Container Garden

How to Maximize Space: 18 Potting Soil Storage Ideas

This post shows you the best potting soil storage ideas for compact spaces!

Living in a small apartment but dreaming of big plant aspirations? Smaller spaces just mean more ideas for hidden creativity.

A small space doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice the garden of your dreams! Container gardening offers solutions that allow you to grow in any space.

Finding safe and proper storage for leftover potting soil and other garden supplies, however, can be a little tricky.

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The trick is to keep things hidden and organized with innovative storage solutions that naturally blend into your space.

For inspiration, I’ve come up with some unique storage ideas tailored for smaller living spaces.

This ensures every gardener can maximize their growing potential without adding chaos and clutter!

Tips for storing potting soil or other gardening supplies

Before diving into specific potting soil storage ideas, here are some general storage tips to remember:

  • Keep the soil dry. Don’t seal your bag up too tightly. With heat and moisture present, it can be a breeding ground for mold and mildew. Seal the bag with a clip but keep it loose for air to circulate and breathe until the next use.
  • Be strategic. Choose smart pieces of furniture with built-in storage compartments, such as ottomans, benches, or coffee tables, to store gardening supplies discreetly.
  • Find nooks and crannies. Use storage containers specifically meant to fit in hard-to-fit places like under a sink or bed to store bags of potting soil, compost, or gardening tools.
  • Declutter regularly. Keep your supplies organized by decluttering and removing items you no longer use. Be sure you’re only buying items that you need!

Note: No matter where you store your items, potting soil should always be in a sealed bag or container to avoid potential pests or infestations!

18 Space Maximizing Potting Soil Storage Ideas

1. Multi-Purpose Furniture

Multi-purpose furniture is the smartest way to put away unsightly items while saving space.

Consider an outdoor bench with a lift-top lid for storage to conceal bags of potting soil, containers, and gardening equipment.

To make your balcony garden cozy, throw down a cushion and some pillows for relaxing after tending to your plants!

2. Garden Cart

A simple cart with wheels makes life easy!

Use a rolling utility cart or bar cart to transport and store garden supplies.

Place bags of potting soil, gardening tools, and other supplies, allowing for easy mobility and accessibility throughout your apartment.

If you’re really short on space, choose a folding cart design that can fit seamlessly into small spaces like a closet or behind doors without overcrowding.

3. Space Above Furniture

You might think you don’t have any space, but have you tried going vertical?

Look for space above tall structures in your space like an armoir or even the area above your fridge!

Not only does vertical storage help with clutter and keeping things organized, but this is also convenient to keep pets out of reach.

Utilize vertical real estate to keep soil stored while freeing up floor space for furniture and bigger items.

4. Statement Furniture

Invest in big statement piece that hides items in plain sight. A classic storage decor trick of mine is to use an old vintage chest.

These chests are plentiful and can be repurposed into several different things for use.

Pick out something bright with intricate design for visual interest and hide your potting soil, garden supplies, books and etc inside!

You can score these chests at an inexpensive price at thrift stores or online trading groups like Facebook marketplace.

5. Plastic Storage Drawers

Opt for clear plastic storage drawers with multiple compartments.

Drawers are ideal for storing smaller quantities of soil or organizing gardening essentials such as seeds, labels, or hand tools.

You can find these at any big box retailer near you and can even find them on wheels for easy transport.

Label each drawer to quickly locate specific soil types, seeds, or gardening supplies, streamlining your gardening process.

6. Extra Trash Can with Lid

Need to keep your items separate and organized?

An extra trash can or bin is the perfect solution to store potting soil or composting in an apartment.

These are great for extra storage or for adding needed texture to an apartment.

Try to find cans with lids to store on shelves, under tables, countertops, or in cabinets to ensure soil is cleverly out of sight while still accessible.

7. Laundry or Utility Space

If you’re lucky to have one, a utility space is ideal for storing just about anything.

Short on room?

Store your potting soil in a sealed bag instead of a container in case you have to squeeze it into a smaller space.

If you have shelves, ensure the shelves are sturdy enough to support the weight of the soil.

8. Storage Unit Wall

Have a large blank canvas wall space that needs filling?

Find a large cube storage unit that can serve as a shelf and storage.

Fill each cubicle with a stylish box or container to store your garden items in like the bottom cubicles for this bookshelf.

These units are super cheap and easy to find in neutral colors that will blend with any indoor space!

9. Floating Shelves

Utilize the corners of your gardening area by installing floating shelving where it’s convenient.

These space-saving solutions provide ample storage for potting soil while utilizing often-underutilized corner spaces.

Arrange bags or containers of soil on the shelves, ensuring easy access and organization for efficient gardening.

10. 5-Gallon Bucket

A simple bucket with lid should be considered an essential item for any garden.

There are so many uses including a planter, a makeshift seat, a compost bin, and now a convenient storage container for potting soil.

Buy a couple of 5-gallon buckets with lids from Lowe’s to keep on handy or find them for free through local businesses and restaurants!

This versatile solution keeps soil within reach but easily storable under sinks, closets, or outdoor compartments.

11. Under the Sink

Utilize the space under kitchen or bathroom sinks for your extras.

Be sure to use a plastic organizer to store small bags of potting soil, plant food, and watering accessories neatly out of sight.

This discreet storage solution keeps soil out of sight while ensuring it remains easily accessible when needed for gardening projects.

Use storage caddies to compartmentalize items, creating designated storage spaces for gardening supplies.

12. 5-Gallon Storage tote

Storage totes are the classic solution for storing items away and come in especially handy idea for potting soil storage.

Not only are they cheap and durable, you can tuck them away pretty much anywhere.

And no need to buy these brand new, you can easily find these at garage sales or thrift stores.

These large storage containers also make inexpensive planters for balconies.

13. Cat Litter Storage Boxes

Have a furry friend?

Don’t underestimate the power of recycling items you never thought of for storage and that includes your gardening supplies!

Make sure you invest in thick and sturdy boxes, the kind that are industrial that companies use. Like this box for cat box litter storage!

Stack the boxes under the sink, in a utility closet, or outdoors in a protected area.

14. TV stand

Opt for a open or closed tv stand or console unit to store bags of potting soil, planters, and gardening books when not in use.

With the tv as a focal point in most of our living room, no one would think twice about what you have stored underneath!

Being strategic with furniture is the key to maximizing room in a small space!

15. Space Under the Bed

Find a long and skinny plastic Tupperware container for your soil mix.

Not only does this function for storage, but you can repot and tend to individual plants in this container without making a mess on your balcony or bathroom.

Slide the containers under beds or furniture in your home or garden furniture to maximize space utilization.

This discreet solution keeps soil out of sight, but still sealed fresh and accessible when needed for gardening projects.

16. Food Containers

Buy different colored food containers to keep track of your soil supplies.

Keep separate containers for perlite, succulent soil, potting mix etc. When you’re ready to mix, just dump the ingredients in a bowl and you’re done!

Use a bright designated color and individual labels so there are no mistaking the containers as food for pets or children.

18. Empty Corner with Storage

Instead of trying to hide things with storage, why not just leave it on full display?

In this room, a plant fills the empty corner next to this apartment balcony, but you could easily place a small cabinet or a couple of decorative boxes for a place to store your garden supplies.

Not only are you filling an empty corner, but it is conveniently placed for quick access outside.

Final Thoughts

A wagon cart, stackable pots, labeled boxes, and baskets for potting soil storage ideas


With these potting soil storage ideas and solutions, container gardeners living in small apartments can make the most of their limited space while keeping their potting soil and gardening supplies organized and accessible!

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