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Winter sowing containers

Do you want to give your garden a jump start this winter? With just a few materials such as milk jugs, food storage containers, pop bottles or even leftover takeout containers – you can create unique miniature greenhouses that will protect seeds from extreme temperatures while allowing them to receive adequate sunlight and moisture for germination.

The best containers for winter sowing are transparent to let sunlight in, flexible to move with freezing/thawing soil, deep enough to hold 2-4 inches of soil, and tall enough to let the seedlings grow 2-4 inches tall. Milk jugs are the most popular winter sowing containers, but there are lots of other great options too.

Ready to learn more about how these winter sowing containers work? Read on below for everything you need to know about choosing and preparing the right container for successful seedlings come springtime!

Cut top off of juice bottle

Choosing containers for winter sowing

When it comes to winter sowing, choosing the right containers is key. Plastic containers are ideal as they won’t break down in cold temperatures and can be easily moved around. Milk jugs, yogurt cups, and other food containers make great options for winter sowing as they are lightweight and easy to work with.

You can also use pop or juice bottles that have been thoroughly cleaned out. Leftover takeout containers can also be used (like the ones for soup, salad, or pasta at some restaurants). Finally, plastic storage tubs are an excellent choice for larger plants such as tomatoes or peppers since they provide plenty of room for growth while keeping the roots warm during colder months.

No matter which container you choose, it is important to make sure that there is adequate drainage so your plants do not become waterlogged from too much moisture build-up inside the container. Drill several small holes in the bottom of each container before adding soil so excess water can escape freely without flooding your plant’s roots or washing away nutrients needed for healthy growth.

Choosing the right container for winter sowing is an important step in ensuring successful germination. Milk jugs are a great option and provide many benefits, which we will discuss next.

Sowing scallion seeds in a milk jug

Milk jugs for winter sowing

Milk jugs are a great choice for winter sowing. They provide plenty of space for the seeds to grow, and they’re easy to find and inexpensive. To prepare them, start by cutting off the top of the jug with scissors or a utility knife. Leave a little bit attached between the bottom and top, usually at the base of the handle. Then cut several small holes in the bottom for drainage. Finally, fill your container with moist potting soil.

Once you’ve prepared your milk jug containers, it’s time to plant. Choose a variety of cold-hardy plants that will thrive in cooler temperatures like pansies, violas, snapdragons or sweet peas. Plant two or three seeds per container about an inch deep into the soil mix and water thoroughly after planting. Place your containers outside where they can get at least six hours of sunlight each day – but be sure to keep them away from direct wind exposure as this could dry out their soil too quickly.

Using milk jugs as winter sowing containers is an easy and cost-effective way to get a head start on your garden. Moving on, let’s look at food storage containers for winter sowing.

Food storage containers for winter sowing

Food storage containers are an excellent choice for winter sowing. They’re usually made of plastic, which is lightweight and durable enough to withstand the cold temperatures of winter. Plus, they come in a variety of sizes so you can find one that fits your needs perfectly.

When using food storage containers for winter sowing, it’s important to make sure they are clean and free from any residue or bacteria that could harm your plants. You should also check them for major cracks or other damage before planting anything inside them.

Once you have found a suitable container, drill several small holes into its bottom for drainage purposes; this will help keep excess moisture away from your seeds and prevent root rot from occurring later on in their growth cycle. Add some potting soil mix at the bottom of each container.

Winter sowing balloon flower seeds in tropicana jug

Pop and juice bottles

Pop and juice bottles make great containers for winter sowing. Usually, the 2L or 4L ones work best, but you can use smaller or larger ones. You do need to cut the top off – just read the milk jug instructions above. The process is nearly the same.

Then fill up your pop/juice bottle containers with a few inches of moistened potting soil mix before planting your seeds according to package instructions. Make sure not to overfill them, as this could cause problems when trying to transplant seedlings into larger pots later on.

Pop and juice bottles make great containers for winter sowing, but there are other options too. Leftover takeout containers can also be used with a few adjustments.

