Simple garden tasks always seem to deteriorate into monumental projects that end up in the kitchen. Remedy this space invasion by having one spot for all of your equipment, a great work surface, and plenty of storage at your fingertips. Our ultimate workstation incorporates the elements we think are important and offers you plenty of opportunities to make it your own. Two versions of the plan provide added choices in budget and size.

The Features We Love
• Easy-to-clean work surface
• One large drawer for small tools, markers, etc. (The drawer's bottom has small slats that allow stray soil to fall through for easy maintenance.)
• A side spindle for twine
• Hooks to hang small hand tools
• Bottom shelf with ample room for plastic storage bins (Keep fertilizers and chemicals dry; lock containers to childproof.)
• An optional sliding bin for soil or trash

Built for Function
Place the workstation in a convenient location. Constructed from pressure-treated pine, it's equally at home indoors or out. Leave the wood au naturel, or dress it up with stain or paint. Make the top from the same material, or have it covered with brushed aluminum (as we did), galvanized tin, or copper. A metal fabrication shop can do this for you.

A 12-quart storage container from www.spacesavers.com becomes the under-the-table potting soil holder. The Kreg pocket-hole kit can be purchased at home centers or at www.kregtool.com.

Build It Yourself
Order detailed plans and step-by-step instructions for our Garden Workstation. This plan is available via e-mail as a printable PDF. To order send a $4 check made payable to Southern Living Projects and your e-mail address to: Garden Workstation Project, Southern Living Projects, P.O. Box 11407, Lockbox 1014, Birmingham, AL 35246-1014. If you prefer to receive a copy by regular mail, include a self-addressed, stamped (with two first-class, letter-rate stamps), business-size envelope with your check. Allow four to six weeks for delivery.

"A Neat Workstation" is from the February 2008 issue of Southern Living.