Today I embarked on winter sowing using milk jugs.

I had a friend of mine save milk jugs for me for the last couple of weeks. I knew her family went through a large amount of milk, and sure enough, she was able to collect 15 jugs for me. Once I picked them up, I went right to work.

I will outline how I did it, what I used, and what my plans are moving forward. The purpose of this post is to give you confidence, confidence that will expand your garden tools and resources without feeling overwhelmed or like you have to do everything at once.

Let’s get into it.

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Why Winter Sowing?

Winter sowing is one of the simplest, most forgiving ways to start seeds, especially if you live in a colder climate.

Instead of starting seeds indoors under lights and worrying about timing, temperature, and hardening off, winter sowing lets nature handle the schedule. Seeds are planted outdoors in mini greenhouses (like milk jugs), and they sprout when conditions are right.

The benefits:

• No grow lights
• No hardening off
• Stronger, cold-tolerant seedlings
• Less daily maintenance
• Much lower stress

This method works with nature instead of fighting it.

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What I Used

Nothing fancy or glamorous, just success and stewarding what is on hand:

• Clean gallon milk jugs
• Potting soil (I used 16 quarts for 12 jugs)
• Seeds (some new, some old)(some store bought, some collected on the homestead)
• A sharp knife or scissors (I used a utility knife)
• Tape (I used packaging tape)
• Marker for labeling
• Plastic totes to hold the jugs outside

That’s it. No extra, special equipment.

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How I Prepared the Jugs

1. Drainage holes
   I drilled several holes in the bottom of each jug so excess water could drain. (I did 3 to 6 holes)
2. Cut the jug
   I cut around the jug, leaving a hinge so it opens like a clamshell.
3. Add soil
   About 3–4 inches of potting soil in each jug.
4. Plant seeds
   Seeds were planted at the appropriate depth depending on size (not everything gets planted the same depth).
5. Water from the bottom
   Instead of pouring water directly on the soil, I placed the jugs in totes and added a small amount of water to the bottom of the tote. The soil wicked up moisture naturally.
6. Close and label
   I taped the jugs shut, labeled them clearly, and left the caps off for airflow.
7. Outside they went
   The totes were placed outside to let the weather do the work.

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What I Planted in This First Round

I planted 12 jugs total, which used up the soil I had on hand. I used a combination of store bought seed as well as ones I saved from last year. Here’s what we ended up with:

• Spinach
• Kale
• Cilantro
• Beets
• Carrots
• Turnips
• Snapdragons
• Oregano
• Thyme
• Poppies
• Lavender
• Radishes

Some of these seeds are older (poppies, thyme), with one batch being around 8 years old (kale). I decided to plant them anyway. Worst case, they don’t germinate. Best case, I get plants from seeds I’ve been carrying around for years.

Winter sowing is perfect for testing older seed because it costs almost nothing to try.

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Plans for the Next Round

I will be picking up another batch of jugs around January 23rd, and I plan to do a second round of planting.

That will include:

• A second sowing of a few things from this round (for insurance)
• Additional cold-hardy vegetables
• More herbs and flowers
• And this will be a great time to start some brassicas (broccoli, cabbage, etc.)

I also plan to order three more bags of potting soil so I’m not limiting myself, as well as any seeds that I do not have on hand or that I planted the last I had in my inventory.

This list of things I plan to do on the 23rd include:

• Spinach (second sowing)
• Kale (second sowing)
• Beets (second sowing)
• Carrots (second sowing)
• Cilantro (second sowing)
• Broccoli
• Cabbage
• Collards
• Cauliflower
• Dill
• Parsley
• Chives
• Sage
• Calendula
• Bachelor Buttons
• Coneflower
• Black-eyed Susan
• Milkweed

I may plant the flowers before the 23rd as I have a few extra containers yet and my next order of potting soil should be here by way before then.

Even though the beet seeds I planted were stamped 2014, I decided to give them a try. They were still sealed in their original foil packet, and inside that, they were kept in a sulfane or vacuum-sealed environment, which protects seeds from moisture, light, and air. That means they still have a good chance of germinating!

Beets are surprisingly hardy, and winter sowing is actually a perfect way to test older seeds. Even if germination is slower or patchy, any seedlings that do emerge are a bonus. I planted them normally, about ½ inch deep, and will keep an eye on them.

Treating older seeds with a little extra patience can still give you great results. Sometimes seeds from years past just need the right conditions to come to life.

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Final Thoughts

Gardening does not have to be complicated. I think anything contrary is ludicris in my opinion.

Winter sowing is one of those gardening methods that looks almost too simple but it works wonders. You do not need perfect timing, brand-new seeds, or expensive supplies. You just need to start and be good stewards of what you have in your hand.

If you have been hesitating because you think you are behind, under-equipped, or unsure, this is your sign that you do not have to be.

Start with what you have. Add as you go. Let the process teach you.

That is how gardens and confidence grow.

For my seasoned winter gardening readers, please bless and share your tips, tricks, and experiences with the rest of us! It is greatly appreciated.

Until next time, my friends.