All of the information I find on winter sowing describes using takeout containers or milk jugs for containers. I have neither of those, but what I do have are hundreds of starter pots from native plugs I planted this year and 6 large clear storage totes. Is there any reason this setup won't work? I know I'll have to drill drain holes in the bottom of the tote and some holes in the lid. Any suggestions on hole size and quantity in the lid?
Thanks for any advice!
MN Zone 5a – I still haven't figured out how to edit tags on mobile. Also, I know it's way to early to plant. I plan on adding the seeds in December but I want to get everything set up while it's still nice out.
by strobukm
10 Comments
This is what I do. Has worked great for me so far, much better results than when I tried other containers. Idk the size of drill bit I used but it’s around a Sharpie size. I drilled holes every 2″ or so. It wasn’t very precise. I had an idea to cut out the middle of the lid and add window screen to it, but I haven’t tried that yet.
I’m trying this method for the first time this year. I used a cheap $10 soldering iron to make the holes. It was so fast and easy. Just do it outside because of the plastic fumes.
this kind plastic breaks down when left outside. Might last a year or two then you go to pick it up and it just cracks to places. Don’t forget to check for watering needs over winter. Toss in some snow as it comes.
I did something similar with small plastic totes with plans to use them again. Worked OK.
It’s not a bad idea at least you won’t have to be worried about critters getting into your plants , place them in the shade , someone gave you a good tip about adding snow so it doesn’t dry out , it will be a good height for your plants to grow tall , I would add some weight over the lid like a brick or two to prevent your containers to tip over or be blown away in the wind , you never know on a windy day it’s pretty light weight . Good luck
Wouldnt you have to water them in this set up? I could be wrong but I thought the reason people use milk jugs is because it lets the water in so you can just leave them to do their thing..
I do this! I’m in 6B.
I don’t poke any holes in the lid. On days where I feel the mini greenhouse needs more ventilation I just put the lid at an angle, so there’s big openings on each side. It makes it easy to adjust. Some days the lid stays on fully.
I haven’t done this yet but plan to this year. What I’ve read is that you need 6” of soil, I believe. How deep are these pots?
Edit: depth of soil will determine how often you need to water.
I call these, hillbilly greenhouses. Use them every year!
Learn from my mistake. Take the lid off if it gets anywhere year 70 degrees, or the plants can get steamed to death.