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How To Store Your Summer Gardening Tools

Garage Storage

Yard work–gardening in particular–is all about good intentions. The season starts and you plant with the goal of weeding, growing, watering, picking, eating, and even canning. But the reality is, life gets busy. Flowers don’t get watered and gardens don’t get weeded as often as they should, and by mid-August, the yard starts to show signs of 100-degree weather and consecutive days of full sun. When November rolls around, everyone is mentally done with gardening and looking forward to the fast-approaching holidays. But, if you could press pause for a moment and talk to your bright-eyed, well-intentioned self who will show up next spring, you’d advise her to take the time now to consider how to store garden tools so she’s set up for future success.

We know this is all easier said than done–storing garden tools can be messy and a major hassle due to their many shapes and sizes. Plus, when you’ve been using your garage the same way day after day, it’s hard to envision other solutions that can make your current storage situation any better. However, we also know you don’t want your gardening tools lying around haphazardly where they could get broken or misplaced, create clutter, or take up more space than is necessary, especially during the seasons when they’re not in use.

That’s why we’re here to provide a fresh perspective (almost as fresh as your flowers and produce will be in the spring) on how to organize garden tools in the garage. A little time and investment in your garage organization now will go a long way in the future. Our design experts can configure space-saving garage storage options in your existing space to make your gardening tools easy to find, grab, and ready to go, saving you time and cutting stress. Plus, our team of professionals completely tackles your garage transformation for you, making the whole process even easier than maintaining your garden. Keep reading to learn how to improve your seasonal gardening tool storage capabilities and the overall day-to-day functionality of your garage.

Garage Drawer Storage

Take Stock of Your Tools & Identify Storage Needs

When considering garden tool storage ideas, the best place to start is by identifying all the gardening tools you have and categorizing them by type, use, size, when you need to access them, or how often you access them–whatever makes the most sense and feels the best to you. Don’t worry, our design experts help with this! They’ll work with you to determine how you want your new garage storage system to function, as well as help you take inventory of everything you have stored in your garage to ensure your new design has the appropriate types of storage solutions. Our designers are also adept at finding ways to create more space with smart storage solutions, so you’ll be able to store more in your garage than you may have thought possible.

Basic Cleaning and Maintenance to Prepare Tools for Storage

When it comes time to think about how to store yard tools, the general consensus is that cleaning, sharpening, and maintaining your tools before storing them ensures they remain in good condition for the next use and last as long as possible. Let’s be honest though, not everyone sharpens their tools–that’s often for the more serious gardeners. Simply wiping away any dirt and completely drying off your tools before storing them will absolutely suffice and help you get your money’s worth. Trust us, you’ll thank yourself next spring!

Another important note–one of the best things to do when storing yard tools is to make sure they have a safe, dry space off the ground to keep them away from moisture and prevent rusting. But, we’re only human. If you happen to find rust spots on your gardening tools, there are a handful of super simple ways to clean them up, like soaking them in a vinegar bath, so they last a lifetime.

Creating Zones for Different Tools

We often recommend homeowners organize their garage and plan out garden tool storage by creating specific zones for different types of tools, keeping like-tools and supplies together so that they’re easy to find, access, and put away.

  • Planting needs: soil, seeds, gloves, watering can, garden kneeling pad
  • Long-handle tools: shovels, hedge clippers, hoes, rakes, pitchforks
  • Short-handle tools: hand rakes, hand shovels, pruners, Hori Hori garden knife
  • General yard upkeep: hoses, sprinklers, lawn mower, leaf blower, wheelbarrow

Built-In Storage Solutions in the Garage

The different garden tool storage zones you create will determine which types of solutions you need for what. We create a design that incorporates various types of storage options to accommodate the different shapes, sizes, and needed ease of accessibility of your gardening tools.

Garage Cabinet Storage

Wall-Mounted Cabinets

Our custom cabinets come in various heights and depths so you can choose whichever works best for your gardening tools and your space. Tall, open cabinets are ideal for items like rakes and shovels that you might need quick access to, whereas deep, shallow options can house larger items like a leaf blower or bags of soil. You can opt for traditional doors to keep things out of sight, sliding bypass doors to save on space, and drawers to organize the small stuff, like seeds and garden labels. Our wall-mounted storage solutions also make it super quick and easy to sweep up any spilled dirt or stray leaves.

Garage Wall Storage

Shelving Systems

Let’s make the most of your space, shall we? You can utilize garage space that’s commonly left empty by installing adjustable shelves high up on the walls or installing overhead storage above your cars to create even more room to store what you need. Shelves or overhead storage systems often lend themselves best to storing garden tools you don’t need to regularly access, like extra pots, totes full of seeds, or your spare watering can.

Garage Wall Storage

Slatwall

When considering how to hang garden tools to save even more space, there’s no better way than adding storage that’s flush up against the walls. Our slatwall can host a wide range of accessories, like different sizes of hooks, baskets, and more, to hang up or store garden tools of all shapes and sizes. The best part is, you can move these different storage accessories around on the slatwall to create the ideal configuration as your storage needs change.

Garage Storage

Dedicated Work Space

A dedicated work area with plenty of counter space, a sink, and integrated task lighting surrounded by custom storage to organize garden tools in the garage will have you feeling like a Master Gardener. Plus, a custom potting setup makes it easy to access gardening supplies in a pinch, because no one wants to be digging around their garage to find that spare packet of seeds with dirt all over their hands.

Garage Entryway Storage

Built-In Storage Bench

A built-in bench is one of our favorite garden tool storage ideas for so many reasons. First, it creates additional hidden storage, and who couldn’t use more of that? Second, it gives you a place to comfortably sit down and safely slip off dirty rain boots or Crocs so you don’t have to track dirt into the house. Finally, we think garages should be beautiful, too. Along with your sleek custom cabinets and satisfyingly organized slatwall, a built-in bench adds serious aesthetic appeal.

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Expert Designers for More Garage Storage and Organization Ideas

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Set Yourself Up for Future Gardening Success

Between decorating the house, choosing which picture you’re going to use on the family holiday card, and picking out everyone’s gifts, we know you have a lot on your mind. However, working with us now to determine the best way to store garden tools and transform your garage storage will massively benefit you come spring. Plus, we make everything easy so your garage transformation doesn’t cause stress and or take up too much of your valuable time.

Interested in more ways we can customize your garage to clean up your space and make your life easier? Download our digital brochure for more garage design inspiration. If you’re ready to start working with us to level up your garden tool storage, save time, and prevent stress, click below to connect with one of our design experts. Trust us, you’ll thank yourself next spring, and you’ll love your new garage every day of the year.

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