How long does fertilizer last in garage?
Depending on the type, fertilizer can last for years in storage. Liquid fertilizers can last upwards of 10 years, and granular fertilizer has no finite expiration date. It isn't just the chemical makeup of these products that affects their longevity – proper storage is key.
Store in dry, cool, 100% shaded places. Keep fertilizer in its original bag or liquid container so there is no confusion regarding product type, cautionary concerns or product use. Close bag securely, wrap in plastic or store in its tightly sealed plastic container to keep moisture out.
You want to keep the fertilizer in a cool location if possible, and if this is impossible, at least in a location where the heat is minimized by not being in direct sunlight. Also be sure to keep the can away from any heat source such as a gas furnace or stove.
To make sure your fertilizer is in good condition, consider storing it in a cool, dry place where the temperature doesn't go below zero or exceed 55 degrees. Moreover, it's also important to keep it away from areas that can be affected by excess humidity.
Does granular fertilizer go bad? No, it can technically last an indefinite amount of time. In reality, of course, it may draw moisture and grow mold, or rodents could chew holes into the bag.
All fertilizer stored outside should be protected from the elements by covering with a tarpaulin. Anchor the tarp well around the product. Splice should overlap at least 30 cm. Keep the ground and driveways free of fertilizer spills.
Liquid chemical fertilizers can last up to ten years, whereas liquid organic fertilizer has a shelf-life of 5-8 years. If you're looking at microbial inoculants, the lifespan is even shorter, lasting two years.
Granular products absorb moisture from the air, causing them to cake up like cement. An excellent way to store opened bags of lawn or garden fertilizers is to place the bags in large containers, such as 5 gallon buckets, and cover with tight-sealing lids.
– Use Airtight Zip Lock Bags
Potting soil storage is best in an airtight zip lock bag. Place the soil directly into this bag, or you can also choose to have the zip lock bag placed over the original packaging. Keeping the potting soil in an airtight bag will make it last longer.
Indoor storage
The floor should have a level, dry and even surface, free from pot-holes. Limit the height of fertiliser stacks. High stacks of bagged fertiliser can be unstable and may collapse. Store at least 1 meter away from building eaves and beams and, in the case of bagged fertiliser, also from walls.
How long can you store lawn fertilizer?
Lawn fertilizer does go bad over time but it takes years for fertilizer to expire. When you store fertilizer properly, i.e. away from moisture and without getting frozen, it can last between 4 – 10 years. The only type of fertilizer that may expire sooner is fertilizer mixed with a pesticide.
Fertilizer Type | Storage Time |
---|---|
Dry granular fertilizer | No expiry |
Liquid organic fertilizer | 5 to 8 years |
Liquid mineral fertilizer: | Up to 10 years |
Microbial inoculants | 2 years |

If they do freeze, the solubility of the minerals can be compromised, and crystalline structures will usually form within the bottle. This will have a detrimental effect on the balance of the formulation and can lead to inconsistencies in the mineral nutrient composition.
Fertilizer doesn't expire, but we recommend keeping it dry and in an airtight container, and using it up within a year to get the best results. The longer the fertilizer sits unused, the more likely it is to become damp and clumpy, which could make it hard to spread.
Here are some tips on proper storage of fertilizer :
Make sure that the floor is dry and the building is clean. The bags should not come in contact with floor walls or ceiling. 2. Make a separate stack for each type of the store so that they may be used/sold first.
The quick answer is yes. Old potting soil loses value over time as its ingredients, like peat moss, decompose. But don't worry, you can easily revive your old potting soil back to health. In this article, we'll discuss how potting soil goes bad, three related FAQs, and what happens if you use old soil.
Ammonia smell in gardens and compost heaps is an indicator of inadequate oxygen for microbial activity. Organic compounds cannot compost without adequate oxygen, but the fix is a simple one by introducing more oxygen to the soil.
- Store or give away. ...
- Fertilizers that contain pesticides or herbicides: bring to Hennepin County drop-off facilities. ...
- Dry, granular fertilizers that do not contain pesticides or herbicides: put in the garbage. ...
- Liquid fertilizers that do not contain pesticides or herbicides: pour down drain.
“First off,” Dowbenko explains, “Make sure you put cool, dry fertilizer in a cool, dry bin.” If warm fertilizer is put in a cool bin, it creates moisture, which lowers the quality of the fertilizer and can make it hard to use in the spring.” Moisture uptake is a serious challenge when it comes to storing N.
Although the best time to water fertilizer is immediately after you apply it, you can allow it to sit on your lawn or garden up to 48 hours before it rains. However, if the air temperature is above 85°F (29°C), fertilizers left for over 24 hours can volatilize and burn the grass or plant roots.
How long does fertilizer last once applied?
Fertilizers can last in the soil anywhere from seven days to several months. The exact amount of time that fertilizer lasts in soil will vary depending on the type of fertilizer you have and the formulation of the fertilizer.
Fertilizer Type | Storage Time |
---|---|
Dry granular fertilizer | No expiry |
Liquid organic fertilizer | 5 to 8 years |
Liquid mineral fertilizer: | Up to 10 years |
Microbial inoculants | 2 years |
Fertilizer doesn't expire, but we recommend keeping it dry and in an airtight container, and using it up within a year to get the best results. The longer the fertilizer sits unused, the more likely it is to become damp and clumpy, which could make it hard to spread.
Although the best time to water fertilizer is immediately after you apply it, you can allow it to sit on your lawn or garden up to 48 hours before it rains. However, if the air temperature is above 85°F (29°C), fertilizers left for over 24 hours can volatilize and burn the grass or plant roots.
When is the best time to fertilize a lawn – before or after a rain? Too much rain could wash away the fertilizer before it has a chance to soak into the soil, so plan to fertilize several days before a heavy rain arrives or several days later.