Sheds and Groundhogs

Everyone loves Punxsutawney Phil, the Pennsylvania groundhog with a legendary knack for predicting the weather . If you're getting ready to add a backyard shed, there are two important things to learn from Phil, whether or not there's an early spring.

Phil's legend, of course, revolves around his shadow ...

From groundhog.org:

According to legend, if Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow, there will be six more weeks of winter weather. If he does not see his shadow, there will be an early spring.

Finding the right location for your new shed is all-important. You want to be like Phil. Look for your shadow! Check out all the possible spots in your yard on different days throughout the year ... especially on those days when you would be much happier in hibernation. Check out those spots at multiple times during the day. You want to see how the shadows fall on each location and how much sunlight you'll have from early in the morning through the late afternoon.

Don't forget to repeat this exercise on windy days. You'll be happiest puttering around in your shed in the middle of the winter if you avoid placing it where a direct blast of icy winter air can whistle up under the eaves. Put a solid insulated face to the north and a bunch of glazing to the sun-drenched south and you'll be well on your way to creating a cozy workspace.

The second thing to learn from Phil?

Don't build your shed in a manner that allows the groundhogs to build burrows underneath your shed ...