Winter Sowing with Milk Jugs - Easy Gardening for Spring

By Blake Jackson

University of Missouri Extension horticulturist Donna Aufdenberg suggests repurposing milk jugs from your recycling bin for winter sowing, an effective method to jump-start your garden.

This technique involves starting seeds in late winter for spring transplanting, utilizing the milk jugs dome as a mini greenhouse.

Winter sowing provides a protected environment for seeds to germinate, allowing you to start perennials, native plants, cool-season annuals, vegetables, and herbs.

Aufdenberg notes that warm-season vegetables can be started in April. This method is particularly suitable for gardeners and offers an engaging winter activity for children under adult supervision.

To begin, gather a clean milk jug, scissors, a nail or awl, potting mix, seeds, duct tape, pots, labels, and pencils. Start by cleaning the milk jug thoroughly and removing the cap. Punch drain holes in the bottom.

Cut almost entirely around the middle, leaving a hinge. Fill the bottom three inches with quality, well-draining potting soil, moisten it, and allow excess water to drain. Sow seeds according to the seed packet's instructions.

Reattach the top of the jug and secure it with duct tape. Label the jug with the planting date and seed type, placing the label inside. Position the jug outdoors in a sunny, wind-protected location, where it will receive rain and snow.

Monitor the seedlings regularly, as the jug can heat up quickly, even in cold weather, causing wilting. Open the jug during the day and close it before sunset.

Once the weather warms, you can remove the lid during the day. Monitor soil moisture and water as needed. Transplant seedlings when they are 2-3 inches tall and have true leaves.

Aufdenberg also recommends other gardening activities for children, available in MU Extension’s Youth Gardening Activities series.

This series includes publications on designing butterfly gardens, creating seed tapes, growing sunflowers, establishing cut flower gardens, and taking plant cuttings.

Photo Credit: gettyimages-joshua-resnick