As the growing season winds down towards the end of summer – and your motivation with it – it can be tempting to toss your tools into a shed and forget about them until spring. However, the way you store them could make or break how they hold up for next year’s planting.
Cooler temperatures, wetter weather, and fluctuating humidity can take a toll on tools if left unprotected, experts say.
Learning how our pro gardeners store gardening tools properly in the fall will help you avoid common tool storage mistakes and save you a lot of money and frustration next spring.
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1. Clean tools first
Cleaning tools prolongs their lifespan.
(Image credit: Future)
Before you can go about organizing a potting shed, you need to employ some cleaning tips first.
Ben Ashton, CEO of Rocky Mountain Turf, says, ‘This may feel unnecessary. After all, if you’re storing them in a dry garage and they’re just going to get dirty again next spring, why bother?’
However, as Ben explains, ‘Letting dirt linger on your tools is going to lead to corrosion, even in relatively dry conditions. Trace minerals in the soil will have more time to interact with the metal during winter storage, and fluctuating humidity and temperatures can lead to condensation that dirt will soak up.’
Cleaning gardening tools is also a lot simpler than trying to control humidity in a shed or garage. The Boot Buddy tool, from Amazon, may have been designed to clean footwear, but the built-in water chamber, sturdy scrubbing brush, and mud scraper make it a great tool for gardening supplies, too.
While cleaning tools, don’t forget to also drain any larger yard machines, Ben adds. ‘Gasoline and motor oil will change consistency and lose effectiveness in cold temperatures.’
2. Keep them indoors
Keep tools sheltered from rain.
(Image credit: Carroll Cartwright)
There are several garden items to never leave outside in winter, and your tools are one of them.
Ben says, ‘Keep soil, seeds, and chemicals indoors if possible. These are the kinds of things that are especially vulnerable to temperature swings and pests in the garage. The one exception is if you’re overwintering native seeds; many of them need the cold weather to germinate properly.’
Decluttering a shed and investing in some solid shed organization ideas that are protected with waterproofing and insulation will keep your tools safe from damage if you cannot bring tools into your home. For smaller tools, the Hyper Tough Toolbox, from Amazon, can prove useful.
3. Keep tools off the ground
Keep tools elevated to keep them safe from damp and pests.
(Image credit: Carroll Cartwright)
When keeping tools in garages and sheds in Fall, John Coykendall, Master Gardener at Blackberry Farm shares, ‘It is best to hang tools on a wall in a garden shed or any other dry location during these seasons. Keeping tools stored where they can remain dry and avoid the cold ground or damp weather will allow your tools to last for many years.’
Using vertical storage can save space, too. This Tool Storage Rack, from Walmart, mounts to the wall and can hold up to 250lbs of equipment.
4. Preserve wooden tools
Wooden tools need special care to keep them safe in damp falls.
(Image credit: Carroll Cartwright)
Wooden handled tools are some of the best eco-friendly yard tools, but they are more prone to moisture damage than plastic and metal.
To overcome this when storing tools in the fall, John shares, ‘A tip to preserve wooden handles of tools is to make a mixture of half parts turpentine and half parts linseed oil [both from Lowe’s] and apply to any wooden handles with a dry cloth. Doing so will help keep your wood moisturized and prolong the lifespan of your wooden tools.’
5. Store batteries indoors
Keep batteries indoors, where they are safe from moisture and temperature fluctuations.
(Image credit: Future / M+M MANAGEMENT (DAVIDE LOVATTI))
While batteries are one of the many items you should never store in a shed, it is especially important in the fall.
Ben says, ‘Battery-powered gardening tools are great, but the batteries will struggle with cold temperatures.’
The same goes for storing garden tools over winter. We suggest keeping the batteries in a small, sealed tool storage box from Walmart, which can keep them safe from damage when stored in your home.
What to shop
Complete set
Hyper Tough Hyper Stack Rolling Toolbox System
This stacking, heavy duty rolling tool box system is perfect for all of your garden and DIY tools, keeping them secure ad safe from damage.
Easy to store
Hyper Tough 19-Inch Toolbox
Only have a few hand tools for your yard? This handy locking toolbox is ideal for keeping them safe from moisture and pests when stored in a shed over the fall.
Tough on grime
Dawn Platinum Powerwash Dish Spray
Dawn PowerWash is perfect for fighting tough grime on gardening tools. Simply spray onto the tool, and scrub with warm water before drying completely and storing.
Pack of 2
Suptree Heavy-Duty Scrub Brushes
Yard tools are sturdy, so you can get away with a stiff-bristled brush to help dislodge stuck-on dirt and soil.
Holds 450lbs
Riousery Garage Tool Organizer
This rust-resistant wall tool storage rack is ideal for keeping larger yard tools off the floor and away from pests through fall.
Preserve wooden tools
U.s. Art Supply Refined Linseed Oil
Preserve wooden tools and protect them from moisture and temperature fluctuations by preparing them with linseed oil.
Meet the experts
Ben Ashton
Founder of Rocky Mountain Turf
Ben is the CEO of Rocky Mountain Turf, the region’s leading synthetic turf company. They provide innovative, safe, and fun solutions that reduce both water use and maintenance.
John Coykendall
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Master Gardener at Blackberry Farm
Keeping your essential gardening tools safe and secure over the fall will not only save you money come next spring, but help towards zero-waste gardening too, reducing the need for replacements.
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