How To DIY A Mess-Free Garden Potting Station With IKEA Faves
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Anyone who has tried repotting plants indoors knows the struggle: one moment you're working with soil and greenery, and the next, you're dealing with a mess of potting mix scattered everywhere. From the kitchen sink to your dining room table, you may be wondering if repotting your favorite houseplants was really that easy? Even working outside can be a hassle — wind scatters soil, bags topple over, and the cleanup feels endless, taking away from the joy of a freshly potted plant. You also may lose a significant amount of mix to these accidents. Luckily, there's a smart solution that involves a plastic drawer and an old IKEA drying rack — transforming both into a mess-free potting station.
What makes this IKEA hack so useful is that it eliminates common frustrations of gardening. You won't need to lug around large bags of soil to an area that can get dirty or worry about wasting precious potting mix each time you plant. It allows you to comfortably work in one spot, while collecting everything neatly. Gone are the days of delicately balancing a pot on the edge of a sink or trying to scoop soil back into the bag. This trick is also entirely affordable, only requiring a simple plastic bin and an existing outdoor table — whether it's a DIY garden table made from old wooden pallets or a store-bought version. It's the perfect way to upcycle an old IKEA MAGASIN Dish Drainer that you have around the house, giving it new life as a gardening essential. That model is no longer available at IKEA, so you can use a similar slatted drainer if you don't have a MAGASIN. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting out, you'll appreciate this compact, mess-free solution that provides the perfect potting station without complicated construction.
Creating the perfect gardening bench
The genius of this project lies in its simple setup. Start with a solid gardening bench — preferably wooden, but any material can work as long as there is an opening for your bin. Grab a lightweight storage bin (like the Sterilite Stackable Storage Drawer). Using part of a plastic drawer set allows you to retain the drawer slides so you can pull the plastic bin out easily. Carefully measure and cut a rectangular opening into the surface that fits the plastic bin. Hook the bin securely underneath the cutout using nails or sturdy brackets on the inner edges of the bench. Next comes the clever part: dismantle an IKEA MAGASIN Dish Drainer (or a similar drainer) and reassemble it to lay flat across your opening. This creates a grate-like surface that allows for excess potting soil to fall directly into the bin as you work, keeping your workspace clean and organized.
@blondesigns Potting Station DIY 🪴#diy #girlypopworkshop
Once your basic setup is complete, you can truly make it your own. Stain or paint the wood to fit the aesthetic of your patio, or swap the dish rack for a metal grate if you want a more industrial look. You can add a system of bins under your gardening bench to keep all of your garden essentials organized. Always empty the bin after each potting session to avoid overloading the plastic, as it can potentially cause the bottom to fall out. You should also ensure that the wooden grate is secure before adding any weight to it. With these simple precautions and potential customizations, your bench will stay safe and sturdy while also serving as a stylish, efficient workspace. By rethinking a few simple pieces, you'll end up with a potting station that's not only practical, but also surprisingly stunning.