How to Maximize Space: 18 Potting Soil Storage Ideas

How to Maximize Space: 18 Potting Soil Storage Ideas

This post shows you the best potting soil storage ideas when gardening on a balcony!

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 allows 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!

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 to ensure 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 lose for air to circulate and breath until next use.

Invest in multi-purpose furniture. 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 hare 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 container to avoid potential pests or infestations!

Here’s 18 Unique and Space Maximizing Potting Soil Storage Ideas

1. Invest in a storage chest

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

These chests are plentiful and can be repurposed into several different things. It can be a coffee table, a bench at the end of the bed, or fit in a closet!

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.

2. Use stand alone cabinets

Pick out natural textured cabinets in your apartment to seamlessly blend decorative storage boxes with plants or other decor on display.

This simple strategy keeps the soil hidden and accessible while freeing up floor space for furniture and bigger items.

Make sure the inside shelves are sturdy enough to support the weight of the soil and that the soil is sealed in a plastic container for safety and long-lasting storage.

Place your cabinet strategically by your backdoor and store with the rest of your garden supplies for easy access.

3. Roll a utility cart or bar cart

A simple cart with wheels makes life easy!

Use a rolling utility cart or bar cart with multiple tiers 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.

Choose a cart with a compact design to fit seamlessly into small spaces like a closet without overcrowding.

4. Benches or tables with a lift-top lid

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

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

While not in use, throw down a cushion to provide cozy seating or surface space in your apartment or balcony.

It’s easily accessible, convenient, and protects your soil and equipment from outside elements.

5. Use 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.

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

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

6. Hide in woven baskets

Use woven baskets or bins to store potting soil and other supplies in an apartment.

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

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

Find these these woven baskets brand new at stores but they may be on the more expensive side. Always keep an eye out for second hand items to repurpose!

8. Wooden crate shelving

Get creative with DIY wooden crate shelving to create custom storage solutions for potting soil.

Collect unused items and stack them into a cool shelving display. Incorporate different textures, colors, and items for a striking vignette.

Ensure the stability and durability of shelving for holding containers of soil.

Customize the size and arrangement of the crates to fit your available space and gardening needs, adding a rustic touch.

9. Nook and cranny units

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. Bucket with a lid

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 and to protect your garden supplies from the elements!

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 storage

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.

12. Storage dividers

Use storage caddies to compartmentalize drawers and cabinets, creating designated storage spaces for gardening supplies.

Use dividers to keep small bags or packets of potting soil neatly arranged under on inside drawers or cabinets.

This method is ideal for storing smaller quantities of soil or organizing gardening essentials such as seeds, labels, or hand tools.

13. Simple cardboard box

If you’re on a budget, don’t underestimate the power of a simple cardboard box 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, not the cheap kind you can buy at a retailer.

Stack the boxes in a closet, under a desk, or underneath a bed for long-term use.

Keep the area decluttered to make it easy to locate specific products when needed.

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!

Multi-purpose furniture is the key to maximizing room in a small space.

Try bins or furniture with wheels to provide easy access to soil while creating ideal storage space and organization in compact areas.

15. Under-the-bed storage

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. Cube unit storage

Find a 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!

17. Multi-colored containers

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

Although they could probably blend in your kitchen, if you opt for food container, I recommend having a dedicated space for your garden supplies.

Use a bright designated color and individual labels so no one mistakes the containers as food for pets or children.

18. 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.

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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