Storing Garden Materials

"A place for everything and everything in its place." This time-honored phrase isn't just for the office or home, it applies to your garden as well. Leftover bags of potting soil and fertilizer should be tightly sealed or kept in airtight containers to keep them dry.

Tools should be cleaned and stored in a dry location. This includes not only large items like shovels and rakes, but also smaller items like pruners and trowels. Certain tools will also need periodic sharpening and oiling. Lawn mowers, chain saws, and other power tools should be stored unplugged and in a secure location.

Always remember to store pesticides out of the reach of children and in their original containers. Take care of your garden supplies and they'll serve you well for years to come.

UF/IFAS Publications

• Garden Tool Maintenance (PDF)
• Tool Life (PDF)

Also on Gardening in a Minute

• Garden Sheds
• Pesticide Storage
• Caring for Your Tools
• Storing Garden Hoses

Other Sites

• Get Ready, Get Set, Get Organized!--Arizona Cooperative Extension
• Machinery Storage: Put It Away Clean, Dry, and Lubricated--Utah State University Cooperative Extension
• Potting Soil Fires and Your Safety--Ephrata (WA) Fire Department (PDF)
• Safe Winter Storage of Pesticides and Fertilizers--Stone Brothers (NC)
• Winterizing Your Yard and Garden Equipment--University of Tennessee Extension