Winter Sowing

Winter Sowing in Milk Jugs: A Step-by-Step Guide

Winter sowing in milk jugs is a fantastic way to start seeds outdoors during the colder months. It’s easy, low-cost, and mimics natural germination cycles. Here's how to do it:

Supplies You’ll Need:

• Clean, empty gallon milk jugs with caps removed

• Potting soil or seed-starting mix (I use Fox Farm soil)

• Seeds (this can be anything, although root vegetables tend to not transplant well)

• Duct tape (good quality, I use Duct tape brand or gorilla tape)

• Scissors

• Drill

• A permanent marker

• Water

Instructions:

1. Add Drainage

   • Drill 4 holes in the bottom of the gallon jug. On 2 sides about 1 inch up from bottom drill 1 more hole. This allows for bottom watering, and drainage.

2. Prepare the Jugs

   • Cut the milk jug in half horizontally, leaving about 1–2 inches of plastic connected under the handle to act as a hinge.

3. Fill with Soil

   • Add 3–4 inches of moist potting soil to the bottom half of the jug. Make sure it’s damp but not soggy. I spray the dirt with a spray bottle.

4. Plant the Seeds

   • Sprinkle your seeds on the soil’s surface and lightly cover them with more soil (check seed packet instructions for proper depth). I typically plant most seeds at a 1/4” depth.

5. Seal the Jug

   • Close the jug and secure it with duct tape around the cut edge. Leave the cap off to allow for air circulation.

6. Label the Jug

   • Use a permanent marker to label the jug with the seed type and date. I also put a plant marker with the name of the seed inside before I tape. That way if you experience a lot of rain, or sun faded tape you are still able to identify the plant.

7. Set Outside

   • Place the jugs outside in a sunny spot. The sealed environment will act like a mini greenhouse, protecting the seeds from harsh weather.

8. Water and Wait

   • Check the jugs periodically for moisture. If moisture is present you will see needs of water on the inside of the jug. If the soil looks dry, water lightly. I water my jugs by filling a foil baking pan with water and placing them in the pan for a couple minutes. NEVER water through the open top! As the weather warms, your seeds will germinate!

9. Transplanting

   • Once the seedlings are large enough to handle and the danger of frost has passed, transplant them into your garden or larger containers. To acclimate my seeds before transplant I remove the tape and leave the jugs open for a few days. The next few days I will bend the top of the gallon so the plant is exposed to wind/sun. If they start to appear stressed I bend the top back. Once the plant seems to tolerate the environment, I transplant into the garden.

This method is perfect for those with limited indoor space or who want a hands-off approach to seed starting. You truly set it & forget it, for the most part. It’s also a fun project for kids and beginner gardeners! 🌱 Check out our YouTube channel for more in depth step by step guides.