How to Winter Sow Seeds - A Complete Tutorial Guide

[@canuckviolet3322]

I've watched a lot of these videos recently to prep for my first attempt at winter showing and this is definitely the best! Written instructions also is a major bonus!

[@growitbuildit]

Thank you! That really means a lot!

[@crystalwinter-powers5208]

I live in central Nevada and work a scale house for a trucking business...you'd be amazed at how many drivers also garden! I saw this video yesterday and already shared it today. Never heard of winter sowing until this vid...glad I saw the best first thing out of the chute.! Great job explaining and demonstrating!

[@growitbuildit]

Thank you Crystal!

[@Toby-Cooper]

Wow, I've never heard of winter sewing & would never guess I could start now with so much snow on the ground. Very informative & detailed video. Thx so much for sharing your knowledge & experience 👍❤️😊

[@growitbuildit]

Thank you Blue Moon!

[@mamokamika4212]

Thank you for sharing. Milk jugs - divide into 2, 3 or 4 sections. You can have up to 4 different type of seeds in each corner if you want less seedlings. For example - 3 or 4 different kind of peppers, tomatoes or eggplants. For watering, get a flat tray fill water half way, take milk jugs and submerge them for a few minutes (more like bottom watering) I love winter sowing. No bugs in the house, no hardening off, no electricity cost, no worries too much,… list goes on.

[@growitbuildit]

That is a really good tip!

[@GardeningWithDoug]

My wife is inspired to do winter sowing. You gave a clear explanation and the audio quality was great. No silly music. Thank you.

[@growitbuildit]

You are very welcome Doug - and good luck to you both on Winter Sowing this year.

[@clarkl4177]

😮Whoa!!! Just have to comment at how OFTEN YOU comment 😅 Checking in here, I see you even answered the newest questions--although you posted this a couple of years ago! I'm completely impressed, sir, by both this AND your content, well done ❤

[@growitbuildit]

Thank you! I try to answer all questions.

[@vitak6326]

Tried winter sowing last year. It definitely works and the plants are stronger than ones you start indoors.

[@growitbuildit]

Couldn't agree more Vita. I find it to be very efficient too.

[@bjbrown6488]

I winter sow every January with great success! A lesson I've learned is to not over crowd seeds. I sow 6 to 8 in each jug and find it easy to remove and transplant them.Thank you from Western Colorado, Zone 7a, 4800 ft altitude 😊

[@growitbuildit]

You are welcome - I'm glad you have success winter sowing too!

[@hobbitlady7568]

I need to watch this. Just reading through. I’m a 100% believer in winter sowing. It works! I got so many perennial clumps last year of dianthus, Shasta daisy, chives, even blue fescue grass and annual coleus. What I think makes a difference too is that animals, etc. don’t disturb the seeds before they can take off. Also it is so helpful that many biennials will bloom first year with this method, my hollyhocks did for example.

[@growitbuildit]

I agree with your comment that Winter Sowing protects the seeds from any bird/animal disturbance. That is one of the biggest pitfalls of direct sowing. One year I scattered a ton of pumpkin seeds on a hillside that was recently cleared of Bush Honeysuckle. The very next day I saw a squirrel having a party back there. Almost nothing survived.

[@theurbanthirdhomestead]

@@growitbuildit I direct sowed hundreds of sunflowers last year. Saw the squirrels back there the very next day. I ended up only getting one sunflower. 🌻

[@growitbuildit]

@urban homestead that is so frustrating!

[@fitztastico]

12:54 I've had great success separating smaller plants like this by first pulling the dirt plug out and allowing it to sit in water (usually a disposable cup) to fully saturate the dirt, then taking the base of the seedling stems and dunking the dirt in a bowl of slightly soapy water. As the dirt falls away from the roots, you can slowly pull the plants apart with their own entire root structure intact. If you have stubborn roots that won't easily pull apart, allowing a slight stream of water fall on them from the faucet as you work the plants apart will help. Finally, I make sure to fan the roots slightly apart when I pot the seedlings up so they aren't all stuck together

[@growitbuildit]

Interesting - I may try your method. Thank you for sharing.

[@christiner168]

May I ask why you use slightly soapy water?

[@charmc4152]

@@christiner168 It may help to separate the roots by breaking the soil down a bit or helping the soil to slip off of them. It also doesn't necessarily hurt from an antifungal perspective, I would think. Ultimately, the slightly soapy water just cleans them off. 🙂

[@Rex73777]

@@charmc4152 You can use saponins as a wetting agent or castile soap. Dawn dish soap works as well. It will not harm plants.

[@beverlyhosmer6469]

I read how using colored containers block the light but I have a question about using the plastic 44oz cups you get from the convenience stores for soda. If I use these can I put a clear plastic wrap over the top and poke holes in it and get the same result? I have an over abundance of these cups along with sour cream containers that have sold color lids. I just wanted to recycle them. Any thoughts?

[@marthabourassa7909]

Best, most comprehensive tutorial on winter sowing I’ve found. Thank you!

[@growitbuildit]

Thank you so much Martha! I'm glad I could help you out!

