Did you end up buying more mulch, compost or garden soil than you need?
Don’t throw the extra landscape materials away or leave them exposed to the elements – taking either of those actions is like putting cash in the trash. Instead, take the time to store your surplus mulch, compost and garden soil properly, and you can use them for landscaping and gardening projects in the spring.
Storage Basics
When you store organic landscape materials like mulch, compost and garden soil, the goal is to slow the growth of fungus and decay in order to retain the nutrients. To accomplish this, you need to keep excess moisture away and allow for adequate air flow.
Storing Bagged and Bulk Mulch
If you have extra bagged mulch, check to see make sure the bags have holes for air circulation – and if they don’t, poke a few yourself. Then, simply set the mulch in a dry area for the winter, like a garage or garden shed.
To store surplus bulk mulch, place the landscape material on a tarp and cover the pile with a second tarp to keep the supply dry. Leave some of the edges free so that air can easily flow underneath the tarp and through the mulch.
Storing Bagged and Bulk Compost
For bagged compost, as with bagged mulch, you need to ensure ample air flow. However, for best results in the spring, you need to turn the compost every now and then to bring up the damp bottom layer – so, we recommend emptying the bagged compost into a couple of inexpensive garbage cans or plastic storage bins.
Follow the same approach if you have extra bulk compost to store over the winter. Shovel the landscape material into containers, turn it once in a while and the compost should be in good for use in the spring.
Storing Bagged and Bulk Garden Soil
If you have a surplus of bagged garden soil, place the bags in plastic storage containers and store the landscape material in a garden shed, garage or other dark, dry area.
To store extra bulk garden soil over the winter, you can use the same two-tarp technique for storing bulk mulch – but in this case, compact the top layer of the pile when you place the second tarp. Or, if you prefer, you can store bulk soil in plastic storage bins.
Do you have questions about mulch, compost, garden soil or other landscape materials? The expert team at Dirt Bag, a leading northern Utah supplier of high-quality landscaping supplies, is happy to provide answers.
And if you need additional bagged or bulk landscape materials for your spring gardening and landscaping projects, we’re the go-to source. All of our products are regularly tested to ensure consistency, and our prices are sure to make you smile.
For more information on storing extra mulch, compost or garden soil – or to arrange for landscape material delivery to your Salt Lake County home or business, contact The Dirt Bag in West Jordan, Utah, today.
FAQs
If you have a surplus of bagged garden soil, place the bags in plastic storage containers and store the landscape material in a garden shed, garage or other dark, dry area.
What is the best way to store soil bags? ›
It's best to store bagged products out of direct sunlight. The sunlight will degrade the woven polypropylene bags over time, as well as heating and drying out the product. If bags are stored outside, try to place them to the north side of a building, but be sure that they are not under a drip edge.
How do you store bagged mulch? ›
If you bought mulch in bags and you have a lot of it, it's best to spread out a tarp, rip open the bags, and dump them onto the tarp and spread it out. Put another tarp over to protect the mulch from the elements, and stake down the bottom tarp, leaving some areas underneath for ventilation.
How to store extra topsoil? ›
If you have a large amount of extra soil, buy some dedicated soil storage bins, fill them with your excess topsoil, and store them in a location where they will not be exposed to the elements or bright sunlight.
How to store an open bag of compost? ›
In this case, you can store the compost in plastic bags or get a couple of cheap garbage cans and store it in these. For the best results, check the compost for moisture levels and stir it up to bring the damp bottom layer into the top drier layer.
What is the best way to store compost? ›
For smaller amounts, you may also keep compost dry by storing it in open bags in a shed or garage, under an overhang, etc. A plastic tote bin with a loosely filling lid also works well for storing finished compost short term.
How to store garden soil for next year? ›
To store extra bulk garden soil over the winter, you can use the same two-tarp technique for storing bulk mulch – but in this case, compact the top layer of the pile when you place the second tarp. Or, if you prefer, you can store bulk soil in plastic storage bins.
What to do with excess mulch? ›
How is excess mulch removed? Hand shovels to gently scrape the excess away, while being careful not to damage the roots. A high pressure air spade can blow away the excess mulch without damaging the roots.
Does compost go on top of topsoil? ›
A well-dressed lawn or landscape will include layers of different materials that create an ideal environment for healthy growth. First is the topsoil, then the compost and, finally, a mulch to blanket it all. Topsoil is the layer of humus (partially decomposed organic matter) between the surface and the subsoil.
How to store excess soil? ›
Any storage containers that will keep the soil dry will work, including bins, small garbage cans, or heavy-duty plastic bags. Exposure to freezing temperatures is good for stored potting soil, because it will make life difficult or impossible for any insects that may be present as adults, pupae or eggs.
When the bag is full, empty it into your compost pile or bin. Be sure to add some brown materials, such as leaves or straw, to help balance out the green material in the bag.
Can I store mulch in my garage? ›
Yes! Just make sure you have enough room that you can spread the mulch out in an even layer, secure it against moisture, and allow it to breathe. In a shed or garage is ideal, since the mulch will naturally stay cool over the winter, which can help discourage mould growth.
Can you leave a bag of soil open? ›
A sealed potting mix bag usually has a shelf life of 1 to 2 years max. But once the bag is opened it comes down to 6 moths to one year if properly stored. The open bag by itself is not enough to keep the microbes at bay. In order to keep the potting mix preserved, I suggest using a Handy Pail 11L Pail With Lid.
How long does bagged soil stay fresh? ›
How Long Can You Store Potting Soil? Opened bags of new potting soil can retain quality for around 6 to 12 months. For unopened and unused potting soil, you can store it for about a year or two before it goes bad. Usually, potting soil lasts longer when stored in a dry and cool container.
How to keep potting soil from drying out? ›
Fill the top of your containers with mulch( rocks or bark), this will help prevent the plant from drying out as well as stop, water stealing, weeds from growing.
Can you reuse soil from grow bags? ›
Like many aspects of gardening — it depends. If the potting soil has just been used one season and all the plants were completely healthy, sure. However, if you know your plants ended up hit with downy mildew, or other plant disease, you'll want to either toss the soil or spend some time sterilizing it.
