How to Store Gardening Tools in the UK (2025 Guide)

One of the most common challenges faced by gardeners of all types—whether they're growing herbs on a tiny balcony or managing a multi-acre estate—is how to store garden tools efficiently.

In the UK, storing tools somewhere where they are easy to get to in the summer, and somewhere dry and protected from the British weather in winter, is really important. 

Tools are essential, but they’re often awkwardly shaped, heavy, and numerous. And while many people instinctively turn to hanging them on the wall, the truth is that wall space is frequently at a premium. 

Thankfully there are systems like GearHooks garden tool racks, which allow users to store multiple tools on a single hook. These innovative, space-saving solutions are particularly ideal for those who don’t have the luxury of a large garage or massive shed, and who still need quick, tidy access to their gardening essentials.

What is the best way to store garden tools in a small space?

Hanging each tool on a nail, or on a simple metal hook, will use up all the wall space in a typical shed or even a garage. You'll be forever banging in new ones or moving them around when you get more tools.

The GearHooks Garden Tool Rack is a 1 metre long rack with 3 or 5 adjustable hooks. The clever bit is that each hook is 300mm long and will hold several tools one behind the other. The hooks are adjustable side to side and up and down so you can fit 30-40 or even more tools on one rack. You can group them by type or by season and the ones you use most often will naturally end up at the front.

Let’s explore how GearHooks and similar wall mounted storage systems which meet the needs of ten key types of gardeners.

1. What's the best way for Home Gardeners to store garden tools?

Urban & suburban homeowners with private gardens; rural residents with larger spaces; general flower, hedge, and lawn care.

Home gardeners often operate within constrained spaces. Urban and suburban dwellers, in particular, may only have access to a small shed or side wall, while rural residents might find themselves overwhelmed by tool clutter despite having more outdoor space.

These gardeners typically own a broad variety of tools—rakes, forks, spades, shears, trimmers, and more. A standard hook-per-tool approach fills up wall space far too quickly.

GearHooks garden tool racks provide a smart alternative by allowing several tools (even lawn mowers) to hang on a single, robust hook—sorted by type, size, or frequency of use—instantly improving order and efficiency. Not only that, because they are galvanised AND powder coated you can install them outside too!

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2. How can Allotment Growers store their tools?

Individuals or families growing food on shared community plots.

Allotment holders often rely on communal sheds or small personal storage spaces. These locations aren’t typically designed for optimal storage, leading to disorganisation and wasted time spent digging through piles of tools.

The vertical design of GearHooks garden racks helps allotment growers maximise the limited wall area within small sheds or even DIY pallet shelters. Because these users frequently rotate tools seasonally—spades in spring, pruners in late summer—being able to group tools efficiently on single hooks also simplifies tool access.

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3. Eco-Conscious & Self-Sufficiency Enthusiasts

Permaculture gardeners, homesteaders, sustainability advocates.

Sustainability-minded gardeners tend to own a wide variety of multipurpose and often handmade or vintage tools. Their focus on soil health, composting, and year-round food growing demands gear for all types of weather and ground conditions.

For these users, vertical tool storage systems like GearHooks align with their values: reducing clutter, extending tool lifespan, and making best use of existing space rather than expanding their footprint unnecessarily. Grouping scythes, hoes, and rakes together prevents tools from rusting on the ground and keeps their storage space efficient and eco-friendly.

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4. What's the best way for Retired Gardeners to store garden tools?

Retirees who garden for wellness, purpose, and joy.

Many older gardeners find therapeutic value in their outdoor routines. Their tools are often cherished, sometimes spanning decades of use. However, storage challenges can become frustrating—bending or reaching to access a disorganised pile can become physically taxing.

With GearHooks systems, tools are stored at a comfortable, reachable height and sorted for easy identification. A single hook might hold all the hand tools needed for a session in the flowerbed, while another holds long-handled tools for hedge trimming. The minimalist storage footprint also keeps garden sheds safer and easier to navigate.

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5. How can Young Families store garden tools?

Parents encouraging kids to help in the garden.

For families with young children, gardening is part play, part education. Storage solutions need to keep sharp tools safely out of reach while ensuring lighter, kid-friendly tools are accessible.

GearHooks allow adult-sized tools to be hung higher on the rack, while a lower rack can safely store plastic trowels, watering cans, and child-sized gloves. This tiered storage approach supports both safety and engagement, fostering an environment where everyone can participate.

