Much of our garden activity this time of year focuses on cleaning and preparation. Because we aren’t actively gardening as much in the cooler months, we have more time to prepare for next spring! One example of how we can prepare is by storing potting soil. Here we have the steps you need to organize your bags and get your potting soil ready for use in just a few months!
Saving Your Soil
1.) Grab all your bags. Take a look around your garden and the areas you keep your gardening supplies. Take all your potting soil bags, both opened and unopened, and gather them together. Each bag should be inspected, taking out any leaves or bugs. You should ensure that the potting soil has dried completely, as any lingering moisture can cause mold and mildew problems throughout the winter.
2.) Buy or find a large storage tub made of plastic. Most home improvement stores sell large plastic storage tubs in 20 and 30-gallon sizes that are perfect for this kind of storage. Tubs with lids that snap over the entire container are better than ones that snap at the handles because they create a stronger container for moisture.
3.) Thoroughly clean the tub and dry it. This is especially important for storage tubs you already own, but we recommend washing new containers and lids too. To sterilize the container and lid, use a weak bleach solution (9:1) and soak them for approximately 10 minutes. Let the solution dry and empty both containers. To ensure there is no moisture, dry the board with a clean cloth.
4.) Make sure to prepare your bags. If you have smaller amounts of potting soil, combine them into smaller bags. Before sealing your bags, seal them with clear tape. The potting soil can be emptied directly into the tub without needing bags. Once you’ve filled the potting soil into the container, ensure that the lid is securely closed.
5.) Keep your tubs warm during winter. Your tubs can be stored in a shed, garage, or basement. Our out-of-season garden supplies are kept in a covered carport! If you have one, make sure your items are well-hidden under the eaves to keep them from getting wet in the rainy season.
