Now that the plants are tucked away and the tools/equipment are cleaned and stored, there is nothing left to do until next season right? Not quite. Most do-it-yourselfers have purchased some sort of pesticide or fertilizer whether in liquid or granular form, during the season. Unless the chemicals have been used in their entirety, proper storage over winter will be required for not only the safety of the homeowner and environment but also for preserving the quality of the product. The most important thing to consider when storing chemicals is storing them away from children and pets.
If possible, under lock and key is advisable. The second is making sure the area is large enough to store all the fertilizers, fungicides, insecticides, and herbicides separately and has plenty of ventilation, as fumes permeating from the liquids can become toxic if inhaled. Lastly, the storage space should be protected from temperature extremes. Intense heat increases the volatility of chemicals and freezing can not only rupture containers but also alter the chemical quality of liquid products, reducing their effectiveness. How long chemicals can be effectively stored will depend on the specific information listed on the manufacturer’s label.