Question about a container for winter sowing...

16 years ago

This will be my first season of winter sewing. I really can't wait. It's on my mind quite often.

I've got twin baby girls and I go through formula like crazy. We're talking about at least three cans a weeks. They're about I'd say 5-6" in height.

I would like to use these cans for my iwnter sewing. A) is aluminum not good to use? I've heard a lot of talk about plastic. And B) Would enough light get through since it's deeper than a cool whip container or some of the other containers mentioned?

I really hope I can use these. I love the idea of recycling them without sticking them in the bin.

Thnanks!

-Monica

PS- I've been reading a lot of posts and I appreciate all the wonderful tips and ideas!

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Comments (4)

ghoghunter
16 years ago
I think it would be possible to use the cans if the can were the bottom part of the container. Make holes in the bottom of the can for drainage and then fill with potting mix and water. Then after planting the seeds cover the can with something like a plastic bag that has air holes in it. Something loose so that the seedlings would have room to sprout under the bag. Use a big zip lock and tape it around to fasten it on the can. You might need to put some kind of support under it. It does seem like a lot of trouble to go through but I think it would work!
Joann
strouper2
16 years ago
They would probably work but I still think that milk jugs work the best. I tried several different types of containers last year and this year it's going to be nothing but milk jugs or very similar containers.

Strouper
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kqcrna
16 years ago
How big are they? 26 years ago when I bought formula the cans were only about 3 inches in diameter? But if you use 3 cans a week for twins I assume yours are bigger, concentrated, and that you dilute it.

I've never used aluminum. It wouldn't matter much in winter but I'd think come spring they would freeze pretty fast and also heat a lot in warm temperatures. That's just a guess though. I'm not sure where you live but I'm also in zone 6, southwest Ohio, and our temps fluctuate an awful lot in spring.

Like Strouper I prefer milk jugs, gallons over half gallons, over any other type of container I've tried.

Karen
bevhall
16 years ago
Hi Monica,
I'm thinking if you only use them one season, it might be ok. Punch lots of holes in the bottoms and sides...
I'd be more worried about rust and heat retention, and not use them for edibles.
I'd place them close together in a kiddie pool (also holes for draining) with a plastic cover or shelving unit with a plastic covering or something.
Just be careful of the sharp edges, I'm too accident prone as it is, I'm safer with jugs. :)

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Question about a container for winter sowing...

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ghoghunter

strouper2

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