[@fitztastico]

One thing I learned last year is not to use colored containers. Although colored plastic is less common, I learned the hard way that the different colors block various wavelengths of light that plants need for photosynthesis. The green lemon/lime soda bottles were the worst for my plants. Also keep in mind that frosted milk bottles will obscure some light, so if you have a mixture of frosted and clear, plants that require more light might benefit from being grown in the clear containers.

[@growitbuildit]

That is interesting with the colored soda bottles - I would not have thought of that. Good tip - thank you for commenting.

[@got2kittys]

All plants can barely use green light wavelengths. Some, not at all. The ones that can live under a forest canopy are not common. Thats why you never see a green light growlight.

[@halinapeltonen1777]

I used blue coloured jugs which were the easiest to find and they did not work very well. Although, Once I brought them into a greenhouse and took the lid off, the plants grew much better. I would put the lid back on to help keep the moisture from drying out from time to time.

[@fitztastico]

@@halinapeltonen1777 Yes, I think blue would block out red light which, if my memory is correct, is mainly utilized for vegetative growth in plants. Sorry to hear that you also experienced the same type of stunting of plant growth. But at least we know now for the future!

[@LedisiUnique]

So once temperature reach 65 degrees or above that's when I remove the milk carton lid? I'm confused🤷🏼‍♀️ Help please 🙏

[@karenplante3801]

Last year, I used all the organic lettuce containers that we bought all winter and took my wood burning tool to make holes in the bottom and top. They already had a hinge, but I burned rwo holes in the top and on the side and used a twist tie in it just in case the wind opened it. It worked great, so I collected the ones we have used so far. Just thinking out of the box and reusing what we have. Love your very informative video

[@growitbuildit]

Thank you Karen - that is making great use of your resources. This year I've only had to make about 4-5 new jugs, as I've been able to reuse most of mine from the last couple years. Just need to scribble out the old names.

[@WandaBelle43]

I live in Montana and we have too early warm days in February and I have had early germination. Then I have to cover them every night or during unusually below zero temps. Frustrating!

[@lilylily9012]

I started winter sowing for the first time ever and voila, three weeks later I have seedlings. I sowed perennials. Thank you for this valuable video.

[@growitbuildit]

You Re very welcome Lily. Congrats on your success

[@flatsville1]

Thnx for the staight forward approach without a bunch of BS & yammering.

[@growitbuildit]

You are very welcome. I feel the same way about BS & yammering!

[@ndbg46881]

Excellent job! I discovered winter sowing years ago and could not believe it wasn't more popular. My biggest challenge was finding a place to place my containers in my windy back yard. I settled on a long, wide (clear) storage container to corral my containers. Works like a charm. Thank you for producing this great educational video!

[@growitbuildit]

Thank you Beth! It is my absolute preferred way to sow seed each year. No question about it.

[@kelseykautzman8575]

Thank you! I‘ve been collecting jugs for a couple months and I’m about to prep them for planting. I’d read about the process on a few different websites but your video really helped me answer some questions I still had, and some I hadn’t thought to ask. I feel ready now!

[@growitbuildit]

Excellent Kelsey - good luck!

[@anitakervin8799]

Can the milk jugs be the milk ones?

[@growitbuildit]

The main requirement is that they need to be translucent

[@Omegawerewolfx]

This will be my first year trying the milk jug method. I have so many things that need stratification. I'm excited.

[@growitbuildit]

Excellent - good luck this Winter!

[@thirddaysoapsgarden]

Very thorough...I got introduced to WS in 2013. I love it! I skipped last year due to relocation. But, 2023 it's on ..

[@growitbuildit]

Thank you - Winter Sowing is the absolute best way to start your seeds.

[@gomnolto]

Thanks!

[@growitbuildit]

Thank you so much Tom - that is VERY generous! Much appreciated

[@judithmercer8104]

Great video! Just right amount of material without extra chitchat!

[@growitbuildit]

Thank you Judith!

[@karynlee9632]

I do believe you have giving me an answer to a prayer. I can't start blueberry seeds to save myself. But NOW I do! Thank you so much. Outstanding video.

[@growitbuildit]

You are very welcome!

[@goatkidmom]

@@growitbuildit I had German Breadseed Poppies that didn't germinate because I didn't know they needed stratified. I will try this method and see if I can get them to grow. Thank you.

[@growitbuildit]

You are welcome! Good luck with your poppies.

[@oklamoni5697]

I tried that, and it turned out the seedlings got to big for the space above the soil while I was gone. I will try the milk jugs this coming winter.

[@AustinandJax]

Oh dear, you will have to wait for 7 years before you will get fruit from the seed.

[@FatcatandFriends]

Wow, just spent the last couple of hours on your website. What a wealth of information!!

[@growitbuildit]

Thank you so much! Please tell your friends about it!

[@j.reneewhite915]

I use a soldering iron to make the holes in the plastic. It's less dangerous as long as you remember to turn it off. I think the biggest mistake I make with winter sowing is not fertilizing with a liquid fertilizer when the seedlings have emerged. I like starting my onions with this method because it leaves more space on the heat mats and grow lights for other stuff. I also love that I don't have to harden off the plants. There are some chores that I don't enjoy and hardening off is one of them. One suggestion to your viewers don't start your warm season plants to early. Your seeds will rot and the plants will over grow their space before time to put them in the garden. In my climate (Aurora, Oregon. zone 8b, 45th parallel N.) cold loving plants (and those that need stratification) can be started Dec-Feb. Heat loving plants are first of March. I have some old see through plastic totes that I've put holes in and then place the jugs in to keep the wind from blowing them over it makes it easier to move them when needed.

