Not every gardening task needs to take place in the open air and jobs such as potting are much easier to complete at worktop height. A potting bench can be a practical addition to your shed or workshop, providing a surface to work from as well as additional storage. If you have limited space, a simple potting tray can also be a useful choice to help you contain any mess while potting.
Below, we have sourced some of the best potting benches and trays available. There are a range of options included, covering various sizes from full benches with incorporated storage to maneuverable table-top trays. The products are also constructed from a range of materials including galvanised steel for durability and FSC-certified (Forest Stewardship Council) wood which is sustainably sourced.
You will need:
Once you’ve chosen your potting bench, there’s a range of accessories that will help you get started. Check out our expert tests and inspirational round ups, listed below.
If you usually work from a shed or outdoor workshop, you may find our shed storage ideas useful, as well as our guide to the best garden sheds.
10 of the best potting benches and trays
Browse our list of some of the best potting benches and trays.
Forest Potting Bench
This potting bench has a storage shelf below and a lip around the sides and the back to contain the compost as you work. It’s made from FSC-certified wood, which is sustainably sourced and has been pressure treated for durability. It comes with a 15 year anti-rot guarantee. The bench arrives flatpack to be assembled at home.
Dimensions: H108 x W92 x D52cm
Price: £63.08
Buy Forest Potting Bench at Keen Gardener
Moreton Potting Bench
Ideal for those who could do with a little extra storage, this potting bench from Not On The High Street has two drawers, designed especially for storing loose soil. There are also handy hooks for hanging tools along the side, plus a shelf for tubs, watering cans or extra trays. This bench is part of a wider Moreton range, so you can coordinate it with other pieces for your shed or workshop if you choose.
Dimensions: H91 x W89 x D40cm
Price: £349.50
Buy Moreton Potting Bench at Garden Trading
Aldsworth Potting Table
The Aldsworth potting table is made from sustainably sourced, untreated Spruce wood. There’s is a sheet metal worktop which is galvanised for durability plus three drawers and a slatted shelf for versatile storage. The muted grey wood frame makes it a stylish and understated choice which wouldn’t look out of a place in a kitchen.
Dimensions: H82 x W110 x D40.5cm
Price: £315
Buy Aldsworth Potting Table at Garden Trading
Rowlinson Potting Station
This potting bench features a zinc coated steel worktop to provide a hard-wearing surface for potting, planting and other gardening tasks. The frame is constructed from FSC timber and has large upper and lower shelving offering useful space for all your gardening essentials, plus additional hooks.
Dimensions: H162 x W103 x D53cm
Price: £244.13
Buy Rowlinson Potting Station at Amazon
Relaxdays Balkontisch Planting Work Table with Wheels
This traditional wooden potting bench has handy wheels so it’s effortless to move when needed. There’s a flat, plastic work surface, which is easy to clean, as well as a removable potting tray – a useful feature that keeps the area tidy when filling pots. Two shelves and a drawer are a welcome solution for storage. It comes flatpack, ready to be assembled.
Dimensions: H120 x W97 x D48cm
Price: £89.56
Buy Relaxdays Balkontisch Potting Table Bench With Wheels and Tray at Amazon
Florenity Grigio Potting Table
The Florenity Grigio Potting Table is made from 100 per cent FSC Eucalyptus wood which should be robust and durable for outdoor use. It’s compact with two levels; one for working from with a raised back and sides to prevent spillage and another beneath for storage. It’s guaranteed for one year.
Dimensions: H112 x W70 x D41cm
Price: £135
Buy Florenity Grigio Potting Table at Robert Dyas
Palram Steel Work Bench
This practical work bench is made from rust proof, galvanised steel. The lower shelf is adjustable and can allow a generous amount of headroom for storing larger items such as tall plant pots and watering cans if needed and the bench has a raised lip around the sides to keep compost contained.
Dimensions: H80 x W50 x D114cm
Price: £89.99
Buy Palram Steel Work Bench at A1 Sheds
HomCom Wooden Potting Bench
This stylish design is slightly narrower than others on the market, which is useful for tight spaces, yet its work surface still offers plenty of room for potting plants, as well as including an integrated sink to keep things clean and tidy. The back is divided into two: one half is a trellis, which can be used for hanging tools or decorating with LED lights; the other is a chalk board – ideal for writing lists or making notes.
Dimensions: H119.5 x W92 x 42.5cm
Price: £79.99
Buy HomCom Wooden Potting Bench at Amazon
Still not found the right design for you? For other potting benches and tables, try Robert Dyas, Wayfair, Aosom and Mano Mano
Two Wests and Elliott Aluminium Potting Tray
This tray is designed to sit on top of an existing bench, garden table or other work surface. The wide base gives plenty of space to work in while the sloped sides, high back panel and raised front lip help prevent spillage, keeping the surrounding surface clear. The tray arrives ready to be assembled at home.
Dimensions: H28 x W61 x D53cm
Price: £32.45
Buy Two Wests and Elliott Aluminium Potting Tray at Two Wests and Elliott
Tierra Garden Tidy Tray
This lightweight tidy tray by Tierra Garden is a handy accessory for your existing gardening bench or workspace. You can even use it to bring your gardening tasks indoors with limited mess. A high back and raised sides and front help to keep everything inside the tray
Dimensions: H20 x W61 x D56cm
Price: £14.35
Buy Tierra Garden Tidy Tray at Amazon
Looking for something different? Check out other potting trays on Two Wests and Elliott, Ebay and Plastic Box Shop
This Product Guide was last updated in March 2022 and we apologise if anything has changed in price or availability.
