A Garden Shed

Years ago, gardens always had a garden shed of one kind or another, usually near the vegetable garden. Keeping the garden tools in a corner of the garage is all very well, but most gardeners really want something more -- a shed where the wheelbarrow, flower pots, garden gloves and the inevitable collections of old seed packets and plant labels have a place of their own.

A resourceful gardener can manage quite a lot without the luxury of a shed, but when the gardener's ambitions and equipment begin to crowd the family car out of the garage, a proper garden shed no longer seems frivolous.

"I've always thought a storage shed to a gardener is like a kitchen to a cook," says Linda Joan Smith, author of "Garden Structures". "Gardeners need a place to mix their fertilizers; to keep their tools and equipment; to do the hands-on work like starting seeds or potting cuttings."

Selecting the right kind of garden shed can be difficult because there are so many different ones to choose from. It's important to take your time and look carefully at each shed you are considering in order to make sure that it meets all your requirements. There are several things to consider when selecting one.

Because sheds are made from a number of different materials now, it's a good idea to select one that you feel is going to fit in with its surroundings. Also, you need to think about costs and maintanence issues. You can choose from sheds made from wood, metal or PVC.

Although wooden sheds can blend well into the garden environmentand look good, they are often the most expensive ones to purchase. Plus you need to consider the cost of maintaining them. Over time the wood will rot, warp or split. The only question is how long it will take for that to happen.

This is determined by weather, and how well the garden shed is maintained. If you want your shed to remain in the same condition it was when first constructed, you will need to regularly treat it with a wood preservative or varnish.

Many people today are prefer to buy sheds that are made from either PVC or metal. Simply because they are much easier and quicker to assemble. But they are generally a lot cheaper to buy, and they require little or no maintenance once installed.

When choosing your shed, you need to decide what you will be using it for. This will determine the size of your garden shed. Measure the lawn equipment and other items you intend to store there; decide if you will need an areea for a work surface; and think about which supplies you might keep in the shed.

After deciding what size shed you'll need, decide what design you want. Pick something that fits in with the look of the house. In fact, if you can match the siding, that would be ideal.

Today you have three different ways to get this done. You can have a backyard shed that is pre-assembled, or one that needs partial assembly, and if you have the skills, you could always try to build one from scratch.

Most people prefer to go for the garden shed kits because not only are they cheaper, but they're a lot quicker and easier to assemble than doing it from scratch.

However, before you do actually go out and buy a garden shed, check with the local building authority to see if you need approval to construct it. It's also a good idea to ask your neighbours if they have any objections as to where your shed will be located.

Even rough sheds had window boxes full of bright flowers during the summer, and a clematis or a rose climbing over the roof. Early English gardening sheds were places where everything had its place.

Modern sheds, even if they're only big enough to hide the mower, appear to have the same appeal. "People like to be organized. It makes them happy," says Kelly Dather of Heartland Industries, a manufacturer of "yard barn" garden sheds. "The backyard storage building is becoming a staple item, and the demand for these sheds is phenomenal."

City gardeners usually have room only for a small shed. In the suburbs, 10 by 12 feet is usually the minimum, and 10 by 20 is more common. However big it is, a shed should have a durable floor and doors wide enough to accommodate a wheelbarrow full of tools, or a riding mower.

Shelves, counter space and tool racks are essential; hot and cold running water is a great luxury. Prices start at around $500 for ready-made sheds, and may go up to several thousand dollars, depending on the size of the shed, its features and the materials. The kits requiring assembly run much less.

A few good places to find garden sheds include home centers and garden centers. Don't hesitate to contact me if you have questions about a garden shed by clicking here.

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