[@growitbuildit]

A soldering iron would work well - not sure how many people have them, but that is a good idea. I don't fertilize any of my seedlings - I find that they grow just fine in most potting soils.

[@garyroberts2563]

Thanks for the local info, Rogue Valley here. Also you can heat a tent stake or such on a stove and poke holes in the plastic.

[@janetbaden8926]

I have 2 soldering irons I got from harbor freight a couple years ago. They were like $4. Probably more now but they do a good job.

[@primenwproperty]

I just used a screw and drill and poked some holes in that way as I put the dirt in premature and had to improvise. 😅 I took 10 apple seeds from this crazy apple that I’ve never experienced before with bright red insides and a Asain pear texture. So interesting to see what comes from them. I’m hoping I get at least 50% 🤞🏻 will make for an interesting experiment nonetheless. I actually had them in a wet paper towel bag in the dark pantry for about 3 weeks and one slightly started to push its root. So hopefully this helps and makes everything easier as this winter sow seems very low maintenance. Thanks for the fantastic video!

[@gomnolto]

Every single thing about this video is exceptional. Thanks for all you do. I am a huge fan of your channel and am grateful for all the information you provide. I am using empty cat litter containers for my first "Winter Sow" in Atlanta. I will be sowing all natives for a continuous bloom from spring to fall. I love the wax pen. I just label the container with a letter. A, B, C, etc. Then I make a google keep note that describes what the plant is; A - Clematis viorna - vasevine, aka leatherflower, Eryngium yuccifolium - rattlesnake master, Hibiscus coccineus - scarlet rosemallow, etc. Wish me luck. My goal is to produce enough for me and some to share.

[@growitbuildit]

Good luck! I have also switched to a numbering / spreadsheet system for my jugs. It is a better solution, and allows you to reuse year/year without scribbling or crossing out the prior years label. And thank you so much again - I really appreciate it. Good luck!

[@janmclellan8963]

This is just wonderful as I am in Canada on the BC coast and we have the longest winter , shortest growing season so this is not just a seed starter for me this is a major grow Thank you so much!

[@growitbuildit]

Hi Jan - that must be pretty cold! I'm glad I could help you out. You may want to watch my latest video on starting tomatoes - I grow them 12"/15 cm in about six weeks. It would probably work well for you up there. kzbin.info/www/bejne/oIWykIKNrJeFpKs

[@GibbsJaneAnne]

I appreciate the experience the presenter has had. This video is so much more thorough than other milk jug videos I have seen.

[@growitbuildit]

Thank you Jane!

[@kat3910]

This was absolutely fascinating and informative. I had never heard of winter seed sowing until today, and this tutorial really helped it all make sense. I have now subscribed to your channel :) thank you!

[@growitbuildit]

Thank you Kat! I'm glad I could help you out. It really is the best way to start seeds.

[@bestill6635]

“Mother Nature will sort it out!” 👍🏼

[@growitbuildit]

It is the truth!

[@NCRoots2011]

Beginner of winter sowing. This year will be my first. For me you are an excellent communicator in both words and visuals. Thank you. Looking forward to your video on transplanting from the gallon jugs.

[@growitbuildit]

Thank you Dianne - good luck, And I will try to get that video out sometime in March.

[@FatcatandFriends]

A really great video! I can continue to garden through winter now in CA without needing a dedicated seed starting setup in my house. The website is amazing too!! Thank you so much!!

[@growitbuildit]

Thank you - I'm glad you enjoyed the video and are liking my website!

[@forevergoeswherever356]

Dunno if anyone's asked yet, but have you tried adding any Vermiculite or sand on the top of the soil to help retain moisture on the seed trays? I've read that a couple of times now from other sources. Really like the way your video is laid out and how concise you are. Definitely giving it a like!

[@growitbuildit]

Hi - thank you for the like. I've not added those on top, but I do have pearlite within the mix. It is really only an issue on the trays. And, if you have a spare tray without drain holes, you can fill it with water and water from the bottom. I generally only need to do it one or two times in a season. But that may very well work well, I've not tried it though. A lot of what I winter sow is surface sown, and I guess that would still be ok to have seed on top, mixed w/ vermiculite.

[@dustyflats3832]

@@growitbuildit I think the idea of vermiculite came into play with indoor sowing to prevent mold. Sand wouldn’t hold moisture and not sure if it would do anything.

[@jcrich-ho9ot]

Very informative video! Thank you for sharing the information in print on your website!

[@growitbuildit]

You are very welcome - I'm glad you found it helpful!

[@NCRoots2011]

Happy New Year from Zone 7b. Beginner of winter sowing quite frankly I may be too late this year 50-65 degree days 30-45 degree nights. You are a great communicator and speak with all senses. By that I mean I could close my eyes and listen to your voice and visualize what you are doing. Very rare in a teacher. Thank you for passing along your knowledge.❄☃

[@growitbuildit]

Thank you so much Dianne - that is one heck of a compliment. Thank you. I have to say that I'm in Zone six, but very close to zone 7. You've got plenty of time to Winter Sow. If you get cool nights down to the 30's, you are good to go for cold stratification / Winter Sowing. I've done some seeds as late as April.

