5 Tips for Storing Your Garden Tools Away for Autumn

With the end of summer, comes a whole new set of challenges for gardeners.

Instead of worrying about watering your plants and finding pollinators, now you need to find somewhere to store your tools for winter, as well as tips on how to protect your outdoor equipment from rain, frost and snow.

However challenging it seems at first, storing your garden tools is actually quite simple and can be achieved with a bit of preparation. You just need some planning ahead and a few helpful tips from fellow gardeners before tackling this task.

Know when to put your tools away
The best thing to do when storing your gardening tools is to find out the best time to do it.
When exactly is the correct time to store your gardening tools for winter? Well, there is no specific date that you must follow, but rather a few factors that you need to take into account.

If you want to make sure your gardening tools are ready for winter, you need to start planning six to eight weeks ahead. This will allow you enough time to prepare for the next growing season.

Starting in September will allow you to clean up and put away your tools before the ground starts to freeze and become hard. This will help you save time and effort in the long run.

When to store your gardening tools depends on the climate in your region. So, you need to check your weather forecast. And make sure that the ground isn't frozen yet.

Don't forget the oil
When you clean your gardening tools, don't forget the oil. It's a great way to protect your tools from rust and corrosion. Just make sure you use a high-quality oil that isn't watered down.

Some oils need to be applied before you clean your tools. So, if you don't know when and how to oil your equipment, it's best to follow the instructions on the product's label.

When your tools are still wet, put them on a clean surface like a tarp or table. Then apply the oil evenly, making sure you don't miss any spot. Finally, let them dry before you put them away.

Protect from rain and snow
If you live in a wet climate and want to protect your gardening tools from moisture, you can cover them with a tarpaulin or a sheet. You can also create a DIY cover with a tarp, gardening twine and wooden stakes.

You can also store them in a shed or garage if you have one. Or if you don't, you can build one. You can also invest in a high-quality storage shed. If you don't have a shed or garage, you can use tarps to cover your equipment.

However, make sure they are big enough to cover everything. You can also create a shaded area with blankets to act as a temporary space.

Store your equipment properly
If you have a shed or a garage, you have a perfect place to store your tools. But, before putting them away, make sure you clean them. Use a cleaning agent that is meant for gardening tools.

If you don't have any, you can also make one at home. Just mix some lemon juice, hot water and white vinegar. With your tools clean, you can start putting them away. Make sure you keep them in their original cases and don't mix them with other items.

You can also create a garden tool wall. It will help you organize your tools properly and save space. If you don't have a shed or garage, you can use a plastic storage box or a wooden garden tool chest to keep your tools protected. You can also use an old wooden trunk or an ottoman.

If you have a porch, you can store your tools there. Just remember to protect them from the elements.

Make use of your shed or garage
If you have a shed or a garage, you should be using it to store more than just gardening equipment. You can use it to store other tools or equipment you use on a regular basis.

You can also turn it into a home office if you don't have one. You can use it for storing your computer, printer and all the essentials for your desk.

If you have kids, you can also use it to store their toys. It can be a great way to save space and keep these items away from prying eyes. You can use these spaces to store your gardening tools and other items properly. Just make sure you clean them and organize them properly.

You can use different containers to store your gardening tools. You can also use old wooden crates or trunks that are lying around to store your gardening tools. If you choose to go with wooden boxes, make sure they are properly sealed with a sealer or wood glue.

In Conclusion
The end of summer means that you need to store your gardening tools away. This doesn't mean you have to put them in the attic, though.

You can create a stylish gardening tool storage area in your home with a few simple upgrades.

You can also create a DIY garden tool storage box, with a bit of effort.

Now that you know when to put your tools away, how to protect them from the rain and snow, and how to store them properly, you can easily follow these tips and prepare for the coming winter.