17 Oct How to Store Soil: Best Practices for Preserving Bulk Garden Soil

The proper storage of soil ensures that it remains valuable, clean, and fertile for any gardening task called upon in the future. Each and every one of us as gardeners sometimes has trouble with soil: it dries out, becomes aggressive and compact, or gets full of pests and weeds. Whether in small quantities or large quantities, it is important how to store soil correctly in order to prevent the structure and content of nutrition from changing too much. This article provides useful answers to the questions, how do I store bulk garden soil issued, and describes the perfect way how to store garden soil in the course of the year so that it is fertile and ready for usage. 

3 Steps to Prepare Soil for Storage

Clearing Out Plant Materials and Debris

Get rid of all the weeds, residues, and roots from the earth so that there is no possibility of pests or bacteria dwelling during the period of storage This makes certain that the out of season earthly product is not infested by unhealthy materials.

Dust Moisture Soil

Grab a suction and suck out most of the moisture content from moist soil for about 1-2 days to that soil becomes structure less mud when put away. Drying prevents the formation of ‘muds’ however minor this mugging may be eases soil for appropriate and safe lodging.

Fortify Dried-out Soil with Nutrients

In the course of storage, fortify dry soil to be used for storage with compost or any organic material so as to provide nutrients. This makes it possible believe that the soil will still be productive and usable for planting.

Looking for Suitable Interior Storage of Soil for Small Projects

In case the amount of soil is a small one, using indoor storage is very efficient, especially in order to store soil. 

• Airtight containers should be used: Put soil in plastic bins with air tight lids, buckets having strong locks or large bags in the shoes packing to protect against pests, water and foul smell. This is because the containers tend to hold enough moisture which may not be the case with an open container. Even, correct sized containers will avoid spillages within your storage area.

• Find a Cool and Dry Place: Cold and dry containers of soil should be kept in the basement, garage and closet where there are no changes in temperature and humidity. Do not keep soil in places where there is too much heat, or somewhere where it will be in the sun, because all these will spoil the soil after some time.

• Clearly Indicate Containers by Use & Soil Type: Each container should be marked with the soil type, purpose and the date of storage in order not to mix them up. This assists when seeking the right containers to be used in small indoor tasks for the right soil type.

• Moisture and Mold Control: Every now and then, inspect stored potting soil for excess moisture accumulation, any sign of mold or any unpleasant smells. If you see condensation on the interior plastic of the bag, spread the soil to air out the moisture if you seal the bag back to avoid spoilage.

How Long Can Bulk Garden Soil Be Stored Outside?

Proper preparation is essential when it comes to bulk garden soil storage. It’s necessary to prevent moisture intake, pests, and the nutrients from being leached out, but at the same time, air must circulate. People always seek to maintain soil quality and have it ready for use later including restricting its compaction, mold formation, and contamination. Below are essential steps for effective outdoor soil storage. Sand storage should be done on a raised platform to ensure adequate drainage.

1. Choose an Appropriate Storage Location: Pick a garden house, outdoor cover or garden shed so that it does get exposed to heavy rain or severe climates in general. This is due to the fact that, the structure of the soil is preserved while the cases of water logging or excessive drying is prevented.
2. Cover Soil with Waterproof Tarps: Make sure to put the tapers on the soil. If storing soil outdoors then bundle the soil and cover it with waterproof sheets to prevent moisture respiration. Hold the tarps down with ropes or heavy weights such that during strong winds, they are not blown away.
3. Raise Soil on Pallets or Platforms: Add sufficient elevation to the soil so that it does not get soaked in water coming from the ground, by using wooden pallets or raising platforms. This helps ensure that the soil is kept free and dry instead of being squashed or sloppy.
4. Ensure Air Circulation with Light Sealing: In case plastic bags are used, then they should be partially sealed to ensure air is able to come in and thus avert the possibility of a fungus forming. Such small air escape keeps the dirt in soil in suitable condition without being over exposed.

