Fertilizer and storage...

Ed of Somis · June 5, 2014

I have put a plastic Rubbermaid storage box (2x2x2) out by my garden to hold all my supplies. I notice that the box gets pretty hot inside during the day. Would this be a problem as far as degrading my liquid and dry fertilizers (also my Daconil, etc)?

**Lee** · June 5, 2014

Good question! I have been wondering the same as I have some left in the garage from last season.

lexusnexus · June 5, 2014

I would think that heat is detrimental to the chemicals. Most all labels say to keep away from prolonged exposure to sunlight and heat because they tend to break down molecules.

Dan

clkeiper · June 5, 2014

We try to store everything as cool and in as dark a place as we can to prolong the shelf life of the chemicals and fertilizer. I know my fertilizer supplier suggests keeping lids on the buckets of solution so the light doesn't dissipate the fertilizer by breaking them down or evaporating the solution and causing burn to the plants.

I wouldn't store my garden chemicals in a box in the garden.

If the containers get wet or exposed to light it can also ruin the labels. Then you may not know what the dilution ratio is or what the product is if you have several similar bottles.

Ed of Somis · June 6, 2014

They will not be getting wet or exposed to the light...that's why they are in the box. I am guessing...but I bet the liquid ferts are more affected than the dry. I will read the labels carefully...hoping for the heat answer.

June 5, 2014	#1
Ed of Somis Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Somis, Ca Posts: 649	Fertilizer and storage... I have put a plastic Rubbermaid storage box (2x2x2) out by my garden to hold all my supplies. I notice that the box gets pretty hot inside during the day. Would this be a problem as far as degrading my liquid and dry fertilizers (also my Daconil, etc)?

June 5, 2014	#2
Lee Tomatopalooza™ Moderator Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: NC-Zone 7 Posts: 2,188	Good question! I have been wondering the same as I have some left in the garage from last season. __________________ Intelligence is knowing a tomato is a fruit. Wisdom is knowing not to put one in a fruit salad. Cuostralee - The best thing on sliced bread.

June 5, 2014	#3
lexusnexus Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: MD Suburbs of DC, Zone 7a Posts: 500	I would think that heat is detrimental to the chemicals. Most all labels say to keep away from prolonged exposure to sunlight and heat because they tend to break down molecules. Dan __________________ Dan

June 5, 2014	#4
clkeiper Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: ohio Posts: 4,350	We try to store everything as cool and in as dark a place as we can to prolong the shelf life of the chemicals and fertilizer. I know my fertilizer supplier suggests keeping lids on the buckets of solution so the light doesn't dissipate the fertilizer by breaking them down or evaporating the solution and causing burn to the plants. I wouldn't store my garden chemicals in a box in the garden. If the containers get wet or exposed to light it can also ruin the labels. Then you may not know what the dilution ratio is or what the product is if you have several similar bottles. __________________ carolyn k

June 6, 2014	#5
Ed of Somis Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Somis, Ca Posts: 649	They will not be getting wet or exposed to the light...that's why they are in the box. I am guessing...but I bet the liquid ferts are more affected than the dry. I will read the labels carefully...hoping for the heat answer.