3 things you should never leave in your shed over winter

As the gardening season winds down through autumn and winter, you might be forgiven for thinking that gardening and all of its jobs can wait until the spring. Yet now is the perfect time to ensure your garden tools are stored correctly and your shed is properly organised. After months of use, it’s easy for things to get messy, with tools scattered, shelves cluttered, and equipment left where it last landed and whilst it might feel like the last thing you want to do, prepping ahead of the colder weather will help. A gardening expert has now revealed the three things to consider in your winter shed, and why the drop in temperatures can cause damage. Yet some fast action at the start of the cold season can put you in good stead for when it warms up next year. Garden shed expert Sam Jenkinson from garden building retailer Tiger has now revealed the items that won't do well if left in your shed over the winter months. Speaking to Wales Online , Sam said, "There are certain items that shouldn’t be left in your garden shed during the colder months, particularly anything that is sensitive to freezing temperatures. "Batteries for power tools, such as cordless drills and hedge trimmers, can lose their charge or degrade if left in the cold, reducing their lifespan or making them unusable by spring." It's not just batteries either, as there's many liquids and similar items that won't survive freezing temperatures. Sam added, "Paints, glues, and finishing liquids can freeze, separate, or lose their effectiveness when exposed to low temperatures, leaving homeowners with costly replacements. In some cases, containers may even crack or leak, creating a mess or damaging nearby tools and materials." Rust is also a danger as Sam warned, "Smaller items such as drill bits, saw blades, and lubricants can also rust or thicken in damp conditions. The best way to protect these items is to move them indoors, to a dry location and frost-free until the weather warms." Other gardening tips for those keen for their outdoor space to survive winter include these from the Royal Horticultural Society . They said: "Now's the time to prune apples, pears, quinces and medlars." For those cultivating fruit in their gardens, December presents the ideal moment to ensure proper pruning. "Prune autumn raspberries. Prune red and white currants and gooseberries." During pruning, the RHS also advised to make sure you're working with sharp and sterilised equipment. This helps avoid crushing stems and reduces the likelihood of spreading infections from plant to plant. It's also advisable to clear dead branches initially, allowing you to assess what remains. Removing lifeless branches enables the plant to recover and offers opportunities for fresh growth. Thinning out plants can also enhance circulation and sunlight penetration.