[@andielynne2008]

I’m in zone 7b too and I was wondering if I could do this. I know we usually aren’t done yet with a good freeze or 3 but our warm days in Nashville during the winters way out number our cold. This week it’s 60-65 days 45-55 nights then back to 40-65 days & 37-24 nights. I feel like I’ll be outside taking the covers off of everything during the days& putting them back on at night… and doing more work with it than I would during the spring and summer lol i also have nowhere to put them outdoors without sun. I LOVE this idea though so I’m going to think on it and see if I can adapt it

[@NCRoots2011]

@@growitbuildit Thank you so much.

[@sandibryar6924]

Thanks you did an excellent job explaining winter sowing👍🏻👍🏻o’ I live in ME and trying to grow milkweed plants this coming spring TY

[@growitbuildit]

You are very welcome - good luck with your Milkweed seeds!

[@frankfencepost57]

Great video as always. Not sure the winter sowing would work for me as I live in Tampa Fl. Yet when I am ready to take seeds out of fridge I could still do the jug thing. I have hard time getting seedlings out of those tray. Now you have shown me a better way to get them out. Maybe I will have better luck this time. Thanks for everything Joe.

[@growitbuildit]

You are welcome Jeanie - the jugs should be easier for sure. Good luck!

[@oklamoni5697]

Very calm voice, good explanations, GREAT video. I just shared it with a friend... we both want to try winter sowing for next year.

[@growitbuildit]

Thank you - you're going to love Winter Sowing. It really is the best way to start seeds.

[@conniegriner1847]

Last winter was my first winter sowing experience, and I loved the process! Saving my milk jugs to expand the process this winter. Thanks for your informative video!

[@growitbuildit]

You are very welcome Connie. It is the best method for starting a lot of plants!

[@judyrobinson2282]

This is great! Glad you mentioned putting them in the shade! I was ready to put them on the south side of the house to get maximum sun. Now that said, it rains all winter here with few exceptions, so might work. But I appreciate knowing that tip--shade it will be. Looking forward to this experiment--bugs and squirrels are eating my fall planted cool flowers and THIS may be the answer!

[@growitbuildit]

This is really the best method for starting seeds. I start almost all of them in this manner, and I never have problems from rodents/birds. The shade is key though, as a random warm day can germinate a lot of seeds prematurely!

[@jcking6785]

Great info! I winter sowed for the first time last year with mixed results. Today, I spent hours perusing websites and making my seed purchases - going to give it another try. I’m not a milk drinker so I use water jugs; saves me a lot of time not having to wash all those milk jugs. Looking forward to the update video on how to separate densely sown seedlings.

[@growitbuildit]

Glad you enjoyed it JC. Keep at it - you will come to love it. I think I will have that video out in March.

[@BrittonFarmsHomestead]

I also make milk just green houses for my flowers. They work out great for my marigolds

[@marymcandrew7667]

Excellent video! I have found over many years, that when I have things in pots, trays etc, they do much better if not on a patio but on earth, even if there's grass. They don't dry out much at all during the cold months and seem to benefit from the interaction with the garden soil, worms come in too. I'm going to try what you said for some things, might be late now but my cheap greenhouse blew over so maybe I'll try trays but keep them out of sun. Thanks!

[@growitbuildit]

Hi Mary - it is not too late at all. Most perennials need around 30 days (species dependent). I've winter sowed Black Eyed Susans as late as April.

[@CharlotteFairchild]

I planted in jugs and in buckets using compost from something called Soil3. I put 50 of my 70 buckets under trees on grass in a spiral shape. Now I have some on the patio on concrete. I can’t afford domes so I use shower curtains that are food grade. Google food grade shower curtains!

[@charmc4152]

@@CharlotteFairchild Good tip! Who would have thought there were food grade shower curtains?!

[@rogehnimunoz4327]

Most comprehensive video ever!!! Thank you.

[@growitbuildit]

You are very welcome Rogehni! Good luck!

[@HzFvr]

👍Thank you! I've got many empty water jugs saved, but felt unsure about how/when to go about this.👍 Just discovered you-Subbed +Thank you also for the written quick guide -Saved & shared all👍

[@growitbuildit]

You are very welcome Jennifer!

[@HzFvr]

@@growitbuildit 👍

[@tianamarie989]

Its interesting to see how different each gardener does this.

[@growitbuildit]

There is a million different ways to winter sow!

[@joanp105]

As usual, you give complete and knowledgeable information. I will share this video with gardening friends. This will be my first year trying this method and have begun collecting my supplies👍

[@growitbuildit]

Thank you Joan! You will probably be doing this every year from now on then, as it really is an absolutely easy way to start your seeds.

[@harrykersey3181]

Nice video brother! From Florida and don't know much bout seasons lol and the stratification of materials / seed. Thanks !