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6. Garden tool storage for Professional Gardeners & Landscapers

Tradespeople working across multiple sites.

Professionals need both high-efficiency storage and portability. Their tools are heavier, more expensive, and more diverse than those of a hobbyist. They may need rapid access and clear organisation at the start or end of a workday.

One or more tool racks like GearHooks can be installed on a workshop wall, allowing tools to be grouped according to task or job site. The high load capacity and robust design ensure even the heaviest tools—like pickaxes, mauls, chain saws can all be stored securely and compactly.

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7. Tool storage for DIY Outdoor Project Enthusiasts

People constructing garden furniture, fences, and landscaping projects.

DIYers blur the lines between gardening and construction. Their storage needs include both gardening tools and crossover equipment such as saws, drills, and hammers.

The GearHooks system enables these users to store a combination of tool types on single or adjacent hooks—gardening forks next to mallets, or spades beside spirit levels. It’s a practical and space-saving solution for anyone working out of a shed or garage where wall space must accommodate a mix of tools.

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8. Vanlifers & Tiny Home Dwellers

Mobile or minimalist gardeners with limited space.

Living small doesn’t mean giving up gardening—many in this lifestyle use containers, raised beds, or vertical gardens to grow their own food. But storing tools can be a nightmare when every square inch counts.

GearHooks are ideal for these users because they can hold multiple tools in an incredibly compact vertical format. Mounted on the inside of a door, side panel of a camper van, or within a tiny lean-to, they allow even small tool collections to be neatly organised and ready to go, without eating up valuable storage space.

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9. Wildlife Gardeners & Rewilders need garden tools too!

Gardeners focused on biodiversity and natural habitat creation.

This group avoids aggressive trimming or heavy landscaping, preferring gentle shaping with minimal intrusion. However, they still require shears, pruners, hand forks, and scythes to manage invasive species and encourage native plant growth.

GearHooks provide a gentle yet organised way to store these tools, many of which have wooden handles or are made by hand. Hanging them vertically keeps them off damp ground and preserves their condition, supporting longevity and sustainability in the rewilding process.

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10. Garden tool storage for Garden Designers & Influencers

Professionals creating and documenting beautiful outdoor spaces.

These users need clean, stylish storage solutions that look good both in person and on camera. They’re also more likely to invest in premium or ergonomically designed tools that deserve proper care.

GearHooks racks align perfectly with their aesthetic goals. The system is visually clean and customisable, allowing them to display tools in a way that reflects their personal or brand style. Functionally, being able to access everything quickly helps when juggling both gardening and content creation.

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How to Store Garden Tools: Practical Solutions for Every Tool Type

The best methods for storing all types of garden tools, including long-handled implements such as shovels, spades, and rakes; small hand tools; and heavier, more awkward equipment such as chainsaws, hedge trimmers, and lawn mowers. We'll also cover other common gardening tools, offering practical solutions and tips for each category.

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1. How to store Long-Handled Tools: Shovels, Spades, Forks, Rakes, and Hoes

Long-handled tools are essential for any gardener, but their length and shape can make them cumbersome to store.

Using the long hooks on the GearHooks rack means that 6 or 7 shovels, spades or any long handles tools can be stored one behind the other to save space. The ones that are used most often will naturally migrate to the front of the rack.

Best Practices:

• Wall-Mounted Racks:
  Install sturdy wall racks with wide hooks or slots to hold the handles. Tools are stored upright, making them easy to see and access. Ensure the rack is mounted securely to support the weight of multiple tools.

• Pegboards:
  Heavy-duty pegboards allow for flexible arrangement. Use metal hooks and keep heavier tools lower for safety. You will only be able to store tools one-deep on this kind of storage solution.

• Tool Grips/Clips:
  Commercially available tool clips or grippers can hold the shaft of each tool, preventing them from slipping or falling.

• Freestanding Tool Stands:
  Freestanding racks are ideal for garages or sheds where wall space is limited. Look for designs with individual slots for each tool to prevent them from tangling.

Tips:
Store tools with the working end down to protect the handles from moisture. Always clean off soil and debris before storage to prevent rust and decay.

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2. How to store Hand Tools like Trowels, Hand Forks, Pruners, Secateurs, Weeders, and Cultivators

Hand tools are the most frequently used implements in a gardener’s arsenal. Their small size makes them easy to misplace, so good organization is vital.

The GearHooks rack enables several small tools to be hung on a single hook. Tools can be hung between the two prongs or over each prong via a hole in the handle or a loop of string. As many as 10 tools per hook can be hung this way.

