials, and plant labels. You can even use lidded storage containers to store and separate potting soil from perlite or compost mixtures so you're always ready to make the perfect potting mix.
Tip!
Make sure you have all the tools you need for your potting station by reviewing The 14 Best Garden Tools & Essentials to Get Your Garden Ready.
3. Incorporate a Sink Basin
Make your planting station more functional by opting for a potting bench with a sink. This way you can wash pots and garden tools, bottom-water plants, and create organic liquid fertilizer without having to dash inside to the kitchen. Some sink basins have faucets and drainage holes that allow you to hook them up to exterior water sources, while others have more basic designs that allow the sink to pop out when you need to remove water or debris.
Tip!
We recommend putting potting tables with sinks near your garden hose for easy access to water if you don't plan to connect the sink to a water source.
This potting bench idea proves that potting benches aren't just for gardens and patios! You can also add one to your apartment balcony. Place a potting bench beside your balcony container plants so you're always ready to plant and repot your small-space garden.
Bring in a potting bench with a spacious potting table surface so you have ample room to fill seed trays, pot-up plants, and experiment with soil mixes. Extra points if it has below-table storage shelving to help keep the tabletop clear for planting!
Tip!
New to the world of gardening? Review How to Start a Garden Step-By-Step to channel your inner green thumb.
6. Bring Potting Benches Indoors
This potting bench idea will have you rethinking how you use your potting bench! Move your potting bench indoors to serve as a rustic dining table sideboard, buffet table, or extra kitchen prep space.
As practical as potting benches are, they also serve a variety of decorative purposes. As you fill up your potting bench with gardening tools, planters, and soil mixtures, make sure to leave a little room for fun! Position flowering plants in upcycled or colorful planters and intersperse them with gardening essentials to serve as inspiration as you work.
Speaking of color, why not go for a colorful potting bench? Opt for cool blue, green, or another color that speaks to you to instantly add a pop of interest to your gardening space. You can also select paintable potting tables that are prepped and ready to take on any shade of your choosing!
This one is for the cut-flower arrangers! This gardening table idea prioritizes the potting bench’s tabletop and storage space for assorting cut flower bouquets. Check the on-site dimensions to make sure there's room for a basket full of freshly-cut flowers along with a bouquet assembly station. Add a stool so you can sit and arrange flowers at your leisure.
Instantly up the functionality of your greenhouse by introducing a plant potting station. This way, you can store seed-starting materials, plant seeds, and pot-up seedlings right there in your greenhouse.
Repurpose your potting bench by turning it into the perfect grilling and grill-prep space! Place a mini grill on the tabletop or use the entire table surface to prep ingredients ready to go on the grill. If you plan to use the tabletop for a grill, just make sure the tabletop is made of a fire-safe material like granite, marble, or concrete. Loving this take on an outdoor potting bench? Learn how to recreate it in our DIY Potting Bench Grill Station guide.
Make the most of your garden potting table by choosing a design with cabinets. Cabinets are a great way to keep garden supplies safe from the elements while also hiding clutter on your patio.
Use a potting table like a plant stand so you can admire plants and flowers on a vertical scale. This potting table idea is perfect for small-space balconies, patios, or indoor houseplant setups.
Don't let limited daylight put a damper on your gardening activities thanks to this planter bench idea. Bookend your potting bench with outdoor wall lights or equip your potting area with outdoor lamps or lanterns for the best results.
Go mobile with this garden work bench idea. Use a potting bench with built-in wheels to take your potting station with you wherever your green thumb is required. Transport planters, seedlings, fertilizers, soil mixes, and tools to any spot in the garden so you don't have to go back and forth to your work space.
Make alfresco dining smooth and seamless with a repurposed garden potting bench. Position drinkware, plates, serveware, and drink dispensers on the tabletop to make setup and buffet-style serving a breeze. Extra points if it's wheelable so you can maneuver it wherever you decide to move the party!
Does your potting bench have a metal sink basin? Fill it with ice and then add your favorite bottled drinks for cool refreshments as you enjoy your outdoor space!
You can also repurpose a potting bench for all of your garage storage needs. Use shelves and cabinets to store your go-to work tools. Use the tabletop to lay out instruction manuals and equipment for all of your DIY projects. Pair it with pegboard-style shelving for additional wall-mounted tool storage.
Tip!
Wondering which garden work bench is right for you? Check out our guide on Choosing Potting Benches & Potting Tables for Your Garden to ensure you choose the best option for you.
