Here are all of the containers I’m using this year for winter sowing! This includes oat milk jugs (opaque) and kefir bottles, salad containers, take out containers, small milk jugs, yogurt tubs with cut out lids and plastic wrap, a water jug, and even a large soap bottle (all clear or translucent). In my household we just don’t consume anything that comes in the typical gallon jug, so I’m using what we have.
I used all of these types of containers last year and had huge success. I know it’s better to use translucent containers but even the opaque oat milk containers seem to let in enough light for plants to germinate and get started.
I have low animal pressure in my backyard, so all of my plants (assuming they germinate and grow!) will be transplanted directly into the ground once they have two sets of true leaves. Now the waiting begins!
by crotoncutie
5 Comments
Ooooh what species are you starting?
Gotta love the collection of containers! If it’s the right size, it’s taking a detour from the recycling bin. I’ve got ice cream containers, grape and kiwi cartons, yogurt containers with the clear lid–we don’t really use gallon jugs either
Thanks for sharing your experience. I cut small windows for light in my opaque gallon jugs and covered them with clear tape. Let’s see if that works
Looks great! I do the same thing. 1 and ½ gal milk jugs, other assorted 1g jugs, lots of 16oz soda bottles.
I like the soda bottles. When I plant I cut the bottle down the side and pull the whole clump out. Sometimes I cut them in half or thirds. Sometimes I plant the whole clump. I let them fight it out to see who grows and who doesn’t. Super easy.
Sounds like a solid plan! Sometimes less is more, and you’ll find what works best for you. Happy sowing.
I’m the same-I do lots of different containers and I sorta enjoy the game of “will this work?” when we are done with like muffin containers, odd plastic containers. I even bought a large cake for fun once so I could winter sow in it, haha! This year I’m using playing cards as my plant labels, writing on them with sharpies. Hoping they will not completely disintegrate. They are so easy to write on and don’t smudge with sharpies so far.