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Storing bonemeal, growmore etc through winter - recommendations ?

muckyhandsmikemuckyhandsmike Posts: 239
in Tools and techniques
I’ve found that keeping bonemeal, growmore etc in their cardboard boxes through winter can result in it becoming damp and lumpy. I’ve been looking at tins/kilner jars/Tupperware but don’t want to spend a small fortune. I just wondered how other gardeners stored theirs ?

Posts

  • amancalledgeorgeamancalledgeorge Posts: 2,736
    I think IKEA's Samla boxes work well as they're cheap enough and keep the contents dry. Can either go for the smallest and decant or go for a larger one and put the carton boxes as they are. 
    https://www.ikea.com/gb/en/p/samla-box-with-lid-transparent-s09440839/

    To Plant a Garden is to Believe in Tomorrow
  • JennyJJennyJ Posts: 10,576
    Mine are OK in the shed (I guess it's dry enough). Have a look in places like B&M, Home Bargains, The Range etc. kitchenware sections for plastic containers. Airtight cereal containers might be about the right sort of size. Maybe worth a look in the kitchenware sections of supermarkets too.
    Doncaster, South Yorkshire. Soil type: sandy, well-drained
  • PlantmindedPlantminded Posts: 3,580
    Lots of food products come in plastic lidded containers which you could recycle or just put the box in one of those sandwich/food bags with zips, sold in different sizes.
    Wirral. Sandy, free draining soil.


  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    I use plastic tubs from anything that comes in those - the fat balls for birds, for example, are great. I also have an original tub that had BF&B in it - still fine, and I decant the new stuff into that. A big, cheap plastic box with a lid from any supermarket would be fine with bags inside. Keeps mice out too if they're in a garage or shed etc. 
    I also have one of those tall tubs you can use for cereal. Supermarket or one of the outlets as @JennyJ mentions. I use it for my soap powder, and I have one with bird food in it. 
    I can't keep anything in paper in my shed. Too damp, so it all gets decanted, and the rest is kept in the cupboards in the house. 
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • Pete.8Pete.8 Posts: 11,340
    I've had 25Kg blood, fish, bone in a plastic sack for about 18 months in my garage.
    I've used about half of it over the last couple of years, but the remainder is still free-flowing.
    I also have a plastic bucket with 10Kg Growmore that I've had for about 5 years - that's still fine too.

    Billericay - Essex

    Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
    Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
  • Busy-LizzieBusy-Lizzie Posts: 24,043
    I put mine in freezer bags in the original boxes. If they are loose in cardboard boxes they go soggy.
    Dordogne and Norfolk. Clay in Dordogne, sandy in Norfolk.
  • AnniDAnniD Posts: 12,585
    Depending on the amount to store, l use old bird feed plastic containers.
    For larger amounts, one of the best things l've found is cereal containers, l have one bought years ago with a carry handle which comes in useful. 

    If you don't have anything available already and want to save money you could always ask on Freecycle etc.

  • muckyhandsmikemuckyhandsmike Posts: 239
    Thank you for all your suggestions - plenty of ideas there ! 
  • FireFire Posts: 19,096
    I keep plant foods in the house on a high shelf by the front door - an inside but unheated porch. The boxes are fine there. My main concern might be mice being attracted to them, but I have never had a problem with this to date.
  • WaterbutWaterbut Posts: 344
    If not to much I use mine all up in the autumn.
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