Whenever it gets to be January it gets too tempting not to start a few things. Unfortunately, last year I started them indoors and a few ended up being dozens and their pots just kept getting bigger, then the winter sun moved and I had to keep moving them from the east window to the west window. Very few survived. So now, it's January 1st and I have the planting itch again, so I'll be smarter about it this year. I'll be doing the winter sow method!
Just make sure to not to let them dry out and not to sow too many seeds in one jug. I’m doing this method for the first time and I have some seeds that came up already (I’m in zone 9). I have started some at the end of December like Hollyhocks and in mid January Oriental Poppies (they are up already), then Violas, Pansies, Cucumber, Tomatoes, Sweet Peas, Garden Peas, Zinnias. These are not up yet.
Yes! Certainly worth a try - if even for the entertainment 😂 I put mine in these little decorative wooden boxes on top of our patio table, but they still look hilarious when viewed from the sidewalk.
Go for it! Its kind of surprising how many things you can grow with winter sowing. The only real tricky part is remembering to go outside and protect the tender ones if there's a late spring cold snap (which ALWAYS happens here lol). This is definitely a cheap and cheery seed starting method with results that can be all over the place. But it sure it satisfying in an odd way 🤷♀️
I set 5 of these jugs up last November, and nothing came up. I have been adding water for the last month. Is there a chance that they could still germinate? I assume they must have dried out, though we did get rain and snow, and had 3 good wind storms. Thanks. CJ
What?!? This is a thing?! I need to do this because I always forget to get started and I don't have the room inside. I'm assuming 2L pop bottles would work too?
Yes!! It is totally a thing - so cool. And yes!! 2L pop bottles are very common in winter sowing ...I feel like they might even work better than milk jugs as the plastic is more transparent (not frosted). 🤷♀️
😂I know how you feel! That's exactly what I thought a couple years ago. It does work though...so that's pretty cool. And its pretty funny to watch the milk jugs stacking up in the hall in the middle of winter (and trying to explain why) 🙌🪴
Seeds you can try winter sowing: www.homefortheharvest.com/winter-sowing-seed-list/
Whenever it gets to be January it gets too tempting not to start a few things. Unfortunately, last year I started them indoors and a few ended up being dozens and their pots just kept getting bigger, then the winter sun moved and I had to keep moving them from the east window to the west window. Very few survived. So now, it's January 1st and I have the planting itch again, so I'll be smarter about it this year. I'll be doing the winter sow method!
I love your vibe! Cheerful and I can see this little bit of winter gardening makes you HAPPY!
Thank you for sharing this easy method to begin sowing seeds. I feel inspired to begin!
Love that this is a thing! I'll have to try it if I can track down some milk jugs 😂
Your presentation is adorable and very inspiring....thanks
I have never seen a milk jug use to create a small green house! I'm going to have to try this!
Yes! Not exactly the prettiest greenhouse, but very fun to try 🥰
Just make sure to not to let them dry out and not to sow too many seeds in one jug. I’m doing this method for the first time and I have some seeds that came up already (I’m in zone 9). I have started some at the end of December like Hollyhocks and in mid January Oriental Poppies (they are up already), then Violas, Pansies, Cucumber, Tomatoes, Sweet Peas, Garden Peas, Zinnias. These are not up yet.
This is fantastic, thank you! Hard to find cold weather gardening tips.
Ive seen a lot of people using milk jugs. I may have to try it!
Yes! Certainly worth a try - if even for the entertainment 😂 I put mine in these little decorative wooden boxes on top of our patio table, but they still look hilarious when viewed from the sidewalk.
I should give this a try, but a lot of my seeds need a certain temp to germinate :( maybe I could try onions :)
Go for it! Its kind of surprising how many things you can grow with winter sowing. The only real tricky part is remembering to go outside and protect the tender ones if there's a late spring cold snap (which ALWAYS happens here lol). This is definitely a cheap and cheery seed starting method with results that can be all over the place. But it sure it satisfying in an odd way 🤷♀️
What plants can be used for this method? Is there a chart or standard for whether or not a plant can survive this type of planting? Thank you!
www.homefortheharvest.com/winter-sowing-seed-list/
In Sun or not? Potting soil or seed starter? Thank you!
I set 5 of these jugs up last November, and nothing came up. I have been adding water for the last month. Is there a chance that they could still germinate? I assume they must have dried out, though we did get rain and snow, and had 3 good wind storms. Thanks. CJ
Did they ever come up?
Do you have to retape the lid every time you take it off to water if there's a chance of frost again?
Do u have to give them water every once in awhile
You can. if they’re getting light.
Is it better to use potting soil or seed starting soil?
@Shannon: Whichever you use, just make sure that it is sterile. That way you don't subject your germinating seedlings to pathogens
What?!? This is a thing?! I need to do this because I always forget to get started and I don't have the room inside. I'm assuming 2L pop bottles would work too?
Yes!! It is totally a thing - so cool. And yes!! 2L pop bottles are very common in winter sowing ...I feel like they might even work better than milk jugs as the plastic is more transparent (not frosted). 🤷♀️
@@HomefortheHarvest Okay! I'll try it!
When can we start this in calgary?
Crazy Question: When should winter sowing be done? Many people tell you how, what you rarely ever hear is WHEN?
The last guy I watched said he does it over Christmas break. I'm about to do it on January 1st!
What is your growing zone/location?
Where was this video three months ago?! Well, I guess there’s always next year...lol
This definitely gets a subscribe! 👍🏻👍🏻
😂I know how you feel! That's exactly what I thought a couple years ago. It does work though...so that's pretty cool. And its pretty funny to watch the milk jugs stacking up in the hall in the middle of winter (and trying to explain why) 🙌🪴
Can I start in November?
I live in Georgia and we don't get snow.