How to Store Garden Tools
Are you trying to figure out a neat way to arrange your garden tools for a more organized household? Learning how to store garden tools systematically can help you achieve this. You can keep garden tools in different parts of your home.
However, to truly achieve the perfect organizing pattern, you have to figure out the right arrangement and location for doing so. Here’s an in-depth guide on how to store garden tools so you can finally have a neat and well-organized home.
How to Clean and Care for Your Tools
The number one step to properly organizing your gardening tools is first to clean them. As you use your tools to work on your garden, they will eventually collect mud and dirt.
After all, tools coated with mud and dirt can easily trap moisture and create the perfect environment for pathogen growth. Here’s how to clean your tools.
Tools Needed
- Chlorine bleach
- Large bucket
- Wire brush
- Turpentine and vinegar (optional)
- Clean old cloth
- Linseed oil or WD-40
Step 1: Remove Excess Mud, and Dirt Build Up
If the tools have stubborn dirt build-up, invest in a solution to dissolve the dirt. Alternatively, you can DIY your own solution by mixing a cup of chlorine bleach with a half to one gallon of water in a bucket. Next, submerge your tools and let them soak for about 10 to 20 minutes.
When done, rinse the tools with clean room temperature water. If there is still some excess dirt, use a wire brush to scrub it off. Other solutions such as turpentine and vinegar are effective at removing sap rust.
Step 2: Dry and Treat the Tools
Lastly, pat the tools dry with a clean old cloth. Apply a light coating of linseed oil to the wood handles of the tools. Doing so prevents the wood from cracking and other similar damages while giving it a layer of water and moisture proofing. If your garden tools are made with metals that are susceptible to rusting, apply a coat of linseed oil or WD-40 to the metal surface.
How to Store Your Tools in the Garage
You can choose to store your garden tools in a garage or shed. If you don’t have enough space to set up a shed, your garage is the next best option. After all, most people use it as a mini-workshop, storing power and work tools for home use.
However, before you toss your gardening tools inside the garage, make sure you prepare the right environment. You shouldn’t create a hazardous environment.
Most garden tools come with pre-drilled holes to attach them to a nail and hang them on a wall.
If your tools lack this hole, you can use a drill to put a hole in each. Make sure the hanging nails on the wall leave enough space between each other, so the tools don’t pile up on each other. Keep the tools off the ground by ensuring the hanging nail is placed a little higher on the wall.
How to Store Your Tools in Shed
If your garage is packed or you fear the tools may fall on your vehicles, a shed is an excellent location for storing your gardening tools. An outdoor shed allows you to store your tools without worrying about falling hazards. After all, unlike a garage, a shed is less frequented by people. During extreme weather, it also offers excellent protection for your tools.
To organize the tools in your shed, you can attach a garden tool hanger to the wall. Alternatively, you can opt for a budget-friendly DIY option. Simply drill nails or hooks into the walls of your shed, leaving enough space between each tool. When done, you can hang your tools.
Other Tips: How to Store Garden Tools
Storing your garden tools shouldn’t be limited to the garage or shed. If these two locations don’t work out for you for any reason, you can opt for other alternatives. Here are some smart tips on how to store garden tools:
- Build racks with attachment loops on your backyard wall
- Create a pegboard and attach your gardening tools. You can opt for a decorative pegboard that doubles as backyard décor.
- Build a DIY shelf using scrap wood laying around your home
- If you don’t have many tools, you can use gardening furniture to double as storage bins. An excellent example of these includes a big garden bench or table.
