Keeping garden tools scattered everywhere used to drive me nuts until I found some clever ways to get things in order—without spending a single penny.
Sometimes all it takes is a little creativity and a fresh look at what’s already around the yard or garage. I’ve tried plenty of tricks that not only save space but make gardening prep way smoother.
Some of these ideas surprised me with how simple and effective they are. Let’s tidy up that gear so you can spend more time planting and less time hunting for tools!
1. Repurpose Old Pallets Into Wall Storage
Got an old wooden pallet? Mount it horizontally on your shed wall and instantly create perfect slots for long-handled tools like rakes, shovels, and hoes. The spaces between slats grip handles securely while keeping everything visible and accessible.
No more tripping over tools or searching through piles! Add a few cup hooks underneath for hanging smaller items like garden gloves or pruners. This simple solution keeps everything off the floor and neatly organized without costing a penny.
2. Transform Coffee Cans Into Seed Storage
Those empty coffee cans gathering dust in your recycling bin? They’re perfect seed organizers! Clean them thoroughly, remove labels, and group seeds by planting season or type. Label each can with masking tape and a marker you already own.
Stack them pyramid-style on a shelf or line them up in a drawer. The airtight seal keeps seeds fresh longer than paper packets alone. For smaller seed varieties, divide the interior using cardboard dividers from old packaging.
3. Hang Old Shower Caddies For Small Tools
That plastic shower caddy from your bathroom renovation makes a perfect garden tool organizer! Hang it on a hook or nail near your potting bench to corral trowels, pruners, plant markers, and gloves in one accessible spot.
The drainage holes prevent water buildup if tools are damp. Multiple compartments keep items separated and easy to find. For added organization, assign specific tools to specific sections so you’ll always know exactly where everything belongs.
4. Create PVC Pipe Tool Holders
Leftover PVC pipes from plumbing projects become perfect storage tubes for garden stakes, rulers, and hand tools. Cut pipes into 12-18 inch lengths using a handsaw, then sand the edges smooth. Mount them vertically on your shed wall using screws you already have.
Different diameter pipes accommodate various tool sizes. Label each tube if you like, or group similar items together. The smooth interior prevents tools from snagging when you pull them out, and the vertical orientation maximizes wall space.
5. Reuse Plastic Milk Jugs As Scoops
Don’t toss those empty milk jugs! Cut them diagonally across the middle, leaving the handle intact, to create perfect scoops for potting soil, fertilizer, or birdseed. The handle provides excellent grip while the plastic is durable enough for repeated use.
Make multiple sizes by using different container types. Gallon jugs work for big jobs, while quart containers make precision scooping easier. Use a permanent marker to label each scoop’s purpose, preventing cross-contamination between different garden materials.
6. Turn Old Dresser Drawers Into Storage Bins
Found an abandoned dresser by the curb? Salvage the drawers and transform them into sliding storage bins for your garden shed! They’re perfect for corralling bags of soil, pots, and other bulky items that typically create clutter.
Add simple rope handles by drilling holes in the sides and threading sturdy rope through. Stack them on shelves or slide them under a workbench. The solid construction handles heavy items better than cardboard boxes, while the drawer slides make accessing contents a breeze.
7. Make Mason Jar Organizers For Small Parts
Empty mason jars become perfect see-through storage for seeds, plant labels, twine, and other small garden essentials. Screw jar lids to the underside of a shelf, then twist the jars into place – creating hanging storage that doesn’t take up shelf space!
The clear glass makes finding what you need instantaneous. For items you use frequently, leave some jars on your workbench. Group similar items together in neighboring jars to create an organization system that’s both functional and visually appealing.
8. Utilize Empty Paint Cans For Bulk Storage
Clean, empty paint cans provide perfect waterproof storage for garden supplies like fertilizer, potting soil, or birdseed. Their tight-sealing lids keep contents dry and pest-free, while the sturdy handle makes them easy to transport around your garden.