[@growitbuildit]

You are very welcome Harry - thank you for the kind words. I would trade weather with you for the last month or so - barely got above freezing

[@mikefeddersen2476]

Great job on this video! You covered pretty much everything, the only thing I would add is darn near any container works; all kinds of plastic bottles, even smaller water bottles. I even used styrofoam cups inside a cheap plastic tote. I live in West Virginia on the western side so I start my plants in March, as there is too many warm days if I started earlier. Congratulations on a great channel.

[@growitbuildit]

Thank you Mike! And you are completely right - any plastic container that is translucent will work as long as it can accommodate the seedlings.

[@dustyflats3832]

I agree with starting in March. I’m well north and I don’t see a benefit to starting in December or January. Seeds that need stratification wouldn’t need that many hours of cold anyway. I had great luck with March 23rd date and will start tender annuals beginning April.

[@MirjanAcademy]

I just saw your video. Wow. Impressive, can I start now. Still so much snow in canada prince edward island

[@growitbuildit]

Hi, you can start now any seeds native to, or cold hardy to your area, or if it isn't killed by frost. For veggies, winter sow them 2-4 weeks before you would sow them in the ground.

[@jin8339]

You always do excellent videos and very detailed plus your website too. I followed your cold stratification in the fridge. It works for a first timer. I was so happy ! 🤠 Thank you ! P. S I used chop stick to separate my seedlings which makes it easier since I am a newbie trying not to rip those roots. 🌹🌸🌻

[@growitbuildit]

Thank you Jin! And I'm glad to hear that the fridge stratification worked well for you. I can see a chopstick working well for loosening roots. The smaller diameter would also allow you to be precise. I often use a plastic fork, screwdriver, or pencil.

[@porthuronhistory]

.

[@charmc4152]

Chopsticks are also great for spacing of your seeds! I bought some fiberglass ones from Amazon since I didn't have any wooden ones already and wanted something that would last.

[@jin8339]

@@charmc4152 Nice ! I used my own since I have 4 pairs but why waste such masterpiece so I got freebies from Chinese store when I order food. I am cheap but kept my collection 🙂🌸🌻🌹

[@diannamalta695]

Most concise and clear video on this subject I've ever seen - and I've researched extensively! Thanks

[@growitbuildit]

Thank you so much Dianna! I'm glad you found it helpful and concise. Good luck this Winter!

[@mattmccallum2007]

I tried this in Seattle, which is very mild during the winter. So the soil and seeds are prone to molds and fungi. Still, most species I tried worked well and had great germination rates. I did make sure to find a seedling mix that was LOW in nutrients as to not encourage fungus.

[@growitbuildit]

That is a perspective I hadn't thought of Matt - the mild winter. I was focused on where I live/lived, so it always gets very cold which stops any mold/fungi. That plus the airflow the lids seems to work just fine. One time I prepared some pots with moist soil in my basement, but didn't sow them for several days. The pots all got the fuzzy white fungus. But I did find the cure/prevention - just enough airflow and a small bit of sunlight.

[@gilamonsta5123]

true as we experience this in the Houston area, even in the winter as the temp fluctuation isnt helpful for this project. BUT what I have been doing is using the coolest, driest areas, researching the seeds carefully and measuring the humidity of a room being used with a dehumidifier. Dehumidifiers are cheap, on Amazon and bonus, the collected water can be used for the plants already up and going. Cheers!

[@americanpatriot4080]

This is the best video I've seen on winter sowing. Thank you

[@growitbuildit]

Thank you! I'm glad you found it helpful.

[@bellarosa009]

This is such a great video on winter sowing!! I’ve been doing it for years and I’ve had good years and bad years!! I like the idea of using the 6 pack seed trays as I usually have some left over from the previous year that I didn’t use. One thing that might work to speed up the watering in the 6 packs is to drill a hole above each cell on the plastic dome - just use a marker to mark the area. I usually use a watering can with a tiny holes to water my seeds when we have a dry winter.

[@growitbuildit]

Thanks for sharing Bella - I try to use an extra tray now for watering, just fill the extra tray with water then set the other inside. Leave it for 30 min or so, and via osmosis it all gets absorbed. But in years past I haven't always had an extra one. But that is a good idea you shared though.

[@charmc4152]

@@growitbuildit This seems like it would be the easiest way to water the trays.

[@growitbuildit]

It is

[@Tracymw99]

Thanks!

[@growitbuildit]

Thank you SO MUCH! I'm glad you found it helpful.

[@growityourown4208]

I just want to say thank you for making these great videos! learned a lot from watching you.

[@growitbuildit]

Thank you! I'm glad I can help you out.

[@davidmalboeuf1157]

I'm definitely going to give this technique a go. I already have a big supply of milk jugs I've used to weight down tarps covering my firewood & boat. Thanks for posting this video.

[@growitbuildit]

Excellent - good luck this Winter David.

[@TheGyreMadHatter]

Very thorough and well-executed instructions. Thank you for all this work!

[@growitbuildit]

Thank you! I'm glad you found it helpful.

[@brg2743]

Thank you! We have started seeds inside for several years and also have lettuce, spinach, garlic, beets, chard outside under plastic containers from fall. They are up against a concrete patio for thermal heat and one end of tub sits up on rocks for a little ventilation. We don't water it. Never tried this milk jug method and can't wait to see the results! Should help with the pandemic and prices.

