DO YOU NEED A HOLDING BED?

The growing season may be winding down, but there’s still plenty of time to tackle a few more outdoor projects. Installing a holding bed—essentially, a temporary planting area—is a quick and simple build that deserves a place on your autumn to-do list.

Also known as a nursery bed, a holding bed is invaluable for a variety of propagation projects. It’s a handy spot for seeds that need winter chilling or that take months to germinate. Sink the seed pots up to their rims into the holding bed, and you won’t have to water them as often or worry about them getting knocked over. If you take cuttings of perennials or woody plants, planting them in a holding bed for a few