Ditch out of date chemicals or risk plant damage

Britons are being urged to throw away out of date garden chemicals or risk causing damage to their plants.

The experts at GardenBuildingsDirect.co.uk are encouraging gardeners to check the dates of poisons and pesticides before using them in the garden this spring.

Out of date chemicals can potentially cause harm. They’re less effective and could even damage plants and if not disposed of safely, could pose environmental risk.

Over time active ingredients degrade making them less effective at controlling weeds and pests. Expired chemicals may even contain toxic residues which can damage or kill plants.

he advice comes as the experts share tips for decluttering the garden shed ahead of warmer weather.

They suggest emptying and cleaning out the shed and being ruthless with all the items inside.

A spokesperson for GardenBuildingsDirect.co.uk said: “With warmer weather and longer days on the way, now is the time to declutter the shed  to make space for spring and summer and dispose of items no longer needed.

“The best way to start is to empty the shed and give it a good clean. Once everything is laid out you can see exactly what you’re keeping hold of.

“It is important to check the dates on items like garden chemicals. These can cause harm and be less effective if they’re out of date so there really is no point keeping them.

“Remember to check seed packets too. Out of date seeds don’t go bad but their ability to germinate decreases.”

Here are GardenBuildingDirect.co.uk’s tips for decluttering your shed:

Getting started

Before you get started, empty the contents of your shed and give the inside and outside a good clean. Remove cobwebs, sweep up any debris and if you have the time, think about giving the exterior a brush down and jet wash to remove dirt.

Sort the content

Sort the contents of your shed into different piles. Items to keep, to donate or take to the local tip. Once you have your ‘to keep’ pile, categorise and group together for storage when you refill the shed.

Put up shelves

If you don’t have shelves or hooks in your shed for storing items, think about adding them in. Utilising wall as well as floor space will maximise the amount you can store.

Garden chemicals

Check the dates on garden chemicals and dispose of anything that’s out of date. Out of date chemicals can be less effective and can potentially damage plants. Do dispose of them correctly – don’t pour them down the drain. Instead your local council should be able to advise on household waste sites that accept garden chemicals.

Seeds

If you have packets of seeds in the shed, check the dates on those. Seeds don’t go off, but germination rates decrease over time.  Rather than throw them away, just plant more than usual so you get enough seedlings.

Plant pots

If you have broken plant pots or spare plastic pots, think about recycling then. Broken ceramic pots can be used to cover drainage holes. For plastic pots, check with your local council or garden centre to find out about their recycling schemes.

Seasonal storage

Store seasonal items together and put the items you don’t need away. Christmas tree stands and outdoor Christmas lights can all be carefully stored away until much later in the year.

Small items

Think about storing smaller items in glass jars to keep them neat and tidy. Nails and screws are perfect for this – it’s a great way to utilise empty jam jars and they can be stacked on top of one another.