How to Sow Seeds in Winter
Make your own miniature greenhouse from recyclables and get a jump on spring by sowing winter seeds.
Up next in Seeds & Planting (15 videos)
Start your own vegetable or flower garden today with these gardening videos on seeds and planting.
You Will Need
- Knife or scissors
- Gal. milk jug
- Potting soil
- Half-hardy annual and perennial seeds
- Clear packing tape
- Liquid fertilizer
- Garden
Steps
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Step 1
Cut the jug
Cut the jug horizontally with the knife or scissors, leaving a small attached piece that acts as a hinge where the handle is connected. Poke several holes in the bottom for drainage, around the top for air, and one in each side.
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Step 2
Fill with soil
Fill the carton with 3 to 4 inches of potting soil. Add water until the soil is moist.
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Step 3
Plant seeds
Plant half-hardy annual and perennial seeds according to package instructions and then tape the cut you made around the jug with the packing tape.
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Half-hardy perennials include dahlia, geranium, gerbera, and tuberous begonia.
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Step 4
Place in sun
Place the jug in a sunny area outside next to your house. Water it only when needed to maintain soil moisture.
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Poke extra holes in the top if there's too much condensation build-up.
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Step 5
Fertilize
Fertilize with a very diluted liquid fertilizer if sprouts turn yellow or light green, which indicates a lack of nutrients.
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Step 6
Plant after frost
Separate the individual plants and plant them in your garden after the last frost of the year.
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Gardeners spent $2.5 billion on seeds, plants, fertilizer, tools, and other gardening supplies to grow their own food in 2008.
