Garden Tool Storage Ideas
Good garden tool storage is a far less difficult task than it might seem at first glance — you simply have to identify a plan that best suits your own personal needs, abilities and price preferences. Whether you're a seasoned carpenter hoping to redesign your entire backyard or a first-time homeowner operating on a shoestring budget for a modest garden, there's a garden tool organizer out there that’ll work for you.
To get you started, here are five ideas for straightforward and effective ways to organize storage for the garden.
1. Repurpose Buckets and Boxes You Already Own
Making use of the supplies you already have on hand is the simplest and least expensive way to tackle the task of garden tool storage. Breathe new life into those abandoned storage boxes and forgotten bins when you transform them into your new garden tool organizers.
Consider reserving one box for trowels or small shovels while keeping a larger bucket around for your rakes, pitchforks and larger shovels. This simple but effective method of organizing storage for the garden goes a long way toward making sure you always know where your yard supplies are.
Don’t forget to label your boxes and bins once you’re finished organizing.
2. Shop for New Garden Tool Storage Supplies
If you don’t already own boxes and bins for storage, it might be time to go shopping for a new set of tool cabinets or tool chests. These can serve double duty as storage for all your other tools too, including repair kits, carpentry sets and general garage supplies. Pegboards and wall tool hangers have a similar benefit, and since they’re wall mounted, they’ll save you floor space.
3. Take Advantage of Storage Furniture
Storage furniture isn't just good for the inside of the house. When looking for your next garden tool organizer, you might consider popular outdoor items such as a good garden storage bench or deck box. Many of these options can double splendidly as garden tool storage.
Using storage furniture will also save you the headache of constantly trying to declutter limited yard or floor space.
If you’re the do-it-yourself (DIY) type, build your own raised planter box with bonus storage underneath.
4. Build Your Own Storage Boxes
If you enjoy a good DIY carpentry project, build your own storage boxes as a weekend project. This can save you money and has the additional benefit of allowing you to customize your garden tool organizer precisely as you see fit. If you’re artistically inclined, building and decorating your own storage boxes is also a great way to enhance the general aesthetic of your yard or patio. Vibrant paint colors and other creative touches on a storage box can spruce up the look of your entire garden.
If you need some inspiration, check out our handy guide on building a deck box for details on tackling this project.
5. Build Your Own Toolshed
While building a shed of your own might sound daunting at first, there's a lot of satisfaction to be derived from literally creating a space of one's own. The DIY route allows you the freedom of complete customization. This option will be particularly appealing to those who might also benefit from extra living space. After all, a shed is more than just a garden tool organizer.
Make sure that you start by building a good shed foundation. Keeping your shed slightly raised above the ground ensures good water drainage and ventilation, which are crucial to its longevity. A solid and properly built foundation will help keep your shed safe, dry and pest free.
If you don't want to build a shed from scratch, there are also plenty of buying options for pre-designed sheds. Check out our tips on customizing a shed for inspiration. While a pre-made shed might be considered a bit more of an investment than some of the other garden tool organizer options on this list, sheds are available at many price points and can go a long way toward decluttering your yard.
Additional Storage Options
Your storage needs may extend to the outdoor power tools you use around your garden and landscape such as edgers, string trimmers and hedge trimmers.
As with garden hand tools, tool storage is a good option for outdoor power tools and any related supplies and accessories. Here are some ideas:
- Wall-mounted garage storage hooks work well as long as they’re rated to support the weight of the equipment and secured to wall studs. They’re also perfect for extension cords.
- Tool chests can store extra trimmer line, edger blades and any tools you need to install them or maintain the equipment. You’ll also have room for your safety gear and extension cords.
- Tool boxes and tool bags are options that make it easy to carry your supplies wherever you need them.
- Pegboard and pegboard hooks dedicated to storing and organizing your supplies make them easy to find and grab.
- A work bench is a great place to keep a charger so your outdoor equipment batteries are readily available. It’s also a good place to handle maintenance and adjustments for your equipment.
Check your equipment manuals for any storage information. Some string trimmer manufacturers recommend storing a trimmer vertically, with the engine or motor upright. Hedge trimmers may need to be stored with a protective scabbard on the blade.