4 Tips For Using A Self-Storage Unit To Keep Your Container Gardening Supplies Safe Over The Winter

If you love growing flowers and plants in pots and containers, you'll probably run out of place to store your gardening supplies so they stay clean and safe. You may not want pots stacked up in your garage all winter, so the ideal solution could be to rent a self-storage unit. Here are four tips for keeping your gardening supplies in a self-storage unit.

1. Store Tools In A Sand Container

If you plan to store hand tools and shovels, then you can store and protect them at the same time by storing them in a container of sand. Since sand makes the container heavy, you may want to prepare it once you're at your storage unit. You can use a big pot, washtub, or garbage can and add sand that has multi-purpose oil mixed in. Shove the blade end of the tools in the sand so the metal is protected. This also helps stabilize long tools like shovels so they stand upright.

2. Wash Pots And Tools Before Storing

It's best to wash and dry your pots and tools before taking them to your storage unit. They should be dry so that mildew doesn't grow in your unit, and so metal parts don't rust. Pots and tools should be clean so dirt doesn't attract bugs and so the equipment is ready to use next spring. You may even want to sharpen your tools so you can dig in and start gardening next season without wasting time prepping your tools.

3. Wrap Clay And Ceramic Pots

Plastic pots and containers are easy to store over the winter without worrying about damage. Since the pots are out of the sun, rain, and snow, even clay and ceramic pots can survive a cold winter in storage. However, if you have fragile clay or ceramic pots, you may want to wrap or pad them so they don't chip while transporting and storing them. You may also want to elevate the pots off the cold floor of the storage unit so they are protected from freezing temperatures as much as possible. Shelves might be handy for storing your delicate pots so you don't have to stack them and risk damage.

Seal Bags Of Soil In A Garbage Can

If you buy bags of soil, mulch, and other materials for your pots, you may buy them in bulk when they're on sale. Big bags of soil take up a lot of room, and if a bag is ripped, soil can leak out and make a mess.

Instead of packing all those bags home, you could take the excess directly to your self-storage unit. However, it's a good idea to seal them in a large metal or plastic garbage can so the sacks don't attract pests over the winter. Contact a self-storage unit company for more information.