As the vibrant colours of autumn set in and the gardening season draws to a close, UK homeowners are being urged to turn their attention to an often-neglected part of the garden: the shed. Proper winter preparation is crucial to prevent costly damage to your valuable tools and equipment.
The Essential Pre-Storage Clean-Up
According to Sam Jenkinson, a garden shed specialist from the retailer Tiger, the first and most critical step is a thorough clean and inspection before storing anything away. He advises gardeners to wipe down all tools meticulously, ensuring no soil or moisture is left on metal surfaces, as this is a primary cause of corrosion. Furthermore, disinfecting blades with a mild solution is recommended to eliminate any lingering bacteria or fungal spores from summer use.
Once clean, a light coat of oil should be applied to all metal parts to act as a barrier against rust. For tools with wooden handles, applying a little linseed oil will help prevent them from drying out and cracking in the cold weather. Neglecting this simple process could lead to a collection of rusty spades and shears, resulting in an unwelcome expense when spring arrives.
Smart Storage Solutions for a Tidy Shed
One of the most common organisational mistakes is leaving tools directly on the shed floor. "As moisture and damp rise from the ground up, if you leave your tools on the ground, this can quickly lead to metal tools becoming rusty and wooden tools rotting," Jenkinson warns. The solution is simple: get tools off the floor.
Installing wall racks, hooks, or pegboards keeps tools elevated, dry, and easy to find. For smaller items and accessories, using sturdy shelves, crates, or plastic containers will keep them dust-free and organised.
The £5 Storage Hack You Need
Jenkinson highlights a particularly budget-friendly storage solution: bungee cords, which can start from as little as £5. By stretching these cords horizontally across walls or beams, you can create flexible storage pockets for awkward items like hoses or long-handled tools. This setup helps keep rakes and spades neatly upright, maximising space and preventing damage.
For larger machinery such as lawnmowers or strimmers, a proper clean is essential before storage. Always drain any leftover fuel to avoid issues. If you need to cover equipment, avoid using plastic sheets as they trap condensation; opt for a breathable fabric instead.
What to Remove from Your Shed Now
Perhaps the most surprising advice is to completely remove certain items from the shed during the colder months. Batteries for power tools should be brought indoors, as the cold can degrade them, reducing their lifespan and potentially rendering them useless by spring.
Similarly, paints, glues, and other finishing liquids can freeze, separate, or become ineffective in low temperatures, often necessitating costly replacements. In some cases, containers may even crack and leak. Smaller items like drill bits and saw blades are also at risk of rusting in damp conditions. The expert's final word is clear: for a hassle-free start to next year's gardening, move these sensitive items to a dry, frost-free indoor location until the weather warms up.