[@growitbuildit]

Hi Br - for veggies - this method works well. Just plant the seeds about 2-4 weeks before you would normally plant the seeds in the ground.

[@amyknight850]

Thanks for a great video! I’m trying to figure out what seeds I can winter sow and what I can’t.. can you do tomatoes and peppers? Or just cold season veggies? I have a pretty short growing season with first frost as early as September 15!

[@growitbuildit]

Hi Amy - as a general rule, anything cold hardy to your area or native to your area can be Winter Sowed in the dead of Winter. For cold season veggies, you can get a jump-start on those by Winter Sowing a few weeks before you would normally sow the seed in ground. For tomatoes and peppers, I do something a bit different. Roughly six weeks before I want to transplant them, I germinate the seeds on a paper towel (takes 24-48 hr). I transplant the sprouts to 4" pots in a tray with a tall vented dome. I then keep that dome in direct sunlight and monitor the temp, targeting 100F or more. This is because tomatoes and peppers won't grow much unless the soil is very hot. At night, I bring the tray inside. Generally, within 6 weeks, I have plants that are 6-8" tall.

[@deb5700]

I'm thinking about your tall vented dome. Do you make your own? Or do you buy this somewhere?

[@growitbuildit]

@deb I bought it from Greenhouse Megastore

[@KimPhoenixRising]

1 st winter sowing, thanks for all the info. Enjoyed the video, my style of learning since my stroke. Just happened upon yours. SUBSCRIBED

[@growitbuildit]

Thank you - I'm very happy you found it helpful Kim!

[@terrybrowne5726]

Thank You Very Much , I Have Plenty Of Water Jugs, I Keep For Rain Water In Spring & Summer. I Bring In For My House Plants, They Love The Natural Rain. But Now I Can Use Jugs For Winter Planting Too. Thank You 🙏🤗

[@growitbuildit]

Excellent Terry - I'm glad you found it helpful. Good luck!

[@Sablebella]

Love this video! I started my milk jug veggies 2 weeks ago in my house and they’ve started sprouting. Cabbage, carrots, squash, kale and spinach. The only thing not sprouting is the spinach. I’m in zone 8A. Should I keep them in the cozy house or put them outside. It’s in the 20’s and 30’s at night right now here. Any advice is appreciated! 🪴🪴🪴

[@growitbuildit]

Hi BZ - I get nervous when the temperature gets around 20. But 30's should probably be ok for those veggies in jugs as long as they get sun during the day, as the 'milkjug greenhouse' should retain a decent amount of heat. I personally don't put anything into the sun until it gets closer to when I would like them to germinate.

[@Sablebella]

@@growitbuildit thanks so much. I will probably take a chance since the temps should be a little warmer this week. Appreciate it!

[@brokenangal]

What zone are you in? Thanks for always being so thorough. Also you’ve got a fantastic voice for this work!

[@growitbuildit]

Zone 6, Southern Pennsylvania. And thank you for the compliment!

[@graylagran7443]

i've been collecting milk jugs this year -- so i'm definitely give it a try -- i like the idea of not starting inside since i don't have the warming pad(s) or grow lights -- and all that stuff adds up, and i don't have the space for it either. what do you recommend for potting mix?

[@growitbuildit]

Hi -I just use a regular potting soil. If you live somewhere with a mild winter, you may want to choose more of a seed starting mix, as that would be less food for mold/fungus. But I've never had a real issue, and I just use regular potting soil most of the time. But if you want to go high-end, go with ProMix. It is the absolute best potting soil I've ever used. But can be hard to find, and a bit more expensive.

[@josanders1428]

@@growitbuildit Is that only peat moss ?

[@growitbuildit]

I am not sure. Just bought a new bale. I'll try to remember to check tomorrow

[@josanders1428]

@@growitbuildit Didyou find out if ProMix is just peat moss? The potting mix I’ve found is full of sticks and junk.I got it from Walmart.it’s Miracle grow.

[@growitbuildit]

Hi Jo - just checked the label. It is 75-85% sphagnum peat moss per the label. The other ingredients are perlite, vermiculite, limestone & dolomite, wetting agent and mycorrhizae. It's the second bale I've purchased. I bought the first one for winter sowing last year. I found a nice way to get it too - Ace Hardware sells it for about $42. And if you are a rewards member, or even if not, sometimes you get 25% off coupons. So, I just use one of those and get it for just over $30. I do buy the 'walmart' cheap stuff for filling larger planters and pots. And I even mix potting soil with topsoil, as it will drain just fine.

[@belieftransformation]

Great info; thanks for sharing! I’m in Canada, so we have long winters. I did a few milk jugs last spring, with good results. I think I’ll wait until February for planting most of my seeds.

[@growitbuildit]

You are very welcome. And yes, up in Canada you could definitely wait until later to Winter Sow.

[@corihaveson2691]

I loved this video and will definitely follow your recommendations. Have been planning to start winter sowing since last year. Any chance you could do a version with the species annotated? I really wanted to know what each and every one was while watching!

