Get a jump start on your summer planting and learn how to start seeds in milk jugs in the winter! This low-budget, low-risk process is perfect for anyone just starting out. All you need is a few common household items, and you can start, even if there’s snow on the ground!
From prepping your container, sourcing seeds, and tips for how to transplant seedlings, here’s everything you need to know to make your garden today:
Head over to my YouTube channel for a full breakdown of winter seed sowing in milk jugs!
When to Get Started
Before starting your garden, it helps to learn your specific growing zone. Each area has their own gardening season and timeline based on location. Click here to learn what zone you’re in. Knowing your zone will help you understand what plants you can grow and when to start.
For zone 6A (where I am), January through March is the best time to start your seeds in milk jugs. It’s the period before the first frost. And yes, it’s okay to start your seeds even if there’s snow outside.
Using this time to work on your garden before warmer weather starts is key. You’re going to have a lot to do come spring, and this process helps jumpstart your growing.
Why Use Milk Jugs to Start Your Seeds
You can of course always start your seeds inside, but they require lights and take up space indoors. Plus the seedlings would still need a period outside to harden off anyway (gradually introduce them to the outdoors).
Aside from the added benefit of being able to recycle a milk jug, the container acts like a mini greenhouse. It allows water to get inside and air to circulate, all while insulating your plant. This process allows you to set and almost forget your seeds until it’s time to transplant them.
Winter sowing in milk jugs is low budget and low maintenance, which is exactly my kind of gardening!
Added Bonus– this is a great activity for kids! They can check the progress as the plants grow.
Materials
- Milk jugs (cleaned and washed)
- Utility knife
- Duct tape
- Seeds
- Quality soil
- Marker or stickers for labeling
I labeled my milk jugs with a sharpie, but found that it faded in the sun overtime. Try to label with stickers or tapes to keep track of all your plants.
Find more of my favorite garden tools here.
*TIP* spring for top quality compost soil! Cheap commercial top soil can actually be the cause of weeds in your garden.
Where to Buy Seeds
You can grab seeds at any hardware store, like Lowe’s or Ace Hardware. If you’re looking for specialty or organic seeds, be sure to check out:
Your local farm supply store might have regional seeds too, perfect for finding native plants.
How to Prep Your Milk Jugs for Planting
1. Start by washing a milk jug and then cut to open. I like to cut 3/4 of the way around, just below the handle of the milk jug, to create a hinge. You’ll also need to cut a drainage holes in the bottom. I cut 4-5 medium sized holes in each container.
2. Fill the bottom section with good quality damp soil. Your soil should be moist to the touch.
I strongly urge you to spring for the good soil if you can. Cheap top toil leads to weeds! The last thing you want is to wait 3 months for your plants to be ready, only to discover you grew a weed instead (speaking from experience here).
3. Add your seeds, sticking to around 2-4 each, depending on the plant. Gently push your seed into the soil. Lightly water.
4. Close your container and seal with duct tape.
5. Label your plant and then place outside, in a sunny location.
Remember– KEEP THE CAP OFF! The top opening is the only way your plant will get water over this time, which is essential for growth. It’s also how air will circulate.
All that’s left to do is wait until spring! If you notice that the weather dryer in your area, you may need to water a small bit as the weather gets warmer.
Transplanting Seedlings into Your Garden
Once your seedlings have their first set of true leaves, it’s time to move them into your garden! As a beginner gardener, you might be asking yourself, what are true leaves?
Every seed will have a first set of leaves to help them photosynthesize. One there’s enough growth, the plants’ genuine leaves will grow in. These will look like the plants specific unique leaf.
Once the temperature has reached 50° F and you’re away from frosting at night, it’s time to prepare for transplating.
Remove the duct tape from your milk jug and open the containers slightly to allow more air to enter. This helps your plants acclimate to the weather since they’ve been growing inside a mini greenhouse.
After 2-4 days, your plants are ready to be moved into your garden! They are delicate at this stage, so be gentle when handling the roots. It helps to moisten the soil before moving.
That’s all there is to starting seeds in a milk jugs! Please let me know if you have any questions. Here’s to a wonderful gardening season!
xo
Rachel