Best Way to Store Soil During Winter

Harvesting and storing soil during winter can adversely affect the soil due to winter conditions bringing freezing temperatures and excess moisture, hence causing it to become compact or get spoilt. Maintenance of soil quality throughout winter requires the careful consideration of additional factors which include frost, moisture loss, or temperature changes. Here are five efficient and effective ways of keeping soils in winter.

• Move Soil to Warmer Indoor Areas: If possible, transfer soil to less cold spaces such as garages basements or sheds in order to protect it from freezing temperatures. Indoor storage assures the soil stays loose and nutrients are retained for spring.

• Use Tarps to Cover Outdoor Containers: In cases where indoor storage is non-existent or inaccessible the soil container should be wrapped with waterproof tarpaulins which inhibit moisture from penetrating in. This also prevents freezing and the penetration of dirt into the soil.

• Apply Mulch for Temperature Control: A mulch blanket is applied to the soil surface in order to keep the heat in and moderate temperature changes. It also decreases the loss of water vapor through evaporation which ensures that the soil is moist, but not frozen.

Tips on How to Store Soil in Hot Summer Weather

• Store Soil in Shaded or Covered Areas: Do not expose soil to the sun instead keep it either in shaded areas or covered areas with roofs. This ensures that the soil does not desiccate too much too fast while also maintaining the essential bacteria within the soil.

• Lightly Moisten the Soil Before Storage: Water the soil by spraying it in order to keep the soil a little damp but do not water too much so as to avoid the growth of mildew. Moistening keeps the soil more active which also helps to avoid excessive dry conditions.

• Ensure Proper Air Circulation: If soil is kept in pots then select pots which have small vents or pot openings in order to let some air inside. This orderly preserves the soil free falling hence making it much easier to work with.

Preventing Pests and Weeds in Stored Soil

Once you figured out the perfect way to store soil, it becomes a hassle to deal with pests and weeds. Exactly, soil kept outdoors is at a risk of invasion by insects, rodents, and Betty’s weeds. Pest control methods can include the use of airtight containers for storage of soil or covering rubber mat over bulk soil. This may make it difficult for weeds to grow because the soil is usually too disturbed such that germination may not occur. Diatomaceous earth can be dusted over the top of the stored soil for added protection against pests.

How Do I Store Bulk Garden Soil for Long-Term Use?

Long term storage of bulk garden soil is usually linearly connected to its usage and hence special care is required to avoid its degradation and loss of nutrients. It is also possible to store soils without harming their quality, by shielding them from adverse climatic conditions. Here are some good practices that you should follow if you want your bulk garden soil to last long.

• Select an Ideal Storage Location: If the soil needs to be stored, place it in a covered area such as a shade, enclosed, or covered structure. It is very important to help prevent moisture loss or periodic flooding as rain and high temperature will decrease its contents.

• Cover Soil with a Tarpaulin: Soil. Apply a tarpaulin on the soil; this covers and offers protection against moisture, dust, and insects. This layer of protection hinders the covering of pollutant materials that would otherwise get wet and dirty the soil.

• Elevate Soil to Prevent Moisture Accumulation: Moisture accumulation is avoided by overhead the soil by means of pallets or platforms. Also, raising the soil helps to eliminate the possible risks of the soil becoming waterlogged as adequate drainage will be permitted.

How to Properly Store Soil when it is Not in Use?

Knowing how to store soil between growing seasons is essential in making sure it is good for the next planting project. First, any plant matter or roots are removed as this can harbor disease or pests when the soil is not in use. A compost or organic manure bag may be added even when the soil is not in use so that it will be ready once the needy planting activity resumes. Protect soil from harsh weather either by storing it in a cool, dry place inside the house or laying a tarp over it.

Conclusion: Best Way to Store Soil for Any Season

Understanding the correct way to store soil makes sure that the soil will be of good quality and is in condition to be used in due time. For small quantities, there are the most secure indoor airtight containers. For big soil storage, bulk soil can be placed under tarp on a raised structure making it easy to prevent water and eliminating the risk of insects inhabiting the soil. Each season brings its own problems, however, knowing how do I store bulk garden soil during the year will go a long way in ensuring that the soil retains its shape and the nutrients within it.