Are you a passionate hobby gardener and enjoy working in the garden as soon as the sun peeks through the clouds in spring? If you find yourself constantly having to run to the garden shed to get flower seeds and tools, you might find a garden work table helpful. In this article we will give you ideas for a wooden planting table that will make your gardening activities easier and make your hobby even more enjoyable in a permanent place.
What is a planting table useful for?
A wooden planting table is an indispensable helper when working in the garden in every respect. On such a table you can repot, sow and transplant to your heart's content. The garden work table promises back-friendly gardening and you no longer have to bend over when repotting plants. It is also a practical storage space and you can always have garden utensils within reach and quickly stowed away.
In different versions – high functionality in a small space
There are no specifications when it comes to equipping a gardening table. Some hobby gardeners want a wooden planting table with plenty of storage space. Several compartments and drawers offer enough storage space for seeds, cards, writing utensils and twine. Hooks on the side that you can hang garden tools on are a great idea. Shelves under the worktop are also practical and are used to store or place clay pots, soil, buckets or watering cans. Arrange your wooden planting table so that everything you need is within easy reach. Adapt the equipment of the table to your own needs.
There are very different versions of work tables for the garden on the market. For example, some have a side border that prevents sand and soil from being swept off the table. Other models have an integrated zinc plate on which you can easily cut branches and other materials. If you have a water connection in your garden, you can install a sink. There you can water the root balls or wash your hands. There are also models that are equipped with an integrated sink.
The work surface on some models is surrounded by a wooden strip so that nothing can fall down. A table with a grid back wall on which small hooks are attached for hanging would be another option. A wooden planting table can be equipped with wooden or metal feet. Some garden work tables are even on wheels and can be used in different places in the garden if necessary.
Weatherproof plastic castors are suitable for smaller tables, while larger work tables require stable and load-bearing metal castors. If you lack space in your garden, you can use a smaller garden table. There are worktops of various dimensions, as well as folding models that take up little space. Every gardener should decide individually which model is best suited for them.
What makes a good wooden planting table?
A wooden planting table is made from weather-resistant types of wood and is characterized by its long service life. Plant tables can be made from domestic or exotic woods, such as pine, larch, pine, spruce, oak, teak, eucalyptus, etc. Regardless of which model you choose, the wooden plant table must be sturdy. Lightweight wooden structures tip over easily when loaded. The material and surface must be very robust as the work table is exposed to contact with various other materials.
Potting and repotting as well as watering take place on the table, which is why moisture and moisture shouldn't affect the wooden material. For the lifespan of the gardener's table, it is very important whether you want to place the table under a roof or have it completely outdoors. The impregnated work tables are protected against weather influences and are therefore suitable for outdoor use. If you have a garden work table made of untreated wood, you must paint it with a special, waterproof paint before setting it up in the garden.
The correct height of the planting table is of great importance for your well-being and for comfortable work. Basically, the working height is 90 centimeters. To avoid back pain, correct posture is essential. If this height does not meet your needs, you can find models of other dimensions in stores.
Determine the correct location
Anyone who has decided on an impregnated garden work table can easily set it up anywhere in the garden. Otherwise, a roof protects the wood from moisture, which can easily damage untreated wooden garden furniture. It is best to position the work table in your garden so that the distance to the garden house and the bed is as short as possible. You can of course place a wooden planting table wherever you need it.
It can also serve you well on the balcony, on the terrace or in the garden or greenhouse. A shady spot is an excellent location, especially in summer. Under a small canopy you are not only protected from the blazing rays of the sun, but you can also complete your work away from wind and rain.
Build your own garden table from wooden pallets
If your garden is not very large or the plant table needs to have certain dimensions for some reason, you can design a wooden plant table according to your own ideas. Among other things, you can benefit from the fact that you can optimally adjust the working height to your own height from the outset. For example, you can create a narrow wooden planting table for your garden or greenhouse using Euro pallets. Garden furniture made from wooden pallets is not only very trendy, but can also be made entirely from free building materials.
If you are handy and don't want to spend money on a garden work table, this inexpensive material is the optimal solution for you. You can build a table with two feet and a shelf on the wall using three wooden pallets. You can determine the width and size of the table yourself and cut the pallets as needed. A wooden slat that you cut to size and screw onto the two pallets. Also attach the pallet vertically, which you can use to hang small garden tools, and attach several hoes.
The wall behind the pallet table can also be used as a tool wall. You can screw several boards under the worktop to serve as storage compartments. Instead of installing a separate worktop, you can place both wooden pallets upright and position the third pallet as a tabletop. Screw the pallets together with two screws per block. If your gardening table is outdoors, you will either have to store the garden utensils in the basement or put them away in waterproof boxes.
Idea from old wooden furniture
Old furniture that you may still have in the basement can easily be converted with a little craftsmanship. A well-preserved dining table, for example, can serve as a frame for a sturdy table. Even if the tabletop is damaged, you can attach a new worktop to the old one and paint it with a weatherproof paint or glaze. If you would like to additionally protect the feet of the plant table, metal beam shoes are a good solution. Such a table for planting is suitable for amateur gardeners who work with large flower pots and soil containers all year round.
An old chest of drawers can be turned into a practical work table for the garden without much effort. If you need as much storage space as possible for your gardening utensils, you can use the spacious drawers to store gardening gloves, flower pots, saucers, seeds and other utensils. If you would like to have more space for potting soil and fertilizer, you can simply remove the bottom drawer. You can store small utensils in boxes, bowls or baskets, for example.
With a good organization system, you no longer have to spend a lot of time rummaging and searching. You can hang the various secateurs or the pricking rod on the side of the tree using hooks. Mount a multiplex board on the top of the chest of drawers and screw a thin board made of oak or thermal wood on top.
If you want to turn your homemade garden work table into a real eye-catcher, you can let your imagination run wild and paint the table in color. The shades of green and blue go very well with the colors of the garden flowers. If you want to set colorful accents in the garden and proudly present your hobby, choose bright colors. The shabby chic look also looks great.
If you want to beautify your homemade garden work table, you can find valuable things in the basement or attic that will give the table a special charm. Nails, handles from old furniture or lanterns give this piece of garden furniture a new shine. A wooden planting table can be much more than just a place to store containers, watering cans and garden tools. There you can present your most beautiful plants that will delight every passionate gardener and visitor.
Foldable model for the wall
If you would like to build a particularly space-saving version of the planting and gardening table yourself, you can assemble a folding table for the wall. This work table is only suitable for pricking or sowing as it cannot support the weight of the pots or large amounts of soil. For this you need a sturdy wooden board that you cut to the desired size. Attach the board to the wall using metal hinged arms. This means you can simply fold up the small table when you no longer need it.