What do empty gallon jugs, popsicle sticks, and a roll of duct tape have in common?
If you guessed winter sowing – you are correct.
Winter Sowing is pretty much what the name implies – sowing seeds in the heart of winter. It is faith in the future, a nod to Mother Nature, and therapy for those up north who just can’t wait for gardening season to come around again. In addition, winter sowing reaps benefits for many more than just the sower. If all goes well, your newly planted flora will abound through spring, summer, and early fall to brighten your habitat and provide new sustenance and shelter for birds, bees, and other happy critters that share the planet with you.
Here is what you need for winter sowing:
empty rinsed out gallon jugs
kitchen shears or a box cutter
a drill
duct tape
popsicle sticks
a permanent and/or paint marker
potting soil
and native seeds of your choosing.
Once you have these simple supplies, the fun begins. First, drill 4-8 drainage holes in the bottom of each empty jug. Then, use kitchen shears or a box cutter to cut 3/4 of the way around the middle, from under one side of the handle to the other. The top half of the container should hinge at the base of the handle but still be attached. Next, fill the bottom of the vessel with several inches of potting soil. Rough up the surface and plant your seeds there, covering them lightly with soil and a sprinkling of water. After that, use your marker to write the seed type on a popsicle stick, and push that into the soil as well. Close it up, seal the seam around the middle with your duct tape, and label the outside of the jug also. Leave your cozy terrarium outside all winter (for native seeds) with the cap off and let Mother Nature do the rest.
That’s it!
While your plantings are happily wintering away in their little jugs, you can pass the frosty months thinking about where you will put your seedlings once they have sprouted.
And who knows? You may even be motivated to prep a few new garden beds in late winter/early spring – just for kicks.
Hmmmmm…
Maybe a cluster of daisies for over there.
How about patch of zinnias there?
Some Ironweed? Columbine? Butterfly Milkweed?
See what I mean?
Another season’s promise in the ground.
Just Sifting 
This is so cool! My daughter would love this. And I would too!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you! You can do this with any seeds in the spring, but native seeds (from plants that are native to your area) will happily winter away the season outside. It’s my first year trying this, so I’m not sure how it will go, but I love it already!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Love your pictures! My friend is an avid gardener and she does this as well. What a great way to get a head start on spring.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Sharon. It also helps to keep me thinking about being outside in the garden with purpose all winter long!
LikeLike
Thank you! Its my first time winter sowing, and I am so excited about it! It has sustained me all winter!
LikeLike
That’s it. You have inspired me. I ordered 25 seed packets from Amazon yesterday to help kids who come to a poetry event a week from Monday plant some flowers. I also ordered Dixie cups. I will give these ideas to parents for the milk jug terrariums. We are starting to plan to decorate our town square with lines of poetry on the windows for our theme, Bloom!
I’ll lead two workshops in our local coffee shop for young poetry writers, and the milk jug is perfect for those who want to keep the seeds safe until after the frost. With your permission, I would love to give them this blog’s permalink for these directions. We live in rural Georgia, so we don’t usually sow in the ground until April. You’ve got me ready to plant – ready to Bloom!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m glad my post is so helpful. Of course you can pass it on! It sounds like you are dong great things! A workshop combining coffee, poetry, and plants? What could be better? I wish I could come!
LikeLike
This is what I call thinking ahead–and it must be a pleasant winter ritual for you. I wish I had a yard and garden. I will have to come over and enjoy yours!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, {aul. It my first time doing this, but I think I’m hooked! Even if the results are underwhelming, it has served me as a great psychological bridge to spring in the heart of winter.
LikeLike