Get tools off the floor
Those garden tools might look hardy, but poor storage habits can shorten their lives. Cleaning and organizing your tools before winter sets in will extend their life for many seasons to come, said local professional organizer Lori Rowan.
First, take inventory of all the big items — rakes, shovels and brooms — and gather them together. Then take inventory of the smaller items, including hand trowels and gardening gloves. Once you have everything counted, give thought to the best organizer to fit your needs.
“If you don’t have the luxury of an outside shed, don’t worry,” Rowan said. “There are many types of wall organizers that can be mounted on your garage wall.”
Select an organizer large enough to accommodate your tools that you can use comfortably on a regular basis. Many have slots, bins and rings to hold small and large items. Varying in size and shape, starting cost for most organizers is about $18.
Just make sure that whatever you choose lifts tools off the garage floor. Rowan said the elements your car brings into the garage collect on the floor, and the moisture and debris can cause the tools to rust. Plus, you’re more apt to clean and put them up when they’re organized, she said.
“Although winter is nearly upon us, there are still times when you want to be able to grab your trimmers,” Rowan said. “And it makes it nice when you know exactly where to find them.”
Save seeds for spring
A little time on a fall afternoon spent organizing leftover seeds, or seeds harvested from the spoils of your garden, can save a gardener time and money come spring.
Darren Collins of Wischmeier Nursery recommends starting with the basics. Clean excess fruit and vegetable debris from the seeds with a paper towel. Lay the seeds out on a mesh screen, cookie sheet or other flat area that allows moisture to easily evaporate. Allow seeds to air dry for up to a week before storing.
“Store seeds in sealed paper envelopes, or manila file envelopes,” Collins said. “Label each envelope with what’s in it and the date so you know what you have.”
Then, store the envelopes in a single larger envelope or shoe box. Organize by plant, section of the garden or alphabetically — whatever makes sense to you.
For larger quantities of seeds, try glass jars or containers. Collins suggests placing a piece of paper in the container to draw moisture, which can cause the seeds to discolor and rot. Check them periodically to ensure they remain dry.
Store your seed collection wherever you like — even outside in the shed or garage is fine. As long as they’re stored at a relatively constant temperature, the viability of the seeds remains unaffected.
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