🪴 Storing Pots, Soil, and Supplies Safely: Winter Storage Made Simple

As temperatures drop in Southeastern Massachusetts, it’s time to think beyond the garden beds and take care of your pots, soils, and garden supplies before winter hits. Proper storage can help you avoid cracked containers, ruined potting mix, and wasted fertilizer—saving you both money and effort come spring.

🌿 Protecting Pots from Cracking

• Clean thoroughly: Empty pots of soil, scrub off any residue, and let them dry completely.

• Store indoors if possible: Move clay, ceramic, and terra cotta pots into a garage, shed, or basement to protect them from freezing and thawing cycles that cause cracking.

• Stack carefully: Use a layer of newspaper or cardboard between stacked pots to prevent chipping.

• Plastic and resin pots: These can often stay outside, but turn them upside down or store them under cover to prevent water from collecting and freezing inside.

🧺 Storing Soil, Mulch, and Fertilizers

• Keep it dry: Moisture is the enemy! Store open bags of potting soil, compost, or fertilizer in sealed plastic bins or heavy-duty containers with tight lids.

• Label and date: Mark what’s inside and when it was opened so you can use older products first in spring.

• Avoid freezing: Organic mixes and fertilizers like Espoma Bio-tone Starter Plus or Coast of Maine compost perform best when kept above freezing temperatures.

• Check before reusing: If potting mix smells sour or feels clumpy, mix in some fresh Espoma soil conditioner before using again.

🧤 Winter Tool and Supply Care

• Clean and oil tools: Remove dirt and rust, then lightly oil blades and handles.

• Drain hoses and watering cans: Coil hoses neatly and hang them off the ground to prevent cracking.

• Organize for spring: Keep gloves, stakes, ties, and hand tools in bins or hanging racks so they’re easy to grab when gardening resumes.

🌸 Bonus Tip: Plan for Next Year

Download the Redwood Nursery app to get early alerts on spring soil and container sales, and explore Redwood Direct for specialty containers and Proven Winners plants shipped right to your door.

And don’t forget—Redwood Nursery is proud to support the Plant a Pollinator Promotion this season, helping you create a thriving habitat for bees and butterflies next year.

🌱 FAQ

Q: Can I leave ceramic pots outside over winter if they’re empty?
A: It’s risky—ceramic and clay pots absorb moisture that can freeze and expand, causing cracks. Always bring them inside or wrap them securely.

Q: How do I store leftover Espoma fertilizer?
A: Keep it sealed in its original bag inside a covered bin in a dry location—temperature fluctuations can affect quality.

Q: Can I reuse last year’s potting mix?
A: Yes, if it’s dry and free from mold. Mix in fresh compost or Espoma Potting Mix to restore nutrients before planting.

Q: What’s the best way to store Coast of Maine compost?
A: Reseal opened bags tightly and store off the ground in a dry, frost-free spot. Use a sturdy bin for long-term protection.

🌼 Quick Takeaway

A little effort now protects your investment and ensures your gardening gear is ready to roll when spring arrives. Clean, dry, and store smart—your future self (and plants) will thank you!