By Linda Naeve

Program Specialist

Iowa State University Extension

The word “leftover” often brings moans and groans, especially when it is the answer to “What’s for supper?”  Whether it is a salad, casserole or garden leftovers, such as garden seed, fertilizers and pesticides, leftovers often come in handy, reduce waste and save money. The above mentioned leftovers all have something in common in order for the food to be safely served or the product successfully used again – they require proper storage conditions and minimal storage period.

Gardeners often have unplanted seeds left over at the end of the season, either because there were more seeds in the package than were needed or they purchased a few extra packages. Depending on the species, most garden seed will retain its viability for a year or more if stored in a cool, dry location. Keep the seeds in their original packages and tape opened packages shut.  Store them in a glass jar or other airtight container.

Include a desiccant in the storage container along with the seeds. A desiccant is a substance that adsorbs moisture from the air, keeping the environment dry and free of unwanted moisture. The most commonly used desiccant is silica gel, often found in small packages in shoe boxes or purses to keep the leather dry. Put one of those packages in the storage container to keep the environment dry. A couple tablespoons of powdered milk wrapped in a napkin or tissue will also serve as a desiccant. Seal the container with an airtight lid and place it in a corner of your refrigerator where temperatures are between 35 and 41 degrees Fahrenheit.

If you fertilized your lawn or garden this season, you probably have a small amount fertilizer left over. In addition, if different products were used each season, it is likely a collection of several partially-full bags of fertilizer occupy a corner of your garage. Regardless of the amount remaining, always store fertilizers in their original bags or containers so you will know the analysis and content of the product when you plan to use it next season. Store granular fertilizers in a protected location where they will remain dry. These products absorb moisture from the air, causing them to cake up like cement. To keep fertilizer dry and in good condition, put the bags in five-gallon buckets with tight-sealing lids. Do not leave unused fertilizer in spreaders because it is corrosive and will quickly ruin the equipment.

Although the ideal situation to use up all pesticides by the end of the season, it doesn’t always happens.When storing pesticides, keep them in their original containers and write the year they were purchased on the container so that you know the age of each product. Pesticides should be stored in an enclosed cabinet, out of the reach of children and in a dry, protected location. Avoid storing them in areas that fluctuate from hot to freezing because temperature extremes can cause physical or chemical changes to the product.  Also, do not store fertilizers and pesticides near animal feed or bird seed.

Other reusable leftovers from the garden include unbroken plastic pots, cell packs and flats. Remove the excess soil, clean them thoroughly and store where they are accessible and ready to use early next spring.

The soil remaining in containers and planters after the plants die in the fall should be recycled rather than reused. Used potting soil can be added to the compost pile or worked into the garden soil.

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