[@growitbuildit]

Oh boy - that would take me a while. There are sooooo many species in this video. A few items... 4:01 - Black Eyed Susan 4:20 - River Oats 10:57 - Silky Aster 11:12 - Self-Heal 11:15 - Self-Heal 11:18 - Jack in the Pulpit 11:22 - New Jersey Tea 11:43 and 12:33 - Plains Coreopsis 12:59 - garden phlox 15:02 - Shooting Star 15:11 - Carolina Bushpea 17:08 - Hollow Joe Pye Weed 17:16 - Prairie Dropseed or Pennsylvania Sedge 17:44 - two different species of phlox 17:56 - round pots = swamp milkweed 18:06 - Prairie Smoke 18:08 - Verbena Hastata 18:09 - Prairies Dropseed 18:10 - Virginia Bluebells 18:14 - Top Right, Showy Goldenrod 19:00 - Pin Oak 19:30 - 19:54 - 17:26 Spice Bush 20:05 - Pawpaw (I think)

[@corihaveson2691]

@@growitbuildit Thank you. That was really kind of you to respond so quickly to satisfy my curiosity!

[@scarrgo7110]

@@growitbuildit Thanks for your list! I was trying to read your labels but it went by so quickly. I was gifted 3 Paw Paw seeds and I wasn’t sure what to do with them.

[@maryelizabethcalais9180]

Tk you for this video..... very professional; no nonsense, thorough and understandable. Exactly what I need at this time. This is the best video I've found on winter sowing seeds. I have subscribed.

[@growitbuildit]

Thank you Mary! I'm very happy you found my video helpful. Good luck this Winter!

[@megsmith8333]

Great video. I’ve been winter sowing with mixed results for a couple of years-did not know about keeping containers out of direct sunlight until early spring. I’m going to try that this year. Question- can I use seed starting mix in my container? Or is potting mix preferred? I don’t really know the difference between the two. Thanks again for the great video!

[@growitbuildit]

Hi Meg - you can use seed starting mix or potting soil. Seed starting mix is just sterile moist medium - it works great for germination, as there is very low chance for fungus or disease. But there is no food for the plant other than the sunlight that hits it. I like potting soil, as I can leave my plants in the jugs or containers for longer without issue.

[@fawn1785]

Subscribed! 😇

[@LC-dk9kf]

Are we talking zero sunlight?

[@growitbuildit]

My containers are outside, but on the North side of my house. They don't see much direct sun, if any.

[@havenp]

This is so helpful! I've wanted to grow native North American plants in my yard for a while, but didn't know where to start. Thank you so much!

[@growitbuildit]

You are very welcome Haven! Good luck!

[@vickylineberry7788]

Wow, thank you sir! Just ran across your channel. I'm 63 and you just schooled me! Awesome info.

[@growitbuildit]

Thank you Vicky! I'm happy you enjoyed it.

[@TEPO--]

Clear, precise "right on"! A good winter to you from deep snow country. I've always sowed after the first couple of snows yet I certainly can see that your methods would offer greater success🌱🌿 A continued spectacular Autumn and a beautiful Winter to you as germination happens as thoughts of Spring linger.......

[@growitbuildit]

Thank you! I appreciate the kind words, and good luck to you too this Winter.

[@ketokhuleesi4451]

I just heard of this last night! I'm going to do this tomorrow, very exciting times!

[@growitbuildit]

Excellent - Good luck!

[@trisha4829]

Thank you so much for the details. This is the best video I watched to help me start my first seeds outside.

[@growitbuildit]

You are very welcome Trisha - best of luck!

[@mackenzieboersen]

I'm going to try to winter sow this year living in West Michigan zone 5b. It would be great to start seeds and not have them take up room in my house.

[@tennesseenana4838]

This video has just solved my problem of sowing seeds! Since I have a small house with a one car garage, there's no room in either one to sow seeds. I'm definitely going to be sowing seeds outside this week. Thank you very much!!!

[@growitbuildit]

You are very welcome Nana - good luck!

[@irisrr3778]

This is by far the best winter sowing video I've come across! Surprised I never came across your channel till now! I love all your videos -- each one of them is so methodical and detailed. Truly appreciate your efforts! It's interesting that you say you sow all your seeds in winter. Zucchini? Tomato? Did I hear that right? Do you winter sow those as well?! That would be a total game changer for me since I am almost always late sowing seeds in Spring and miss the boat. But if I could take care of that during the Holidays that would be a no-brainer!

[@growitbuildit]

Hi - for veggies, you can winter sow them 3-6 weeks earlier than you would normally plant them in the ground. But you still need to be mindful of really freezing temperatures if you're leaving them outside. For zucchini and cucumber, I do this about 3 weeks before I would plant them outside. For tomatoes though, I do a different variation on Winter Sowing. It produces 10" plants in six weeks, without much effort from myself. I made a video on the tomatoes specifically. See here - kzbin.info/www/bejne/oIWykIKNrJeFpKs

[@irisrr3778]

Thank you so much! Super helpful information.

[@liamsdad33]

Gonna use gallon jugs this year for lettuce beans peas and squash this year thanks for the info

[@growitbuildit]

You are very welcome - good luck this year

[@heidigilman1941]

Great information! Live in MN, I’m going to try this , it makes such good sense

[@growitbuildit]

Excellent - good luck Heidi!

