While gardeners in warm climates of Florida, Texas and Southern California are busy planting winter crops, many other gardeners are wrapping up the garden season. That means getting organized. But whether you’re actively gardening right now or not, organizing your tools is always a good idea. In the off season it allows you to make more space for other garden and yard supplies. During the growing season, it keeps you sane. There’s nothing worse than trying to find that favorite cultivator, hoe or rake and not know where it’s hidden in the garage or basement.
The key to successful organizing is to have a plan and stick with it. If you have a spot designated to store hand tools, put them back there every time. That way you’ll intuitively know where to look when searching for that favorite tool. Here are some tips for storing garden tools and supplies.
Think Vertical
Most gardeners have limited space to store garden supplies and tools. Wherever you can, hang them! Hang long-handled tools on walls and hand tools off counters and desks. Use VELCRO® Brand Sticky Back fasteners to attach the supporting hooks to hang heavy tools such as rakes and hoes. There are even VELCRO® Brand Extreme Outdoor fasteners that adhere to rough surfaces such as concrete and brick.
Store Small Tools & Supplies Together
If you can’t hang smaller tools, such as hand cultivators, pruners, and trowels, store them together in a plastic bin and mark the bin with a permanent marker. You can store fertilizers, gloves, and soil amendments in separate bins. Plastic bins will keep everything dry, too. Storing similar tools and supplies together gives you a heads up on where to look for that favorite pruner.
Store Seeds In Clear Packets
Store loose seeds, packets and printed information in VELCRO® Brand PRESS-LOK® Bags. These bags seal tightly keeping seeds and papers dry. Also, they are see-through so you can quickly look to see which seeds are in which bags for quick use.
How are you preparing for the colder months?