Label each can clearly using paint or permanent marker. Stack them to maximize vertical space in your shed or garage. The metal construction protects contents from moisture better than cardboard or plastic bags, extending the shelf life of your garden supplies.
9. Convert Wine Racks Into Tool Holders
That unused wine rack isn’t just for bottles – it’s perfect for storing rolled garden netting, landscape fabric, or tool handles. The individual compartments keep items separated and easily accessible, preventing the tangled mess that often happens with garden materials.
Wooden wine racks work horizontally on shelves or vertically mounted to walls. Metal racks provide sturdier support for heavier tools. The open design allows air circulation, helping damp items dry faster and preventing mildew that closed storage often encourages.
10. Fashion Tin Can Pot Organizers
Save those empty soup and vegetable cans! After a thorough cleaning, they become perfect holders for small pots, plant markers, pencils, and other slim garden supplies. Group them together on a shelf or glue them to a wooden board for a custom organizer.
Different sizes accommodate various items. Place taller items in larger cans and smaller items in soup cans. Cover them with leftover contact paper or paint for a cohesive look. The metal construction stands up to moisture better than cardboard alternatives.
11. String Up Old Tennis Ball Containers
Those cylindrical tennis ball containers make perfect waterproof storage for garden twine, plant ties, and small hand tools. Drill a hole in the lid, feed twine through, and hang it where you need it – the twine dispenses perfectly while staying clean and dry.
Connect multiple containers vertically with string to create a hanging storage column. The clear sides let you see contents at a glance. These containers are particularly useful near potting benches where you frequently need small amounts of twine for plant support.
12. Repurpose Shoe Organizers For Garden Supplies
That over-the-door shoe organizer works perfectly in your garden shed! Hang it on the inside of your shed door to store seed packets, gloves, small tools, and plant markers. Each pocket keeps items visible and easily accessible.
Clear plastic versions let you see contents instantly. Label pockets for specific categories to maintain organization. The vertical storage utilizes often-wasted door space while keeping frequently-used items within arm’s reach – no more hunting through drawers or bins!
13. Craft Pegboard Tool Walls From Scrap Wood
Scrap plywood or particle board becomes a functional pegboard with just a drill and some patience. Create a grid of holes spaced 1-2 inches apart, then insert dowels, nails, or hooks to hang tools in easy view.
Customize hole sizes for different tools – larger holes for shovel handles, smaller ones for hand tools. Outline tool shapes directly on the board to create a visual system for returning items to their proper places. This solution keeps everything visible while maximizing vertical storage space.
14. Bundle Garden Hoses With Bicycle Hooks
Old bicycle hooks create perfect storage for coiled garden hoses and extension cords. Mount them on your shed wall at shoulder height, then simply loop your hose or cord and hang it up – no more tangled messes on the ground!
Space multiple hooks about 8 inches apart to prevent overcrowding. The curved design prevents kinking while keeping hoses off the ground where they can crack or freeze. Add a small bucket underneath to catch drips from freshly used hoses.
15. Transform Wooden Crates Into Shelving Units
Found wooden crates become instant shelving when stacked thoughtfully against a wall. Arrange them horizontally or vertically depending on what you need to store – larger tools fit in horizontal orientations while smaller items work better in vertical configurations.
Secure crates to each other with screws or heavy-duty zip ties for stability. The slatted construction allows air circulation, helping tools dry properly after use. Leave some spaces open for larger items and divide others with scrap wood to create smaller compartments.
16. Utilize Muffin Tins For Seed Starting Organization
Old muffin tins create perfect organizers for seed starting supplies! Use them to sort seeds by planting time, separate different seed varieties, or store small amounts of specialized soils and amendments.
The individual cups prevent cross-contamination between seed types. Label each section with masking tape or write directly on the tin with permanent marker. Stack multiple tins to save space when not in use. The metal construction withstands moisture better than cardboard seed organizers.