Five ways to transform your shed

No one wants a weather-beaten eyesore taking up valuable space in the garden or allotment. So, it’s important to keep your shed in good condition and not let it fall into disrepair.

Paint the outside panels with a brush or sprayer to shield the wood from rain, frost and snow in winter, and fading from summer sun. Waterproofing and treatment formulas can be applied to rough or planed wood – one coat should last between    2-5 years. 

• Create a focal point in the garden using bright, zingy colours, stripes and contrasting tones. 

• Neutral shades, such as olive green, blend in with surrounding planting.

• Use black, deep blue and other dark colours to make a small garden seem bigger and the shed appear further away. 

• A natural looking coating, such as a paint stain or wood varnish, subtly enhances the timber exterior.

They might have a reputation as a bit of a dumping ground, but you can keep garden tools neatly stowed away, and declutter your shed with style. 

• Free up floor space by screwing hooks and nails into the walls and ceiling. Buy ready-made tool racks or make your own using timber from a local DIY store. 

• Erect shelves to hold plant pots, spray bottles, seed trays, fertiliser etc.        Keep netting and fleece in baskets or crates. 

• Old vintage cupboards and filing cabinets are good for storing bits and pieces.

Think of the shed roof as another growing space. It also acts like natural camouflage – providing an extra layer of insulation and a home for wildlife.

• To make a green roof, place a shallow-edged wooden frame on the existing roof, line with plastic and fill with light plant substrate.  

• Cover with drought-tolerant plants such as acaena, sedums and grasses. 

• Nearby wildflowers will start to naturally colonise the roof too.

Run out of growing space on the ground? Then use the shed walls. 

• Attach shelves and guttering for hanging pots. Or place growing bags at the base for fast-growing veg, herbs, fruits and more permanent perennials.

• Encourage self-clinging plants such as climbing hydrangea (may also need additional support) and ivy. Attach trellis or wires for clematis, honeysuckle and jasmine. 

• Create living walls using young, compact plants that can take regular pruning and establish quickly. Sold as kits, living wall systems often include built-in watering.

Playing outside, away from electronic devices, boosts children’s concentration and coordination, as well as their health and happiness. And you won’t need a magic wand to turn your shed into a castle, pirate ship or dragon’s lair! Let everyone’s imagination run wild – maybe adding props like bunting and old furniture for inspiration.