Other storage options:

• Toolboxes or Totes:
  Use a dedicated gardening toolbox or caddy with compartments for each hand tool. Portable totes are useful for carrying tools around the garden and keeping them together when not in use.

• Hanging Boards:
  A simple board fitted with hooks or nails can hold trowels, weeders, and hand forks by their handles. Pegboards are also effective here but .

• Magnetic Strips:
  For metal tools like pruners, loppers, or secateurs, install a magnetic knife strip on your shed wall for quick access.

• Drawer Organizers:
  Repurpose kitchen drawer organizers for a shed or workbench to keep smaller tools separated and prevent them from scratching each other.

Tips:
Label each space so tools are always returned to their designated spot. Always wipe tools clean and oil the joints (on pruners and secateurs) to keep them in good working order.

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3. How to store Heavy or Awkward Garden Tools like Chainsaws, Hedge Trimmers, Strimmers, and Lawn Mowers

Large and potentially dangerous equipment requires secure, stable storage to ensure safety and protect the machinery. 

You can store chainsaws and hedge trimmers on the GearHooks Garden tool rack. Just make sure these heavy items are pushed to the back of the hook.

Best Practices:

• Chainsaws and Hedge Trimmers:
  If possible, hang on strong wall hooks designed for heavy loads, keeping sharp edges away from foot traffic, preferably with a blade cover. Alternatives include on a shelf or in a secure cupboard.

• String Trimmers (Strimmers):
  Wall brackets or strong utility hooks are ideal for hanging these long tools horizontally, keeping them off the ground and preventing fuel leaks or cord tangles.

• Lawn Mowers:
  Light, electric or cordless mowers can be stored upright (consult the manual first) and can be hung on the GearHooks rack with ease. For electric or battery mowers, keep them away from moisture. Store large or heavy mowers, particularly petrol mowers, on a flat surface (i.e. a shed or garage floor) in a dry, well-ventilated area. 

• Wheelbarrows:
  Store upright against a wall to maximize floor space.

Tips:
For all motorized tools, drain fuel and clean thoroughly before long-term storage. Remove batteries from cordless models and store batteries separately in a cool, dry place.

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4. How to store heavy hand tools like axes, sledge hammers and mauls

Heavy hand tools cannot usually be stored on wall hooks because of their weight.

The hooks on a GearHooks rack are strong enough to store several heavy tools. Its always best to have the heavies tools at the back and you may need to move some items to get to others.

Tips:
Be careful where you store heavy items so they don't get knocked off and cause injury.

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5. How to store Watering Cans, Hoses, Sprayers, and Power Tool Attachments and Other Common Tools

These sort of items are often awkward shapes and difficult to store.

The GearHooks system will accommodate just about any size and shape item thanks to the long hooks and wide spacing between prongs which means things can be hung between the prongs, over both or on each prong.

• Garden Hoses:
  Use a hose reel or wall-mounted hose hanger to keep hoses neatly coiled and off the ground, reducing kinks and prolonging life.

• Power Tool Attachments:
  Use plastic bins or wall-mounted baskets to keep attachments sorted and accessible.

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6. General Storage Tips and Safety Considerations

• Wall racks and Shelving Units:
  Invest in sturdy, adjustable wall racks and use shelving for storing supplies, pots, and bulky items.

• Moisture Control:
  Always store tools in a dry location to prevent rust and rot. If your shed is damp, use desiccants or moisture absorbers.

• Cleaning and Maintenance:
  Regularly clean and oil your tools. A sand-and-oil bucket can help keep metal parts rust-free: plunge metal tools into a bucket filled with sand mixed with a little vegetable oil.

• Secure Storage:
  Lock sharp or dangerous tools out of reach of children and pets, ideally in a locked cabinet or with a cable lock for heavy equipment.

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In Conclusion

Regardless of gardening style, tool storage is a universal challenge. The traditional model of hanging one tool per hook quickly runs into limits—especially when space is scarce. Systems like GearHooks garden tool racks, which support the storage of multiple tools on a single hook, offer a powerful and elegant solution.

An organized garden tool storage system protects your investment, saves time, and creates a safer, more enjoyable gardening experience. Tailor your storage solutions to the specific needs of each tool type.

Remember, cleanliness and regular maintenance are just as important as the storage method itself.

By implementing these strategies, you will ensure that every gardening session starts with the right tool at your fingertips—ready, safe, and well cared for.