Leftover takeout containers for winter sowing

Leftover takeout containers can be a great way to winter sow your plants. They are usually made of plastic, so they will hold up well against the cold and wet weather conditions that often come with winter sowing. Plus, they’re free.

When selecting a container for winter sowing, make sure it is large enough to accommodate the seeds you plan on planting. A larger container also gives the seedlings more room to grow before transplanting them into their permanent home in the springtime. Additionally, create drainage holes at the bottom to help ensure that excess water doesn’t build up inside of them and drown out your plants.

Before using any leftover takeout containers for winter sowing, make sure you thoroughly clean them out first. Use warm soapy water or an all-purpose cleaner to get rid of any food residue or bacteria left behind from its previous use as a food container. Once it has been cleaned properly, rinse it off with fresh water and let it dry completely before filling it with soil and adding your seeds or seedlings.

You may want to consider labeling each container with a garden marker so you know what type of plant is growing inside when spring arrives (or if you decide to move things around). You can also add extra protection by covering each one with a piece of clear plastic wrap or a baggie – make sure there are still air holes available near the top edge for ventilation purposes.

Finally, remember that most takeaway containers aren’t designed specifically for gardening purposes; therefore, they may not last as long as other materials like terracotta pots would in harsher climates during colder months. But if taken care of properly throughout their lifespan, then these types of containers should serve you well when used correctly for winter sowing projects.

Leftover takeout containers are a great way to repurpose materials for winter sowing. Plastic salad green boxes are also an excellent choice, as they provide insulation and protection from the elements.

Flat for winter sowing

Plastic salad green boxes

Plastic salad green boxes are a great choice for winter sowing. They’re lightweight, easy to find, and come in a variety of sizes and shapes. The lids fit snugly on the containers, too so you don’t have to worry about your seeds blowing away.

One advantage of using plastic salad green boxes is that they provide plenty of room for seedlings to grow without becoming overcrowded. The clear sides also allow light into the container so your plants can get enough sun exposure while still being protected from extreme temperatures outside. Additionally, these containers are often durable and can be reused multiple times before needing to be replaced – making them an economical option for winter sowing projects.

Always remember that cleanliness is key when dealing with any gardening project – especially one involving food crops like vegetables or herbs. Before filling up your plastic salad green box with soil mix and adding any seedlings or starter plants inside, take a few minutes beforehand to wipe down both interior surfaces as well as exterior ones using warm water mixed with mild dish soap. Then rinse off thoroughly afterward before proceeding further.

Salad green boxes are an inexpensive and convenient way to start seeds in the winter, but for larger seedlings or multiple plants, plastic storage tubs offer more space.

Plastic storage tubs

Plastic storage tubs are a great way to organize your garden and keep it looking neat. They come in many sizes, shapes, and colors, so you can find the perfect one for your needs. Whether you need something small to store seed packets or large enough to hold tools, plastic storage tubs have got you covered.

Plastic storage tubs are extremely durable and long-lasting. They’re made from heavy-duty plastic that won’t crack or break easily, even when exposed to extreme temperatures or moisture. This makes them ideal for outdoor use as they won’t be affected by rain or snowfall like other materials might be.

Not only do plastic storage tubs come in different sizes but they also come with various features such as handles, lids, wheels, etc., which make them incredibly versatile and useful for any gardening task imaginable. You can use them to store soil amendments, fertilizer bags, hand tools—you name it.

Plastic storage tubs are very affordable compared to other types of containers on the market today. Plus they last much longer than their counterparts so you don’t have to worry about replacing them anytime soon. And if you’re feeling extra thrifty then why not check out some secondhand options? There’s bound to be plenty of gently used ones available at garage sales or online stores like eBay or Craigslist at discounted prices.

Cleaning up after a day of gardening is easy with plastic storage tubs since all it takes is a quick rinse with water and soap before putting everything away again neatly into its designated container; no scrubbing necessary. Additionally, these containers are stackable so organizing your supplies will take no time at all once everything has been put away properly inside each one.

