Recycled milk jugs have many uses.
When the weather outside is
frightful, the gardener's thoughts turn to spring. If counter space is limited,
or children and pets knock over seed flats, dedicated gardeners can find alternate
methods of starting seeds. Milk jugs can be reused as mini greenhouses to start
seeds early. For Winter sowing, however, you can also use milk jugs as
planters. Some seeds, such as alpine strawberries or violas, require winter
chilling before planting, for successful germination. By planting cold-tolerant
seeds, you can place your milk jug planters on the patio or in the yard when snow is on the ground
o 1
Select seeds that require
stratification, or chilling, before planting. This information is usually found
in the planting instructions on the seed packet.
o 2
Cut the milk jug in half by
inserting the scissors through the plastic 4 to 5 inches from the bottom and
cutting in a horizontal line around the milk jug. Leave the handle attached; it
becomes the hinge. Remove the cap.
o 3
Punch four to six holes in the
bottom of the milk jug for drainage.
o 4
Pour 3 inches of potting soil into the base of your milk jug planter. Add water and
mix until the soil is moist.
o 5
Add 1 inch of sterile seed starting
mix to the milk jug.
o 6
Place the seeds on top of the seed
starting mix. Use tweezers to place the seeds 1 to 2 inches apart. Sprinkle
seed starting mix on top of the seeds, covering to a depth recommended on the
seed packet.
o 7
Mist the seed starting mix until
moist.
o 8
o 9
Label the milk jug planter with the
name of the seeds and the planting date, using a permanent marker.
o 10
Place the milk jug planter in the
yard, in a location that provides the type of light recommended on the seed
packet instructions. For example, if the instructions say "shade,"
place the jug in the shade of a tree, shrub or the house.
o 11
Open the lid when the weather warms
and the seeds sprout. Transplant when the seedlings have at least two sets of
leaves.
