WINTER SEED SOWING
a step by step guide
Feeling overwhelmed by the mysteries of winter seed sowing? No need to stress about complex gardening techniques. With Gallon Jug Seed Sowing, you're not only nurturing your garden but also reducing your waste by repurposing materials - like used milk jugs - that may have otherwise been trash.
Discover how you can get started and what you should be planting with our step by step guide below!
What is winter seed sowing?
Winter Seed Sowing is a method of planting seeds outdoors in a container that remains outside during the winter months (December to March). The container protects the seeds from animals and wind, but still allows exposure to temperature fluctuations that signal to them when to break dormancy and germinate. This period of cold stratification
is required for many vegetables and
native plants.
benefits of winter seed sowing in milk jugs
Cost-Effective: Utilize household items like milk jugs for budget-friendly gardening.
No special equipment or grow lights needed.
Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care compared to traditional indoor seed starting.
Space limitations: Can start seedlings early without lots of indoor refrigerator space.
Environmental Benefits: Repurposing single-use items like gallon jugs prolongs their life and keeps them out of the landfill.
Natural Cold Stratification: Mimics nature's way of preparing seeds for germination.
What Materials Do I Need?
Start with a clean recycled container like a milk jug, 2 liter bottle, or ice cream bucket.
Cut it 90% around the middle of the container, leaving about an inch connected as a hinge.
This will allow you to open and close the container to access the seedlings.Poke or melt 4-6 holes in the bottom of the container to allow water to drain.
If the container already has a hole in the top, like a milk jug, remove the lid.
If there is not already a hole, add several in the top so that snow and rain can keep the soil wet.
Put 3-4 inches of well moistened potting mix into the bottom of the container.
Place seeds on the surface of the soil and pat to ensure good contact.
Secure top of container to bottom. Use tape or wire to close.
Label with permanent marker on a piece of duct tape placed on the bottom of the container
(sun will fade it otherwise).Place outside in a sheltered but sunny spot. It is ok if it freezes or gets covered in snow and ice.
When above freezing, if there isn't rain or snow often enough to keep the soil moist, add water.
If there is a prolonged warm spell, you can move them to a shaded area or open containers
to allow better ventilation.
Once seedlings have their second set of leaves, plant them in larger pots or in the ground. Enjoy!
Empty milk jug, 2 liter bottle, or other clear plastic container
Scissors or box cutter
Tape or wire
Potting soil
Seeds (a list of good options can be found below)
Directions
what should I plant?
Our winter seed sowing list is tailored to the Virginia climate from December through March.
Common Milkweed, Anise Hyssop, Blue Lobelia, Joe Pye Weed, Ox eye Sunflower, Blazing Star, Foxglove Beardtongue, Golden Alexander, Black Eyed Susan, Purple Coneflower, Goldenrods, and Bee Balms all make great choices for winter seed sowing!