Ecology Corner – Milk Jugs, Duct Tape, and Hope: The Magic of Winter Sowing

Does anyone else feel like being a gardener is an ongoing experiment? Seeds, plugs, quarts, or gallons? What should we plant? When should we plant it? If you are wondering what you might plant in February, there is still time to start seeds with winter sowing. 

One advantage of winter sowing is that the containers act as mini-greenhouses while your seeds undergo stratification. You can start vegetables, but many people choose to start perennials that self-seed, like bee balm and milkweed. 

You will need some seeds, translucent plastic containers, and some potting soil, and depending on the container, you might need some duct tape. If you drink milk, gallon jugs work well. If you do not, you might ask a local coffee shop to save a few for you. You can also order inexpensive craft boxes with snap-on lids that are about 6 to 8 inches deep.

First, prepare your containers. Both milk jugs and craft boxes need drain holes at the bottom. Use a drill to make holes or use a hot glue gun without glue to melt holes. You can add holes on the tops of the jugs and craft boxes as well, and leave the lid off the milk jugs to allow precipitation to get inside. Additionally, cut the milk jugs in half, leaving a small uncut area near the handle to serve as a hinge. 

Once your containers are ready, add three to four inches of potting soil and add enough water to soak the soil. Then sow your seeds according to the seed packet for how deep they should be planted. Close up the containers, and if you are using milk jugs, tape them shut. You can label each container or if you plan to reuse your containers, just use numbers or letters with a plant key. 

Set the containers outside in a spot that gets some sun and is in an area that benefits from precipitation. The seeds will stay dormant until the weather warms up. Keep an eye on your containers to make sure they do not dry out and give them some water if they need it. Once the danger of frost has passed, and your plants have two sets of leaves, you can move your plants where you want them in your garden. If you have an abundance of plants, be sure to share them!