[@Mgaither]

Thank you for this video! I been saving water jugs for this very project! Very good instructions and easy to follow.

[@growitbuildit]

You are very welcome Michelle - I'm glad you found it helpful - and good luck this Winter!

[@charlesburkhart800]

I've watched several of your videos. Very helpful and informative. I would like to know your zone. I'll keep watching. Thanks!

[@growitbuildit]

Thank you Charles - and I see you heard me finally say it! Zone 6 to the future readers of this comment!

[@marynancy1187]

I started romaine, and other cold tolerant lettuce, as well as perennial flowers. I used these two methods and came to same conclusions. I used 4x4 pots and put them into a plastic opaque tote drilled holes top and bottom. Lids sealed well. I got two seasons out of containers, I kept shrub cuttings in the trays all summer in shaded area. The romaine leaves were tastier and had a sturdy leaf. Well worth the effort. Your video is well done. Note location is Ontario and I started in Feb and Mar.

[@growitbuildit]

Nice work Mary - and good to note that your totes lasted two seasons.

[@henwhisperer]

Thanks so much! I will be starting these with the jugs in Feb.

[@growitbuildit]

You are very welcome - good luck!

[@fergusdangerfield156]

Excellent video my friend, thanx for posting x.

[@growitbuildit]

Thank you Fergus - glad you enjoyed it!

[@lorenville]

thank you for including celcius and the link to the marker

[@growitbuildit]

You are very welcome Lor! The marker really is the best.

[@DeRien8]

Saw an article this month from a different site that gave almost exactly the same information, but with the addition of a zip-top bag option.

[@growitbuildit]

Hi DeRien - you should leave the tops open. That can help keep them a bit vented.

[@trumpmech]

Outstanding overview of winter sowing! Thank you!

[@growitbuildit]

You are very welcome! I am very happy you found it helpful!

[@Thankful_.]

Very informative! Thank you, from a fellow winter-sower! 🙂🌱

[@growitbuildit]

Thank you V! I'm glad you enjoyed it.

[@kimberlythurston733]

Probably the best video on winter sowing I’ve seen. Thank you so much for putting this video together. Now. Time to break out those seed packets I was gonna save till spring.

[@growitbuildit]

Thank you Kimberly! I'm glad you found it helpful.

[@tnyberg67]

Great stuff. I started 20 jugs today. The info was helpful.

[@growitbuildit]

Excellent - good luck Tim!

[@lindahardin7264]

I bought a basic soldering iron for less than $7:00 and it's perfect for the drainage holes!

[@growitbuildit]

That sounds like a good idea Linda

[@cassandrahughes649]

Awesome information. I have at least 8 milk jugs. Now I know what to do with them. Thank you for the information!!

[@growitbuildit]

You are very welcome Cassandra! Good luck!

[@janetdrake7133]

Your video has been very informative for me! My question: I have saved clear spinach containers that have clear, flat snap-on covers and would like to know your thoughts on my using them in place of milk jugs or 6-packs. Dimensions of each clear plastic container are: 9.5 long, 5.5 wide, 4.5 high. Thanks for your help as I try to make my decisions! Janet

[@growitbuildit]

Hi Janet - those containers are perfectly fine to use. Just add some drain holes in the bottoms along the edge, and some holes for airflow near the top.

[@TheTrock121]

This is the first I've heard of this. I just got row covers last year and am overwintering some of my Fall Plantings. I may try Winter Planting directly in a bed this year. Actually some of my Fall planting was pretty late and hasn't come up yet, so I guess I already did.

[@tamararoberts9307]

I just make a chart for identification on my mini greenhouses and it's been working great

[@growitbuildit]

That would work well Tamara.

[@johnwright4781]

First off, great video, I am going to pass on to some good friends who are gardeners. Quick question, what are the dimensions of the larger 6 compartment seed trays you showed and where can we get them? Again, thanks for all your videos, they are great.

[@growitbuildit]

Hi - glad you loved the video. The deeper six-packs are right here - www.greenhousemegastore.com/products/deep-inserts Shipping isn't cheap, but they often have deals. Or, if you buy enough stuff (or go in with others) you get free shipping over $100 (most of the time).

[@trinht8763]

I love this video! so much information and thorough. Thank you so much!

[@growitbuildit]

Thank you Trinh!

[@Whiskey_and_pheonix2.0]

Super direct tutorial! This is my first year trying this method and I’m so excited. One of the only videos I’ve seen warning about tropical species cuz i was gonna try luffas doing this but i don’t think it’ll work (7b). Thanks again!

[@growitbuildit]

You are very welcome - you're going to do great. Good luck!

[@hobbitlady7568]

Some other excellent winter sowing containers: large, sheet cake container, strawberry/fruit clamshells, takeout containers, this year I even ruined a plastic storage container.

[@shiezcarb]

i like your video! very thorough. thanks for sharing!

[@growitbuildit]

Thank you! I'm glad I could help you out

[@soniamarshall9293]

Have two orange cutting each in it's own gal water jug and is thriving well with leaves. It works!. Thanks for Sharing this method.

[@tammyroyal8467]

I'm trying the 1 gal. Ice cream buckets this year. Testing them out

[@growitbuildit]

I bet those would work great. Let me know how it goes