Want tips for storing and organizing your garden tools in a storage shed? Start here.

Outdoor storage sheds are a gardening staple. They’re perfect for lawn and garden tool storage”‹ and everything else that a gardener needs””from hand tools and fertilizer to wheelbarrows and hoses. They also offer a valuable and convenient work space. Plus, they help keep unwanted dirt and mud outside of the house.

If you don’t already have a shed for storing your garden tools, consider either purchasing one or transforming the one you have into a backyard garden shed.

Purchasing a Garden Shed

You can get a plastic or wood shed from a home improvement store, or you can opt for a higher quality, customized shed for your garden hobby. No matter what shed type you choose, here are a few things to consider before you make a purchase.

• Think about natural light. Can natural light sufficiently fill the shed’s interior? Depending on your gardening needs, wall-to-wall windows, door windows, or roof dormers may be useful.
• Ask about the floor structure. Make sure the floor material will not warp or mold when it gets wet. For instance, LP ProStruct® Flooring with SmartFinish is a strong, mold-resistant material for flooring and is much better than plywood.
• Choose a siding type. Many companies offer vinyl, metal, wood paneling, and wood lap siding options. They’re all durable outdoor materials that are easy to maintain and clean.
• Add practical upgrades. A trusty ramp, an internal organizer kit like the VersaCaddy, and built-in shelves or lofts go a long way in making an ordinary shed into a gardener’s dream shed.
• Check into zoning and permit requirements. Remember to check with your township about zoning and building permits. It’s better to know this information before making a significant purchase.
• Learn how to lay a proper foundation. Before getting started, understand the importance of laying a level “‹shed foundation.

Transforming a Backyard Shed into a Garden Shed

If it’s not in your budget to purchase a new shed to store your gardening tools and supplies, try giving a makeover to your current shed. Think about these aspects as you plan a garden shed transformation.

• Apply a fresh coat of paint. Nothing beats a new paint! Choose either a lively color or one that will match with your home. For greater esthetic appeal, add shutters and flower boxes to your windows and add updated hardware to your door.
• Organize the interior. Hang pegboards to organize and display gardening tools. Repurpose utility or kitchen carts for handy storage and usable workspace. Bring in durable shelves for keeping everything orderly and easy to access.
• Bring in the light. If there’s not enough natural light, hire a professional to run electricity to your shed, then brainstorm creative ways to add some interior”‹ shed lights.
• Create a cohesive look. To bring a cohesive look to your backyard, create a landscape plan. It could be as simple as laying a brick pathway from your garden to your shed, planting flowers around your shed, or adding beautiful yet practical herbs like lemon thyme and lavender to your flower boxes.

Garden Tool Storage Ideas

It can be challenging to organize everything in a shed. Everyone wants to organize the interior space to maximize efficiency. The next time you reorganize your garden shed, keep these helpful garden tool storage ideas and storage tips nearby.

• Try magnetic holders. Magnetic knife holders and, similar to it, a magnetic tool organization strip, are excellent for keeping hand tools like hand shovels, rakes, trowels, knives, weeders and other lightweight metal objects in sight, organized, and accessible.
• Small magnetic containers can come in handy. Small magnetic containers with screw-tight lids are perfect for storing seeds, short nails, and other small items that can be easily lost or misplaced. IKEA has many options that fit the bill.
• Find a useful carryall. Make grab-and-go trips from your shed to the garden as convenient as possible. Use plastic shower caddy or a vintage milk bottle carrier to transport seeds, markers, clippers, fertilizer, seeds, frequently used hand tools, and more.
• Shelves are a no-brainer. Consider the size, number of shelves, product material, and price. Depending on the items you’re storing, you may want to consider units that have ventilated shelves to prevent standing water and mildew. Remember to measure before purchasing!
• Utilize plastic storage bins. Secure fertilizers, pesticides, and more inside plastic storage bins. Storing them in plastic containers provides an extra measure of safety, helps to prevent spills, and keeps smells contained.

Do you have a garden shed that you love? If so, what are your tips and tricks for organizing and storing your gardening tools? Leave a comment below””we’d love to hear your DIY garden tool storage”‹ ideas!

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About the author: Dakota Storage Buildings is a family-owned business that manufactures and sells high-quality prefabricated and customized storage buildings in South Dakota and Minnesota. Prepare to buy a garden shed by downloading The Ultimate Storage Building Buying Guide, printing out our Shed Buying Checklist, or visiting a shed display lot near you.