Checklist to Prepare Your Shed for Spring Gardening

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A functional and organised garden shed is just what you need when spring comes knocking. That means making sure it’s been treated, especially if it’s wooden, any gaps are sealed, roofing felt is intact, and the tools inside are ready for action in the new season—to name a few. The inside matters, too. Roll up your sleeves and use this guide to get your shed ready for springtime.

Treat Your Wooden Shed

Now’s the perfect time to treat your timber shed if you didn’t get around to it before winter. Whether it’s your first time or just a bit of upkeep, you can’t go wrong with a quick-drying, weather-resistant wood stain.

Take the Protek Shed & Fence Treatment 5ltr, for instance. It gives a natural matte finish, is very low in VOCs (volatile organic compounds), and has minimal odour. Even better, it complies with EN71-3 standards, meaning it’s safe for children and animals.

A clear wood treatment or preservative is another great option. For the best protection, finish it off with a clear exterior wood or decking oil.

Tip: If you own a pressure treated shed, you can boost its protection and improve its look with a coat of paint. Read this guide, “Can I Paint Pressure Treated Wood?” to find out more.

Seal Any Gaps in the Walls

During winter, moisture, wind, and frost might have taken a toll on your shed surfaces. Perhaps those existing small gaps have widened or new ones have appeared. Seal all the cracks you can find using a silicone caulk, which is versatile and works for various gaps. Go for an expanding foam if you’re dealing with larger gaps.

Get to work by applying your chosen sealant with a trowel. Once it’s in place, use a putty knife or a chinking tool to smooth it out, then wipe the area with a damp cloth or your finger (wearing gloves) to create a neat finish.

Tips: Different gaps might need other ways to fix them, depending on how big or deep they are. You can use a tape measure to measure them so you know how much filler you’ll need and what kind to get. If the gaps are too big or complicated, it might be worth calling a pro.

Check the Roofing Felt

Snow, rain, and frost can wear down your shed’s roofing felt, causing cracks or gaps over time. Here’s what to check on:

Inspect for damage: This includes tears, cracks, or spots where the felt is lifting. The edges, corners, and where the roof meets the walls are usually the common weak points.

Check for signs of water damage: Look inside the shed for damp patches, water stains, or mould on the roof or walls. These are signs the felt isn’t providing enough protection.
Press and test: Do so gently to see if the felt feels brittle or loose or if it’s sagging or peeling. If yes, it’s time for a replacement. Consider this premium shed roof felt – it’s durable, tear-resistant, weatherproof, and can maintain its quality for up to 5 years.

Why you shouldn’t overlook this? A damaged roof can let water and moisture seep into your shed. If it’s wooden, this increases the risk of wood rot and mould. In a metal shed, this means rust and corrosion.

That’s not the only problem. Gaps in the roof might invite insects or small animals like mice, rats, squirrels, or birds looking for shelter as the weather warms up. They could build nests, leave droppings, or even chew through your stored items.

If you spot any of these animals while checking your shed’s roof, here’s a handy guide to help you remove them safely: How to Get Animals Out From Under Your Shed

Clear Out Your Shed

Chances are, your shed’s become a bit of a dumping ground over the winter, with everything crammed in to keep it out of the snow. If you can, give it a good clear-out to make room for the tools, gear, and supplies you’ll need for spring gardening. It will help you get organised, and you might even free up a bit of extra space.

Once it’s cleared, sort out your tools by adding a few hooks or racks to keep them tidy. Use drawers for power tools and shelves for planters, and stack some storage boxes in the corner for fertilisers and soil amendments. Starting with a clean canvas makes it easier to get everything in order and see what needs restocking, so you’re all set with good garden storage when spring arrives.

Sweep the Floor

Once you’ve cleared out your shed, the floor is probably full of dirt, dust, and debris. If there are shelves, dust those first, along with the ceiling and windows, so anything that falls lands on the floor before you sweep. If your shed has electricity, watch out for any exposed wires while dusting.

Sweep the corners and edges first, where debris tends to collect, using a broom with stiff bristles. Work your way across the floor, gather the dirt into a dustpan, and dispose of it. Job done—you’ve got a clean, tidy shed.

Tip: Wear a mask to avoid breathing in dust, especially if it’s been a while since the last clean.

Inspect the Shed’s Doors and Locks

Rust on the locks or hinges can make them tough to open or lock properly. If the door has warped from ice or snow, it might not close right.

To deal with rust, grab a wire brush or sandpaper; opt for a rust remover for tougher spots. Apply some WD-40 or another lubricant to the moving parts to keep things running smoothly. If the locks are still stiff, it might be time to replace them. These garden shed locks are excellent options.

If the door isn’t closing properly, try using a door shim to realign it and close the gap. You can also tighten or adjust the hinges to get the door sitting right in the frame. If it’s badly warped, replace the door or have it professionally fixed.

Clean Garden Tools and Equipment

Spring means a fresh start for your garden, and that includes tending the plot—which calls for a few tools and some equipment.

This includes basic hand tools like a trowel, pruners, a weeder, and a rake, to name a few. To clean them, scrape off any dirt, mud, or plant bits. Soak them in soapy water for 15–20 minutes to loosen any stuck-on grime. Scrub them thoroughly, especially the nooks and crannies, and rinse them well. Dry them off with a cloth and finish with a light coat of oil to prevent rust and keep the blades sharp.

If you’ve got power tools like a petrol grass trimmer, leaf blower, or mower, they could do it with a bit of cleaning. Clear away debris, sap, or plant bits from the blades, then give them a light scrub to remove any leftover gunk. Lubricate the moving parts, like the pivot points and springs, so everything keeps running smoothly.

Note: Cleaning your tools before storing them for winter is always a good move. It helps keep them in good condition and ready to use when spring rolls around. If you didn’t get to it earlier, don’t worry—it’s still worth doing now! It’s also a great opportunity to check over what you’ve got and what you’ll need for your garden spring cleaning.