skip to main content

WS Newbie Question....

16 years ago

Hello all, I have been getting some lovely seeds by trade and SASBE and plan to winter sow several of them. I just have one question. Will the solid white milk jugs work ok? (I assumed the yellow ones don't since they are intended to keep light from the milk) but I wonder about the white ones. They are solid white, not a transparent white.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (10)

clumsygrdner
16 years ago
Someone else had this question not to long ago. The answer was that if you can see your thumb when you press it against the inside of the container, then you're good to go!

I use many "solid" containers, Folgers Aromaseal Canisters being my favorite!
{{gwi:354771}}
threas
16 years ago
I used alot of white milk jugs. I just cut out big windows on 2 sides and slipped a ziplock baggie over the top & cut a hole in baggie to correspond to lid on milk jug.The big windows allow the light in.

Theresa
Related Discussions
Newbie Questions New to zone 7a and new to ws.
Q
Comments (4)
It's not too late! I'm in your zone but in North Georgia. I've just started winter sowing this past week. I also have red clay. Red clay is usually high in nutrients but lacking in organic matter. You should be able to drastically improve your soil with adding organic matter. I've found the best way to improve my clay soil is laying down builders paper and or cardboard and then covering with a thick mulch of things like straw, hay, leaves etc. The worms will show up under the paper and start breaking it all down and aerating the hard clay underneath and bringing organic matter into it. I also do raised beds but I don't want my whole yard raised beds iykwim. With my raised beds I've just had truckloads of landscapers mix brought in. The clay will take some time to improve though. I'm working on improving most of my yard and it's an acre. The soil was worse than average with all the topsoil having been scraped off and not even grass would grow in most places. :/ I've ordered from Diane's, Swallowtail Seed's and Fedco Seeds this winter. Fedco sells more vegetable seeds but I really like their flower and herb selection because they do have some good things and they offer a LOT of seed for far less than the average asking price. So I buy flower seed from them every year when I order my vegetable garden seeds. My plan this year is to start focusing on seed saving though so I don't have to buy so darn much! Good luck with your new yard!
...See More
newbie loves ws and thanks the vet ws'ers
Q
Comments (4)
Go, be fruitful & multiply! (ie: tell your friends, family, and anyone who will listen!) The other day I redirected a solicitation from a JW into a mini-toot on WSing. I should have exchanged pamphlets with him, but didn't have a WS one at my fingertips. That would have been funny (thank you for the pamphlet on how to 'grow' my offspring...here's a pamphlet on how to grow your gardens!)
...See More
Newbie Question - WS in nursery beds?
Q
Comments (3)
We just had a long thread on this issue. Here you go: Here is a link that might be useful: Winter Sowing in situ
...See More
WS newbie, ready to take the plunge
Q
Comments (4)
Hi Deb, Glad you decided to join in the fun over here! By the time you start filling your wintersowing containers with seed in January or February, the ground will probably be frozen solid anyway, so don't worry about burying the containers. Just a tip from a fellow Rocky Mountain gardener, place the containers in a partly shady spot if possible. The sun here at this elevation is much more intense, and you will have to water much sooner than folks in a lot of areas around the country. That's one of the reasons I talked DH into building that fancy new pergola for me. I needed shade for my wintersowing containers, LOL. Oh, and another thing, if you get the strong winds in the spring, like we do over here, you may want to put your containers in some type of a crate, to keep them from blowing all over the place. Here is a pic of mine from last year: Best wishes for a successful first year wintersowing! Bonnie
...See More
dorisl
16 years ago
those "aroma seal" cans work GREAT for collecting kitchen waste. They REALLY seal in the "aromas" from yukky food.

:)
nanmol
16 years ago
clumsygrdner wrote:

"I use many "solid" containers, Folgers Aromaseal Canisters being my favorite!"

I took a look at your picture, and wonder what (if anything) you used to cover the Folgers Canisters? I'm a newbie and under the impression that you're supposed to have a cover with holes in it. But . . . I didn't see any. I have lots of the Folgers Canisters from my worm composting. This would solve my hunt for more containers!

Nancy in WI where's it's downright "nasty cold"
clumsygrdner
16 years ago
I cut around the rim of the lid and remove the middle portion. I cover the opening of the canister with plastic and put the rim of the lid back over it. I then put holes in the plastic.
Orcascove
Original Author
16 years ago
Well I guess I need to figure something out. I have a bunch of seeds and nothing to put them in besides white jugs. Looks like I need to go get some plastic bags... Thanks for all the suggestions everyone..
gardenluv
16 years ago
Don't give up! What about cutting off the top part, sowing the seeds, and slipping into a bag, or taping plastic to cover? Or I have heard about people cutting windows in the sides and slipping the entire jug into a bag. Or you could just use plastic bags (I haven't tried this but lots of others have). That's the magic of wintersowing, you get to be very creative with the type of container you use! Good luck, and keep us posted!
avoirgold
16 years ago
Here is the link to the other thread.

Here is a link that might be useful: Costco Jugs
proudgm_03
16 years ago
nanmol, email me. I have some questions about worm composting. Thanks.
Orcascove
Original Author
16 years ago
avoirgold - thanks for the link, I took a look and my jugs like that poster's are solid white, no light will get through. I don't use plastic baggies for anything and hesitate to do so for this either, but I suppose if I'm careful in their use I can save them to use again for ws next year.

Related Stories

SMALL HOMES Houzz Tour: An Illinois Loft Sparks Renovation Fever

By Becky Harris

Home improvement newbies (and newlyweds) find joy and a new income source while redoing their space themselves

WOODWORKING 7 Must-Have Measuring Tools for Woodworking

By R. Olson Design

Whether you're a newbie DIYer or building cabinets from scratch, using the right woodshop tools makes all the difference

FURNITURE Smart Shopper: How to Judge Antique Furniture Quality

Pick the treasures from the trash without expert experience by learning how to evaluate antiques and what questions to ask

MOST POPULAR 10 Things to Ask Your Contractor Before You Start Your Project

By Ventana Construction LLC

Ask these questions before signing with a contractor for better communication and fewer surprises along the way

WALL TREATMENTS Pick the Right Paint Finish to Fit Your Style

By Laura Gaskill

The question of finish may be as crucial as color. See which of these 9 varieties suits your space — and budget

FARM YOUR YARD 4 Farm-Fresh Chicken Coops in Urban Backyards

By Becky Harris

These Atlanta henhouses are worth crowing about for their charming, practical designs

DECORATING GUIDES Decorating 101: Do It Yourself or Hire a Pro?

Learn the advantages and disadvantages of decorating alone and bringing in skilled help

MOST POPULAR Decorating 101: How Much Is This Going to Cost Me?

Learn what you might spend on DIY decorating, plus where it’s good to splurge or scrimp

KITCHEN DESIGN Kitchen Remodel Costs: 3 Budgets, 3 Kitchens

By Bud Dietrich, AIA

What you can expect from a kitchen remodel with a budget from $20,000 to $100,000

REMODELING GUIDES Have a Design Dilemma? Talk Amongst Yourselves

Solve challenges by getting feedback from Houzz’s community of design lovers and professionals. Here’s how

Sponsored

Peabody Landscape Group

8 Reviews

Franklin County's Reliable Landscape Design & Contracting