Close the jug and tape the jug closed all the way around.Spray the surface with water so the top 1" or so of soil is quite damp.I tend to plant the seeds pretty densely, knowing that I will be dividing up the plants to transplant later in the spring. Plant the seeds into the soil as directed on the package for depth of planting.The soil should hold its shape when squeezed, but not be dripping wet. Moisten the soil before using, by placing some soil in a plastic bin and watering and then mixing the water in well. Fill the bottom part of the jug with 3" of damp potting soil. ![]() If you would like to print out my recommended Winter Sowing Schedule which includes more details, see below and sign up to get my free Winter Sowing Schedule / Calendar printable! How to Plant your Winter Sowing Milk Jugs: I have broken things down by types of things to plant and when I plant them down below in further detail. See below for more details on my recommended sowing schedule. However, being that this is such a busy time for most folks with the holidays, I tend to recommend starting in January. ![]() The most recommend time to begin winter sowing is after the winter solstice which is December 21. If you are purchasing soil specifically for use in winter sowing, I would not choose the moisture control potting soil unless you live in a very dry climate. You don't need to use the moisture control, it's just what I usually have on hand. I usually use the same kind of potting soil I talk about in my Seed Starting Equipment post, which is a moisture control potting soil. If the soil stays too wet, the seeds may rot. The most important aspect of the soil you choose to use, is to use a soil that drains well. The bottom bin needs drainage holes, and the top big will need hole in what will not be the top of your winter sowing ensemble, to allow rain in and for air circulation. Be sure to drill holes into the bottoms of both ins. Drill some holes around the sides of both and zip tie together. You may want to add a few holes to the top of the dome or make the one there bigger to allow for the rain to get in.Ĭlear Plastic Bins Zip-tied together: You could also plant in 4" pots, set the pots in a shallow clear plastic bin, get a second clear plastic bin the same size and flip it over and use it as a cover over the first bin. Planting Pots with Domes: Or, I recently came across these 6" plastic pots with domes and have seen people using them for winter sowing with success. Water Jugs: You could also buy gallons of water in similar jugs for fairly cheaply. Really any clear plastic bin/container should work as long as you vent it properly and drain it properly. Plastic spinach/greens bins (tape two bottoms together so you get more height for your seedlings to grow in) However, many other containers will also work if you don't drink milk. If you don't drink milk, ask your friends and family to save them for you, or ask at your local coffee house or espresso stand to save them for you! Milk Jugs: Generally, milk jugs are the recommended ideal container to winter sow your seeds in. You will need room for the plants to grow with the lid or cover in place. Just be sure that your container is not too shallow. What Types of Containers Can I use for Winter Sowing?īelow is a list of containers that may be suitable for winter sowing. Just save your used milk jugs or other plastic containers, and then the only thing you need to acquire is the potting soil to grow in, and the seeds! And duct tape to seal the container closed with.Ĭut the milk jug all around about 4" from the bottom, leaving about an 1" intact beneath the handle to act as a hinge for the lid. No need to buy all that seed starting equipment such as heat mats, grow lights, plant trays, etc. Winter Sowing is also a much more frugal way to start seeds. ![]() It's also a great STEM project for the kids to do when they get bored over the winter! See 100+ Ideas for Bored Kids on the Homestead for more ideas! Or check out these cute Snowman Wood Bead Ornaments or these cute Gnome Christmas Ornaments to make with the kids this winter! Frugal Seed Starting with Winter Sowing I plant the seeds indoors, and then just pop them outside and let nature do the rest. Winter sowing allows me to actually begin gardening in the winter, but without really dealing with the nastiness of winter. I don't know about you, but after the holidays are over, I start getting the gardening itch. Our Garden Harvest Tally Spreadsheet is now available! Winter Gardening with Winter SowingĪnother reason I love winter sowing, is it allows me to get back into my gardening groove before the weather truly lets me. Our Homesteading and Gardening favorites in our Amazon Shop! ![]() Seed Starting Schedule for Garden Zone 8b Seed Starting 101: Essential Seed Starting Equipment post How to Grow Lavender from Seed using the Winter Sowing Method
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