Get a head start on seed starting this winter when you plant in milk jugs!
How would you like to hold open money on plants ? part perennial from come with this easy method acting : Sow your seed in a milk jug , set it outdoors and allow Mother Nature do the rest . This simple process rely on sun , snowfall and rain to do the oeuvre of breaking down the cum coat and getting the seed to sprout . Below is everything you ’ll take to get started , include a leaning of some of the best perennials . Then sink in through the slideshow for step - by - step instruction manual !
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Perennials that start easily with the milk jug method
How to sow seeds in milk jugs outdoors in winter
Step 1: Prepare the milk jug
Using a utility knife or scissor hold , make a cut at least 4 in . up from the bottom , proceed closely all the way around . Leave a couple inches uncut just below the handle to mould a hinge .
You ’ll need to add some holes for drainage , so expend a hammer and a screwdriver or awl to pound six to 10 yap through the bottom of the jug . range a scrap piece of wood underneath so you do n’t damage your work surface .
Step 2: Make plant labels
It ’s hard to secern seedlings aside . So be sure to put a recording label in each milk jug with the name of the plant . This tag will help you recount flora apart after you ’ve removed the top of the jugful subsequently in outflow . you’re able to judge the outside of the jug , too .
Step 3: Add potting mix and sow seeds to the milk jug
Fill the bottom half of the Milk River jug with premoistened potting intermixture to within an inch of the rim . The premix should be moist but not wet . A pencil point makes just the correct size holes for seed . Check the seed packet to see how deep to make the holes . Since you moistened the mix before you do n’t have to worry about tearing right now .
Step 4: Tape your milk jug planter closed
After you ’ve planted the seeds , record the top and bottom of the Milk River jugful together . Use either the packing or clear duct tape — they both hold up just fine outside . You ’ll be taking it off afterward in the time of year when the temperatures warm up up .
Step 5: Put planted milk jugs outside
Now your novel planting are quick for the big out-of-doors — even if it ’s snowing ! The plastic container pretend like agreenhouse , keeping the ejaculate fond ( but not too warm ) and moist . Place them where they ’ll get light and rain or coke ( make certain the hood ’s off the Milk River jugful ) , but they wo n’t blow out . cuddle them close together facilitate provide some stability . Plus they ’re easier to keep track of this way . forfend the compass north side of building — they wo n’t get enough sun there .
Step 6: Harden off young plants
As the weather warms up , riff back the superlative on prissy daylight but close them again at Nox . When eventide temperature persist above freezing you could entrust them off permanently . You ’ll demand to keep a cheeseparing heart on the Milk River jugful so the potting premix does n’t dry out . If you have a warm spell in early spring , move the container to a shady spot so they wo n’t get too ironical .
Step 7: Transplant into the garden
This coneflower we started in a Milk River jug over wintertime has developed a secure root organization so it ’s time to transfer it . You may have to tantalise apart several plant if you sowed thick .
