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    Home » Gardening

    DIY Potting Table

    Published by Pam Kessler | 373 words. · About 2 minutes to read this article. -

    I have a new potting table!

    It started out life like this.

    A vintage enamel top table doubles as a potting table or bench.
    A little rough (to say the least). Very, very rough.

    But when I showed you how to restore a vintage enamel top table it came out looking like this.

    A vintage enamel top table doubles as a potting table or bench.
    Much, much better.

    Well, a couple weeks ago I still had not moved it out of my kitchen down to the family room where it was going to live. And I needed to pot up some flowers.

    A vintage enamel top table doubles as a potting table or bench.

    So, I put one and one together and decided to move it outside temporarily to use as a potting table.

    A vintage enamel top table doubles as a potting table or bench.

    And I love it out here!

    It's actually been quite useful outside, because when it's not doing potting table duties it can work as a small dining table.

    A vintage enamel top table doubles as a potting table or bench.

    I found the small metal trashcan online and it's great for storing my potting soil.

    A vintage enamel top table doubles as a potting table or bench.
    And this is a Pepsi crate that I bought at an estate sale for $3.00. It's being repurposed into a gardening tool caddy (we're a Coke family here, so I didn't feel too bad in putting the Pepsi crate outside and making it work for a living).

    A vintage enamel top table doubles as a potting table or bench.

    So if you've always wanted a potting table or potting bench, but haven't wanted to DIY a whole thing with power saws and all that. And didn't want to spend the money on buying one pre-made . . . maybe make one out of something you have around the house.

    You just really need a sturdy table to get you going in the right direction after all.

    EDITED TO ADD:  Some people have asked me about this plant. It's a coleus.

    The place where I bought it didn't have too much info on the tag other than "coleus", but I think it is a Kong variety, which generally have huge leaves and taller plants.

    They do well when they get just a little early morning or late afternoon sun, although some coleus love the sun.

    A vintage enamel top table doubles as a potting table or bench.

    (This post contains some affiliate links for your convenience. You can read my full disclosure policy here.)

    The other thing people are asking is about the small metal trashcan - you can find them on Amazon HERE - Metal Trashcan . And coleus plants/seeds can be found HERE - Coleus Plants.

    « The One That Got Away
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    Comments

    1. dogsmom

      June 08, 2011 at 7:22 am

      That is an amazing transformation on the top. You can't see any signs of damage or wear. Wonderful choice of color.

      I am sure the drawer also comes in handy to keep tools close at hand.

    2. Lynn@ The Vintage Nest

      June 08, 2011 at 6:46 am

      great idea as a potting table!! I am looking for one too. I have a little potting shed and I think a table next to it would be so cute. So many projects...so little time. Have a wonderful day.

    3. Vicki

      June 08, 2011 at 6:32 am

      I think it is meant to be a potting table. It looks great out there with your new plants and the Pepsi crate. That is one cute table. I just love her.

    4. A Rosy Note

      June 07, 2011 at 11:45 pm

      Well, isn't that table handy? I love it as a potting bench. I'm the same way about plants...just keep buyin' them. Usually because some start not looking so good and then I need to refresh things 😉

    5. debbie--http://refreshrestyle.com/

      June 07, 2011 at 10:21 pm

      It looks great, great photos too!

    6. All That Glitters

      June 07, 2011 at 9:58 pm

      Too cute!!! I love coke too but I couldn't pass a good deal on a crate up!

    7. Charlene Austin

      June 07, 2011 at 9:54 pm

      Gorgeous table!

      And can I ever relate to you. I can't stop buying plants either. And don't get me started if a garage sale has perennials that they divided for sale.

    8. Debby

      June 07, 2011 at 9:08 pm

      Hi. Thanks for stopping by. I planted the impatients in the coke crate. I put a plastic bag down on the bottom. I had to make sure everything didn't run out the handles, hah. I just planted it two days ago. Hopefully it will fill out.

    9. La

      June 07, 2011 at 8:22 pm

      It makes an ideal potting table. Great thinking!

    10. Country Dreaming

      June 07, 2011 at 7:55 pm

      Beautiful! The table looks great out there.

      Melinda

    11. NanaDiana

      June 07, 2011 at 7:52 pm

      Pam - I am the same way with plants. I am trying to not buy so many this year..I really need to work on our front garden area before I do anything else.

      Your table is just adorable. I wish I had kept the old one I had! xo Diana

    12. Kim K.

      June 07, 2011 at 7:50 pm

      I have a thing for tables. Your table is simply divine. Nicely done.

    13. Lottie

      June 07, 2011 at 5:15 pm

      What a beautiful little table. I love the before and after pictures...I just love the blue and white!

    14. deborah

      June 07, 2011 at 4:44 pm

      I just found your blog and am now a follower. Great photos, great finds! Stop by and say hi!

    15. Debby

      June 07, 2011 at 4:40 pm

      Hah, I am a coke person as well. Check out the post I just posted, it has a Coke crate.

    16. Olive Cooper

      June 07, 2011 at 4:34 pm

      It's a great potting table. Gardeners are never ever satisfied and never have enough plants! ♥O

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