Organizing garden tools can be difficult and awkward! If your garden tool collection has gotten out of control, it’s time to clean it up. In this post, I will show you the best ways to clear the clutter, and keep your garage or shed tidy.
But, because of their odd shapes and often bulky sizes, it can be hard to figure out how to organize garden tools and supplies.
Before I set out on a mission to get my act together, I used to just haphazardly toss everything into the garage when I was done with it.
Not only does this look terrible, it was also very frustrating to hunt for the items I needed each time I wanted to work in my yard.
Well, no more of that cluttered and ugly mess for me! I was determined to figure out the best ways to store my garden tools and equipment, and keep them tidy all the time. And now I have some great tips to help you get organized too.
How To Organize Garden Tools
In this section, I will give you tons of tips and ideas for keeping all kinds of garden tools, equipment, and supplies in an orderly fashion.
From neatly arranging short or long handled tools, to figuring out how to store odd shaped items like pots or power equipment, or bulkier items like bags of soil or fertilizer, you’ll find it all here.
Storing Long-Handled Garden Tools
Long-handled tools (like rakes and shovels) are the worst to organize, so I’ll start with those. Depending on your space, you have a couple of options.
If you have the floor space, then a small standing rack would be perfect for your garage or shed. If that’s too large, then get one that fits in a corner.
You can also store long-handled gardening tools by hanging them on the wall. I use this heavy duty hanger for mine.
Organizing Your Hand Tools
Though not as awkward as their long-handled counterparts, hand tools can also be tricky to keep nicely organized.
But the good news is that there are several options for storing them. Here are a few of my favorites…
- Repurposed pocket organizer – Do you have a hanging pocket organizer that’s just collecting dust? Use it for your hand tools or other small items. Simply hang it over a door or on the wall, then fill the pockets. It’s amazing how much you can fit in there.
- Storage bins – If you would rather store them on a shelf, get some heavy duty bins. I like to either put it all into clear storage bins, or use a piece of tape to mark what’s in each one, so I know where everything is at a glance.
- Hanging pegboard – Use a regular pegboard to hang your garden tools on the wall to organize them. You can get a full kit, just buy a variety of pegs, or use pegboard cups to hold all of your small items and accessories.
Storing Bags Of Soil & Fertilizer
Half used bags of gardening supplies, like fertilizer and potting soil, are always so awkward to store.
Rather than piling the open bags in a corner somewhere, I like to use buckets to keep them tidy. Not only will they fit better on the shelf, they are stackable.
Buckets with tight fitting lids will also prevent bug problems, and keep any dust or odors contained. Plus, it’s easier to use them without spilling or making a mess.
Organizing Garden Pots
Another big space waster is empty pots and planters. It’s nice to have extras on hand when you need them, but they can really clutter up the space.
To store extra pots and containers, first stack them as neatly as you can. Be sure to nest smaller sizes into the larger pots so the stacks are as short as possible. Then, put them on a shelf.
I like to organize mine in storage crates because it’s easy to see what’s inside, and they sit nicely on the shelf.
Plus, you can put small pots and drip trays in the crates too, without worrying about them crashing to the floor when things get shifted around.
Keeping Garden Gloves Tidy
Just like socks, garden gloves tend to disappear, leaving you with a bunch of mismatched oddballs.
But, when you get into the habit of storing them properly after use, it’s amazing how easy they are to keep track of.
I like to organize my gloves by rolling them in pairs, just like you would your socks. Then I toss them into a stackable bin on my way back inside.
That way, they’re easy to find, and I never have to waste time digging for a matching pair.
Storing Power Equipment
Small power equipment (like leaf blowers, edgers, hedge trimmers, etc) takes up a ton of space when strewn about on the floor. So, try hanging them instead.
We installed a wire shelf, and then got some large S hooks to hang our garden power equipment.
The shelf gives us extra storage space on top, makes it easy to find what we need, and keeps the equipment out of the way when not in use.
