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I took advantage of the sudden bout of fall-like weather to get a jump on some fall cleanup. But this time, I was not in the garden but in my garden shed.
Whether you have a shed or a space in your garage, here are a few practical tips to gain control over the accumulations of garden stuff.
Start by assembling all garden related stuff in one location. I use the driveway, but it could be the lawn in front of your shed. As you are gathering all your tools, pots, fertilizers and other things, put them into groups of similar things.
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Don’t forget to make a pile of all the broken, damaged and empty containers. Also create a pile of all the stuff you don’t use and never have used. These items can be donated or sold, making more room for the things you use all the time.
Sweep out the space and get ready to put things back.
For me, if I cannot see it, I forget about it, so all my storage bins are clear so I can see what is inside. I have a bin for fertilizers and garden chemicals. Another couple of bins for pots that are sorted by size. I have a bin of potting soil, I try not to put any bags of stuff on my garden shelves.
Now, when it comes to tools, I have about 10 or 12 items I use all the time and probably six items for special jobs and I can get rid of all the rest.
Here is the list of what I feel are necessary tools. Buy quality tools and they will last forever.
- Hand pruners
- Loppers or lopping shears
- Pruning saw
- Dirt or hard rake
- Fan or leaf rake
- Long handled shovel
- Hoe or cultivator
- Tarp
- Watering can
- Weed bucket
- Garden gloves
- Other specialty tools which can be useful include:
- Edger
- Pole pruner
- Spade
- Sod lifter
Every gardener will have their own favourite tools and, over time, you will notice the tools you use the most. Since you have all your tools laying out where you can see them, pull out the ones you use all the time and look at what is left behind. I ended up with four shovels and I only ever use one. I decided to share the others with family members.
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I store all my tools by hanging them on the wall with their heads up and handles down. This allows any moisture that may build up where the handle and head join to drain out and my tools last longer. Other gardeners I know sort their tools in a garbage can or drum with their hands up. Make sure there are drainage holes in the bottom.
I also have hooks where I can hang my garden gloves up to dry. There are tonnes of ideas on the internet of different ways to organize your tools and sheds.
I like that everything has a home and can be found or put away quickly.
Get a jump of fall cleaning and put your garden tools in order.
Denise Hodgins is a professional gardening coach in London. Send your questions to coaching@diggendirtdesigns.com
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