Plastic storage tubs are a great way to get started with winter sowing containers, but if you want something more durable and long-lasting, consider using ice cream buckets.

Ice cream buckets

Ice cream buckets are a great choice for winter sowing. They’re large enough to hold several seeds and have plenty of room for the roots to grow. Plus, they’re usually made from clear plastic, so you can easily see how your plants are doing without having to open them up. The lids also fit snugly, which helps keep moisture in and keeps out any pests or animals that might be interested in snacking on your seedlings.

When choosing an ice cream bucket for winter sowing, look for one with a lid that fits securely and is easy to remove when it’s time to check on your seedlings. Make sure there aren’t any cracks or holes where water could escape—this will help keep the soil moist during germination. You’ll also want to make sure the bucket has good drainage holes at the bottom so excess water can drain away from the roots of your plants as needed.

Before using an ice cream bucket for winter sowing, give it a thorough cleaning. This will ensure no bacteria or mold spores remain inside that could harm your seedlings once they start growing. Once clean, fill each container about halfway full with potting mix before adding your seeds according to package instructions—it’s best not to overfill containers since this can lead to root rot down the line.

Winter sowing containers

FAQs about winter sowing containers

What containers can you use for winter sowing?

Containers that can be used for winter sowing include milk jugs, two-liter soda bottles, plastic storage containers, and seed trays.

Milk jugs are an economical choice as they are easy to find and free. Cut off the bottom of the jug and fill it with soil before planting seeds inside. Two-liter soda bottles also work well; cut off both ends of the bottle and place it over a hole dug into the ground or potting soil.

Plastic storage containers can be purchased at any home improvement store; make sure to drill holes in them for drainage before adding soil and seeds. Seed trays provide more room than other containers but require extra care when handling since they’re made from thin plastic material.

When should I start winter sowing?

It involves planting seeds outdoors during the winter months, usually starting around mid-December and continuing through March. The cold temperatures of winter help break down the seed coat, allowing for easier germination when spring arrives.

What can I winter sow in milk jugs?

Winter sowing in milk jugs is a great way to get your garden started early. It’s an easy and inexpensive method that requires minimal effort. You can winter sow many different types of plants, including annuals, perennials, vegetables, herbs and even shrubs.

Some popular choices include cosmos, marigolds, snapdragons, pansies and petunias for flowers; lettuce and spinach for vegetables; oregano or thyme for herbs; and viburnum or butterfly bush for shrubs. With just a few supplies like milk jugs or other containers with lids, potting soil mix and seeds you’ll be ready to start winter sowing.

Can I use potting soil for winter sowing?

Yes, you can use potting soil for winter sowing. It is a great option as it provides the necessary nutrients and moisture to help your seeds germinate and grow in cold temperatures. Potting soil also helps retain heat, which is important for successful winter sowing. Make sure to choose a quality potting mix that drains well and contains plenty of organic matter such as compost or peat moss. Finally, be sure to keep the soil moist but not overly wet during the germination process.

Cutting drainage holes in bottom

Before you go…

Winter sowing containers are a great way to get your garden started in the winter. With so many options available, you can find something that works for your needs and budget. Whether it’s milk jugs, food storage containers, pop bottles, or ice cream buckets, there is sure to be an option that will help you create a beautiful garden come springtime.

Mary Jane Duford
Mary Jane Duford

Mary Jane Duford is a quintessential Canadian gardener. An engineer by trade, she tends to an ever-expanding collection of plants. In her world, laughter blooms as freely as her flowers, and every plant is raised with a dash of Canadian grit.

Mary Jane is a certified Master Gardener and also holds a Permaculture Design Certificate. She's also a proud mom of three, teaching her little sprouts the crucial difference between a garden friend and foe.

When she's not playing in the dirt, Mary Jane revels in her love for Taylor Swift, Gilmore Girls, ice hockey, and the surprisingly soothing sounds of bluegrass covers of classic hip-hop songs. She invites you to join her garden party, a place where you can share in the joy of growing and where every day is a new opportunity to find the perfect spot for yet another plant.

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