[This thread is from MemberConnect, 8/24/22]
Hi All,
I have limited space to store boxes of clay so the last few months have been using my garage. I live in the San Fernando Valley so it gets VERY hot/dry in there. I found that my 50lb boxes of clay from Laguna (still in bags/unopened) dried out after ~6 months and are too hard to use without reclaiming. So frustrating! Any tips for storing 25 lb bags of clay in a hot/dry climate to preserve them in usable form? Should I wrap them in more plastic?
thank you!
Amanda Mason
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Put the clay in plastic bins (in the bags). Just make sure the bin is where you want it because it can’t be moved once it is full of clay😂
Jody Cooper
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Yes. As Jody says, use the heavy storage bins. And in the coolest location possible.
Genie Thomsen
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Since I have a bad back and cannot move 25 lbs of clay. What works for me when my clay is too hard, I take a kitchen size towel and wet fully then cut clay in half and put the towel on top of bottom half then put clay on top. Wrap the top piece in the towel and seal bag. Depending on how dry it could take 24 hours or more. I do not wedge the clay afterwards. Works well for me.
Judy Winard
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Add a bit of water to them before storing and cover with a white cloth of some kind if they are in direct sun. This is an ideal time for beer application.
Ian Bermann
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Good morning.... As noted, plastic bins work well, as do old ice chest/coolers.(extra insulation) Depending on how much clay you're storing, I've even heard of someone who using an old refrigerator (unplugged).
I don't keep a lot of clay on hand, as I'm not as productive as I should be. (working on that!) I keep mine in the garage, and put a large yard waste trash bag over my pile of boxes. Living in the valley, the plastic bin idea seems like a good one for you.
Whatever method you choose, if you use different clays, just remember to mark the bags if you store them out of the box, with type, and cone number. I used to be able to remember what was what, but wouldn't trust myself anymore!
Hope you find a system that works for you.
Lori Lester
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I also keep my clay (tightly sealed in the bags) in the large plastic storage bins but I also tape over the safety holes under the side handles, put water either in the bottom lower grooves or cup for keeping moisture in, and store then along the north side of the house to minimize sun exposure. I have kept clay this way for over a year that is still usable (after wedging - it has sat a long time). About once a month, I check to see if the water has evaporated and refill if needed. I'm in Thousand Oaks and it can get hot 90+ July through October which keeps me out of my small garden/potting shed most of the day. If I'm not out very early in the morning, it quickly gets hot in there. I call it quits for the day when it reaches 95+ In there - those last five degrees I'm wrapping things up with rain pouring off my forehead🤯. I get a good hour and half sometimes two. Stay hydrated and keep potting on.
Cindy Tiefenbach
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