Here it is, spring! Well, maybe not by the calendar just yet, but if you go by when I start my garden plants, it’s here! Winter sowing in milk jugs is one of the first things on my spring list — and in that case, spring starts in late February!
If you’ve never heard of it, winter sowing, yes, in milk jugs, is one of the easiest ways to get your bedding plants started. It boils down to planting seeds in their own little greenhouses, putting them outside in the weather, and letting nature do it’s thing! All you have to do is ignore them once they’re set! (Very occasionally, you may have to water them, but not a big chore at all!) SIMPLE!!
The seeds lay dormant until the little greenhouse gets and stays to the right temperature for long enough. Then the seeds spout, grow. This happens a few weeks ahead of the normal planting time in your area, because the greenhouse keeps them just a bit warmer than the outside air! And then come planting time in the actual garden, they are the perfect sized little bedding plants, ready to be planted in the garden!
There are lot’s of ways to do this, but this is how I do it. Nothing fancy or refined at all, but it relieves all the “hand’s on” methods of starting bedding plants. I sometimes still start some seeds just in a flat with a light and all that, but I DO wish I’d know of this method YEARS ago!!
Winter Sowing 101
Preparing
First thing, start saving, or obtaining your milk jugs. Rinse them well…..important step! We go through a lot of milk, so I start in January or February, but somehow acquire enough jugs for how ever many types of crops you want. I suppose 1/2 gallons would work too.
Cut around all sides of the jug, about 1 1/2-2 inches up from the bottom, leaving a “hinge” under the handle. Next, carefully slice some drain holes in each corner of the bottom.
When you’ve got enough jugs, your seeds, and starting soil corralled, you are ready to plant! I like to use something like Miracle Grow Seed Starter, or some such, beware: all brands are not created equal!
Planting
Here is what the front yard looks like on planting day! It’s always nice when the wind isn’t blowing too hard!! 🙂
First, making sure your soil is thoroughly moist, fill each jug bottom and firm the soil. Plant your seeds, and if you need more soil, top it off. Tamp it, and you are ready to go!
As I plant each jug, I immediately like to write on the jug what it was I planted. Maybe you can remember which jug has what in it, but I sure can’t! Crayons or some kind of permanent marker are the best. Markers work, but tend to fade in the sun if it’s on the plastic, so I try to write it on the label too.
Of course, some seedlings are easy to tell what it is when it’s small, but some….like baby vine crops, or Cole crops (cabbage, etc.) are tricky for me, so labeling is necessary!
The last step in making your greenhouses is to use some wide tape — Duct tape, or wide packaging tape work — and carefully tape the jug back together, sealing it tightly. Go all the way around, and leave a little folded tab at the end so it’s easier to take off when it’s time.
I leave the lids off almost always if they haven’t sprouted yet. But, if they have and if it’s going to be really cold, and no sun for a few days, the lid gives them a bit of a boost. Also, if they’ve sprouted and it’s going to get BITTER, I just bring the jugs into the garage, or even the porch, just to be SURE… I don’t like all of my hope even thinking about freezing off!
Finished Product — Ready for Waiting
Here they are…ready to set in the sun, secured so they don’t blow away and pretty much ignore. Not completely, mind you…..
Every now and then, just look in the jugs and see if it looks dry…if it has rained, or snowed they are probably ok, but if not, they may need a wee drink. Pour carefully, so you don’t disturb the seeds!
Sometimes I forget to start my spring crops early enough, so I just bring the jugs to a warmer spot in the house or in my little cold frame, to help get them started. This year is a funny one, “summery winter” is how my little helper described it! Regardless, I kept these cool season ones (onions, cabbage and broccoli) inside for a bit so they will be ready to plant sooner! They take a long time to grow, and don’t like heat, so early is better!
My vine crops are out under the Spruce tree, because it’s too early for them to sprout and although it’s early March, it is indeed summery — it was 81 degrees yesterday!! In a normal year I would have them in the sun from day one, but I will wait ’til closer to planting time to let them start.
I’ll give you an update later on how they did.
Have you ever tried winter sowing? Tell me how it went!
Thanks for listening! I do love gardening!
Good Thoughts
“Gardens are not made by singing “Oh, how beautiful,” and sitting in the shade.” — Rudyard Kipling
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So how many seeds would you put in each carton? Then when they get bigger do you transplant them singly? Lol it looks like a good way to do it. I have to find someone to save a few jugs for me,…
Well, it depends on the plant… but on vine crops I do six or so, and then transplant the whole thing to one hill. Smaller ones I just plant a few more than I want to end up with, and yes, just break them apart when it’s time to transplant them. Have fun if you try it!