Potting Sheds

Why choose a Potting Shed over a Greenhouse?

For many UK gardeners, the choice between a Greenhouse and a potting shed is difficult. The decision usually comes down to insulation versus light.

While a glass greenhouse offers maximum light transmission for high-yield summer crops (like tomatoes and cucumbers), it offers very little insulation. A potting shed uses a large angled glass front to capture sunlight, but relies on solid timber back and side walls to keep the heat in.

This makes a potting shed superior for:

• Early Season Propagation: The warmer internal temperature helps seeds germinate earlier in the year.
• Secure Storage: You can hang tools on the wooden walls and lock expensive equipment away safely out of sight.
• Working Comfort: The solid timber floor and draft-proof walls make it a comfortable place to work, even on damp February afternoons.

The Swallow Difference: ThermoWood®

All the potting sheds we stock are built by Swallow (GB) using ThermoWood®. This is not standard shed timber. The wood is heat-treated to over 200°C, which removes moisture and resin. This process prevents the wood from warping, twisting, or rotting, and means you do not need to treat the timber for the first few years.

Key Features Standard on All Models:

• Toughened Safety Glass: 10x stronger than horticultural glass and shatters safely if broken.
• Auto-Vent Openers: Roof vents open automatically when the shed gets hot to prevent overheating.
• Timber Floor: A solid floor is included (unlike most greenhouses which require a separate base).
• Staging: Full-length potting benches are included as standard.

Choosing Your Model: Jay vs. Rook

We stock two primary ranges of potting shed to suit different garden widths.

1. The Swallow Jay (6ft Wide)

The Swallow Jay Potting Shed is our most popular model for urban gardens. Being 6ft wide, it fits comfortably in most spaces while still offering a full-depth potting bench on one side.

• Best for: Small to medium gardens, propagation, and tool storage.
• Door: Single door with mortise lock.

2. The Swallow Rook (8ft Wide)

The Swallow Rook Potting Shed offers significant extra volume. The 8ft width allows for wider aisles or additional storage on the non-glazed side. It feels less like a shed and more like a garden workshop.

• Best for: Serious enthusiasts, larger gardens, and those who want a chair and heater inside.
• Door: Double doors are available on larger sizes.

Installation Process

We believe transparent pricing is essential. All our Potting Sheds include delivery and installation in the price shown.

1. Ordering: Select your size and accessories.
2. Lead Time: Swallow will manufacture your building to order (typically 4-8 weeks depending on season).
3. Base Prep: You must have a flat, level, solid base (concrete or paving slabs) ready before the team arrives.
4. Installation: The professional fitting team will arrive and construct the building, usually within a few hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How much do potting sheds cost?

  Wooden potting sheds typically range from £643 for a 6x4 model to £9995+ for larger 8x10 painted versions. Most customers choose mid-range sizes like 6x8 potting sheds which balance growing space with affordability. All prices include free UK mainland delivery and professional installation.

• Do I need planning permission for a potting shed?

  Most potting sheds don't need planning permission if they're under 2.5m high and take up less than 50% of your garden area. Buildings within 2m of a boundary must be under 2.5m tall. Check your local council's planning portal for specific rules — conservation areas and listed buildings have different requirements.

• What's better: pressure-treated or ThermoWood potting sheds?

  ThermoWood potting sheds last 25–30 years with minimal maintenance because heat treatment changes the wood's cellular structure. Pressure-treated versions need annual retreatment to maintain their 10–15 year protection. ThermoWood costs 15–20% more upfront but saves money over time — no regular painting or treating needed.

• What base do I need for a potting shed?

  A firm, level base is essential — either a concrete base or paving slab base that's fully slabbed. The base should match your potting shed's footprint dimensions exactly. Poor bases cause door alignment issues and void warranties — it's worth doing properly.

• Can I use a potting shed for general storage?

  Yes, potting sheds work brilliantly for dual use. The glazed half gives you growing space for seedlings and tender plants, while the solid rear section with shelving stores tools, pots, and garden equipment. Many customers use them as combined greenhouse shed combis for maximum flexibility.

• How long do potting sheds take to install?

  Professional installation typically takes 1–2 days depending on size. We deliver and install within 8–12 weeks after you confirm your base is ready. Our free installation service covers assembly, glazing, and fitting automatic vents — you don't lift a finger. Just prepare the base and we handle everything else.