Taking Your Organized Garden Tools On The Go
Once you have all of your garden tools organized, you’ll want to make it easy to keep them that way.
So, during the busy growing season, I like to keep my most used items in a portable carrying container.
That way, I can take them outside with me, and I don’t have to spend time putting everything away when I’m done.
If you have a spare 5 gallon bucket laying around, then a bucket organizer would be perfect. Otherwise, try using a portable caddy, or get yourself a cute carrying bag.
Tips For Keeping Your Garden Tools Organized
Taking the time to organize your garden tools is one thing. But keeping them that way? Well, that’s a whole different story.
So below I will give you some tips for sticking to your organization plan, without losing your motivation (or your mind) in the process.
- Take the time to organize your garden tools and equipment in the fall before storing them for winter. That way, everything will look clean, and be right where it belongs come spring when the busy growing season starts.
- It’s best to have a designated space for storing garden equipment and supplies. That way they don’t get lost in the clutter of everything else in your shed or garage.
- Keep everything in a place that is on your way to and from the garden. That way, you’ll be more likely to put them away when you’re done.
- If you live in a cold climate, you may find it easier to store garden tools in an attic or other out-of-the-way spot during the winter. Or better yet, swap them out for your winter equipment to keep a cleaner look.
FAQs
Can you leave garden tools outside?
It’s not a good idea to leave them outside. Leaving them outdoors will cause the metal to rust much faster, and wooden handles can rot or fade in the sun. It’s best to store garden tools in a cool, dry location so they will stay in good shape, and last for many years to come.
Should you store garden tools in sand?
No, I do not recommend storing garden tools in sand. The reason is because if there is any moisture at all in the sand, it will rust or destroy them.
Organizing your gardening tools means that it will be much easier to keep everything tidy, so you can always find what you need. So get creative, and you’ll find the storage systems that work for you.
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Share your tips or solutions for organizing garden tools and supplies in the comments section below.
Darlene says
Awesome article. I have been looking for an easy storage system for empty nursery pots. I like the idea of the storage crates, plus they stack! I’ll have to be on the lookout for them when I’m running about. Thank you!
Amy Andrychowicz says
You’re welcome!
Staci says
We use frosting buckets that we get from the grocery stores and Sam’s. Most of the time we can get them for free. We use them for organizing garden items and making grow buckets for fig trees.
Amy Andrychowicz says
Great idea, I love using buckets top store stuff too! Thanks for sharing your tips.
Sahana says
Great ideas ! I always roll the socks but have never thought to do the same with my gardening gloves.
Amy Andrychowicz says
You’re welcome! 🙂
sara says
I need to organize my garden stuff desperately. My garage is a total mess!! Thanks for the inspiration.
Amy Andrychowicz says
You’re welcome, have fun getting it all organized!
ramona cagle says
I keep small tools in a container filled with sand to which I have added some motor oil. They never rust and I always know where they are. it is not even necessary to clean them after use.
Amy Andrychowicz says
Just make sure the sand never gets wet, because your tools could end up rusting. But I’m guessing the motor oil helps to prevent that.
Pamela says
The cat bins are a great idea for storing soil and other stuff and keeping it dry. We grow on a roof so we don’t have a shed or any in door space for storage (I wish!), so we’ve been using tough containers that last well with the weather and keeping water out.
Amy Andrychowicz says
Good idea! Any type of heavy-duty bucket with a tight fitting lid should work great for storing your supplies outside like that. Even better if you can find a protected spot to put them.
Richard Murphy says
Great article. I just don’t know how long I would be able to keep it that organized 🙂 At one point I had over 1000 empty pots and containers. I love the milk crate idea for the smaller ones.
Amy Andrychowicz says
Wow, that’s a lot of pots! I don’t let my collection get that large, I’m constantly giving them away. 🙂 But keeping everything organized certainly can be a challenge, especially during the busy gardening season! Having a dedicated spot for everything is a HUGE help. That way, you can easily put things back where they belong when you’re done using them.