After the last flower beds have been turned and the grass has had its final cut, it is time to consider preparing your garden tools and equipment for winter storage. With good preparation, before the snow flies, your tools and equipment will last longer saving you quite a bit of money.

Often, gardening equipment is kept in sheds that are less than optimal for winter storage. For those of you who don’t have a decent shed or garage, you may find that you have to bring your gardening tools inside and your lawnmowers and other equipment are left outside. Not only can this be less than optimal, it can be costly.  A climate controlled storage unit can be an excellent choice for storing your garden equipment and supplies.

Whether you are storing your gardening essentials in your shed at home or in a storage unit here are some tips to prepare them for the long winter ahead.

Battery Operated Tools

• Equipment that is battery operated including lawn mowers and hedge trimmers should have the battery removed before storing. Batteries can drain to the point of no return. If this happens, you will have to replace the battery.
• The battery should be kept in a warm, dry environment and fully charged before storing.

Gas Operated Tools

• The gas should be drained from the equipment before storing.
• Oil, on the other hand, should be topped up.

Lawn Mowers

• Regardless of whether your lawnmower is gas, electric or battery, it should be cleaned of all trimming and wiped down well.
• If you need to sharpen the blade do so before you store it. Next spring, you will be happy you bothered.
• If you have an electric mower check the power cord and connector for any damage. If you have a gas mower, remove the spark plug before storing.

Garden Tools

• Clean and dry all garden tools well. This will prevent them from rusting.
• Consider sharpening your tools before storing to save you time in spring.

Garden Hose

• A good quality garden hose can last many years with proper storage. Disconnect your hose and drain it as much as possible.
• To prevent cracking in the winter, store your hose in a warm, dry place.
• Coil your hose and make certain there are no kinks in it.

With a little preparation, your garden equipment can be stored easily and safely ready for next year’s spring thaw.

Total Storage offers climate controlled storage units in many sizes to accommodate your gardening equipment and tools for storage. For more tips and advice contact our dedicated Self-Storage consultant at 204-832-8181 for more information.