Design a dedicated potting area

Protecting a work area from water and soil spills is less of a priority in an outdoor potting room, but there are other practicalities to consider.

• Set up your space in a spot protected from sun and strong prevailing winds.
• Have a water source nearby. Hilary Bellis fills watering cans from a barrel; if you’re using a hose, it can be a tripping hazard, so make sure it can be coiled out of the way for safety’s sake.
• Securely seal bags of soil, soil amendments and fertilizers to keep out critters and rain.
• Use your imagination to repurpose existing items. A child’s wagon holds plants ready for repotting, while an old wire basket with milk bottles holds cut flowers waiting to be arranged.