Between a short growing season and long winters, Montrealers make the most of outdoor space when they can, and Montreal Daily’s Garden & Outdoor category is where that gear changes hands locally. From patio sets and BBQs to lawn tools and planters, list directly for free or find what you need from someone nearby instead of paying full retail at a garden centre. Buying secondhand also makes sense for gear you’ll only use a few months a year, since the seasonal window means resale value holds up reasonably well. Buying locally also spares you the cost and hassle of shipping bulky items like patio sets or snowblowers across the country.
What You’ll Find in Garden & Outdoor
Expect patio furniture like tables, chairs, and umbrellas, BBQs and grills, fire pits, and outdoor heaters for extending patio season into the cooler months. Lawn and garden tools show up regularly: mowers, trimmers, rakes, shovels, and hoses, along with planters, raised garden beds, and sometimes plants themselves during spring and summer. Snow removal equipment like shovels and snowblowers tends to appear seasonally too, since it overlaps with outdoor living gear in most people’s minds even though it’s a winter item. Because much of this gear sits outside for months at a time, condition varies a lot from listing to listing, so photos showing real wear, rust, or fading matter more here than in most categories.
Balcony and small-space gear, like compact planters and folding furniture, is also common given how many Montrealers live in apartments rather than houses with full yards. Community and rooftop garden supplies, like raised bed kits and compost bins, also turn up as more residents look for ways to grow food in shared or limited spaces. Outdoor lighting, like string lights and solar path lamps, is another steady seller as people look to extend how their outdoor space feels usable into the evening.
Tips for Buyers
- Ask about storage history, was the item kept in a shed or garage over winter, or left outside exposed to snow and rain, since this affects rust and wear significantly.
- For gas BBQs, ask the seller to light it and check all burners ignite evenly, and inspect the tank and hose for cracking.
- For mowers, trimmers, and other powered tools, ask for a demonstration that the engine starts and runs smoothly, not just that it looks clean.
- Check patio furniture cushions and fabric for mildew or fading, which is common after a season or two left outside without covers.
- For snowblowers, ask when it was last serviced and whether it starts reliably in cold weather, since this is exactly when you’ll need it most.
- Check that any propane tank included in a BBQ sale is within its certification date, since expired tanks can’t be refilled at most stations.
Tips for Sellers
Clean off dirt, rust, and cobwebs before photographing outdoor gear, a quick hose-down or wipe-down makes a real difference in how the listing reads. Mention how the item was stored (garage, shed, or left outdoors) since buyers factor this into how much wear to expect. For powered equipment like mowers or snowblowers, confirm it starts and runs before listing, and mention the last time it was serviced or had an oil change. Seasonal timing matters a lot in this category: list patio furniture and BBQs in spring, and snow removal equipment in fall, right before people start thinking about it.
Bundle smaller garden tools together rather than listing a single trowel, since buyers often want to stock up on basics all at once. If a piece folds flat or disassembles for storage, mention it, since balcony and small-yard buyers specifically look for compact options. Listing the dimensions of larger items like sheds or greenhouse kits also helps buyers quickly judge whether a piece will actually fit their outdoor space. A quick mention of how long you’ve owned the item and how often it was used also helps buyers gauge overall condition at a glance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Getting your patio or garden ready for the season, or clearing out gear before winter? Post or browse Garden & Outdoor listings free on Montreal Daily. Listings stay free year-round, whether you’re buying for the patio season ahead or clearing out gear before winter arrives.