Is your garden shed just sitting there, filled with forgotten tools or random bits of seasonal clutter? Maybe it hasn’t been touched in ages. Either way, it seems a waste to get rid of it when you could turn it into something teeming with life instead of leaving it to gather dust and cobwebs.
A plant paradise shed conversion is exactly what we have in mind for this guide. If you’re interested, we’ll provide a few helpful tips to get you started with this project. Sounds good?
Decide Which Plants to Go For
Think of this shed makeover as a mini garden greenhouse. While plenty of plants will do well in this sort of setup, it’s best to go for varieties that can coexist. After all, different plants need different amounts of light, temperature, and humidity. And if you’re just displaying plants and not growing them from scratch, pick ones that can handle the shed’s conditions.
Here’s a list of plants that adapt well to indoor spaces, can manage different light levels, and are easy to look after:
- Spider plant
- Snake plant
- Peace Lily
- Photos
- Succulents
- Ferns
- Begonias
- Coleus
Tip: Add shelving units for potted plants and hanging baskets for climbers, and set aside spots for your larger ones.
Sort Out the Shed’s Interior
We can’t think of anything better for a plant paradise than a greenhouse or a potting shed. Either of these could be your focus for decorating during this makeover. But if you have something specific in mind, here are a few tips to consider:
Get the layout right for your plants
Plan how you’ll organise the interior to fit plants. Focus on window placement; they need as much sunlight as possible. If your shed doesn’t have windows, think about installing floor-to-ceiling ones to maximise photosynthesis.
Take a cue from this pent potting shed, for instance. It features a symmetrical layout with three sections, each with large windows arranged in two horizontal rows. This setup allows plenty of light to flood and reach the plants inside.
Plants that prefer less sun exposure should be placed on wall shelving, perhaps in a corner. Shelves are perfect for showing off your greenery, no matter what. For instance, the shelves in the image below are positioned to make the most of the sunlight from the windows. They have multiple levels, with the lower shelves filled with shade-loving or low-light plants.
Grow with artificial light
Artificial light can help plants, especially in low-light environments or if you can’t place windows. For instance, ferns and smaller tropical houseplants can thrive for a long time under artificial lighting. Fluorescent, incandescent, induction or LED bulbs boost photosynthesis and support healthy plant growth.
Set up a cosy corner (if space allows)
If you’ve got the space, why not add garden furniture, like this aluminium bistro set? You’ll create a personal nook where you can relax and admire your plants after tending to them. It’s also the perfect spot for a quick afternoon tea and a natter with a friend or loved one.
Think of something like this, with the bistro set tucked in the corner or positioned in the centre. Just imagine how much vitamin D you can soak up, too!
Create a Functional Work Area
Potting sheds can get quite messy over time. Spare pots end up scattered on the floor, fertiliser packs pile up in corners, and gardening tools are often left without a proper storage spot!
Installing a potting bench can help sort this out. It gives you a designated space for potting plants, trimming flowers, and storing gardening tools. Swap out plastic bags for quality lidded bins to keep your compost and supplies organised.
If your budget allows, consider adding a practical water source, like a potting sink. An old sink that’s big enough for pots and watering cans can do the job. You can even connect it to a water supply or set up a system to collect rainwater.
Round-up
Whether you display plants or create a potting area, this shed makeover is a rewarding project. It gives you a peaceful retreat where you can enjoy nature and the fruits of your labour. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to repurpose your old structure and add more value to it.
BillyOh Planthouse Tongue and Groove Pent Potting ShedWe hope these tips and ideas help you get started today so you can experience the joy of your own plant paradise! Next on your reading list: Greenhouse Gardening Guide: Essential Tips for Beginners