WS containers - elevated or in contact with the soil?

14 years ago

While re-reading the instructions for WSing (since it is my nature to try to understand the how and why of everything) I noticed that the some of the pictures and instructions say to put the containers up off the ground.

Is there a reason for that? Or does it not make any difference, growing-wise and you all are just trying to keep the dogs/kids/? from messing with your containers?

I have also been trying to think of how I can take the best advantage of one of the few reliably sunny spots in my yard - the south side yard between the houses where I have a narrow raised bed against my foundation. Do you think putting the plants there would help them grow earlier?

Also, I bought a 3-shelf mini greenhouse that is deep enough to hold flats for $2 at a yard sale. It has a zippered clear cover that goes over the whole thing. Even though it was cheap, I don't know that I want to cut holes in it - so can I even use it to help with winter sowing? Or would I just use it without the cover?

I don't know what I am doing - I guess just thinking out loud and wondering if my ideas have any substance!

Thanks again!

BettyLu

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Comments (13)

dickiefickle
14 years ago
You don't want containers in a puddle,or a snow bank . Why would you need to cut holes in green house ? holes will defeat the purpose of a warm green house( warming soil and plant temp)
token28001
14 years ago
Off the ground is also something recommended for those with critter problems. I leave mine on the ground here, on a concrete driveway pad.

Don't cut holes in that greenhouse. But do watch for soil that isn't moist. You might see condensation on the plastic, while the soil in the containers is dry.
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tiffy_z5_6_can
14 years ago
BettyLu,

I keep my containers off the ground for a few reasons...

On the deck when I start sowing in Feb., because of accessibility. I just pop out the kitchen door and place on the deck irregardless of whether I'm in my PJs. Not much of a distance so I don't need my winter coat if the cold is nipping out there. I keep the deck clear of snow but not the containers.

Slugs! We have lots as most gardeners do. They have the ability to sneak into those containers quite well.

Keeps things somewhat organized. Once the containers start sprouting, they get moved off the deck to the yard on some tables I made out of pallets. This is also closer to the hose for watering. Again, they are off the ground.

On the ground, the squirrels will explore and sometimes dig into them to see what is there. Also the deers will walk through them. My dog will also pee on them which is not good for new seedlings. Off the ground I don't get any of this.

In regards to sun exposure, I keep all my containers and seedlings in part shade areas until the covers are completely off. I work all day and on a sunny day above 15C, if a container is still covered, the inside temperature can reach above 30C and start the soil steaming. Since I'm not home, the seeds cook.

All the best with your 2009/2010 winter sowing adventure!
daisydawnny
14 years ago
I have a huge piece of slate that is home to my ws containers. I also have one of the 3 shelf zip up green houses, I unzipped it a bit when the temps got too warm. I used it mostly for my annuals. That being said, my husband bought me a larger walk in container (greenhouse) that I plan to experiment with for ws'ing. Good luck and have fun!
pitimpinai
14 years ago
I put my containers on make shift tables because I like to peak into my containers to check for sprouts. :-D
These old bones don't like it when I keep bending down.
trudi_d
14 years ago
The safety of the containers is the priority for the choice of the location. If you read "How to Winter Sow Seeds Outdoors", you'll see that my primary reason for placing containers up on the picnics tables is because our dear puppy had found them stashed beneath shrubs, pulled them out and shook them all to death. Obviously, in my garden, back then, the ground was not a safe location.

The ground near walkways may also not be safe--spouses with snow shovels or snow blowers may not see the containers under deep snow and they'll get shovelled up and away or ground to pieces with a snow blower. Also, children, teens, and especially collegians seem to have size 13 boots and those size thirteen boots can, late at night and in the dark, accidently kick those containers aside.

So what to do---on the ground or a table? That's up to you as only you know your garden better than anyone else. Will your containers be safe on the ground all winter long? If you don't have foot traffic or curious pets and critters then most likely yes your flats will be safe on the ground. If you can't answer that question with a 100% --yes, they will be safe,-- then they need to be elevated.

If you use a small plastic greenhouse it must be vented to allow warm air to escape. You DO NO WANT WARM AIR in your flats. Heat is the enemy of seeds. Overheating can raise soil temps high enough to cause cellular damage and prevent germination. Overheating can also "steam" seedlings as well as rapidly dry out the soil from evaporation. Rather than cut holes into the plastic of the greenhouse then just find a way yo keep the front open enough to allow sun-warmed air to escape. Roll back a flap and hold it in place with clothespins.

T

Here is a link that might be useful: How to Winter Sow Seeds Outdoors.
bettylu_zone6a
Original Author
14 years ago
Thanks all!

I was hoping it was just a convenience thing but was also thinking that maybe the containers NEEDED to be in contact with the ground for additional moisture - but I guess either way I will have to monitor the soil.

The reason I thought I would have to poke holes in the plastic cover for winter sowing is for the snow/rain to water the plants.

If use the greenhouse, do I still cover the individual containers or does the overall cover do it all? I don't want to mess with what has already been proven to work and if the cover is something that I really won't need at all or at least not until the plants start growing - that is certainly no problem.

I have to say, the point brought up regarding the convenience of having the WS containers just outside the door makes a lot of sense. The 3-shelf greenhouse will easily fit on the deck, plus it is not a sunny spot so there shouldn't be too much problem with overheating - great idea! I can put the rest of the containers on the deck as well and can easily block my little dogs from doing anything they shouldn't!

BettyLu
littleonefb
14 years ago
BettyLu,

I'm one that has everyone of my 800 containers, give or take a few, directly on the ground.

Been doing that since I started WS back in 2003.

They are right outside my back door, down a couple of steps, but also inside a large chain link fence area of the yard. It's the size of a dog run.

Hubby comes around from the driveway to use the snow blower on the back walkway and shovel off the back stairs, so I have a path to use.

A friend and I just climb into the snow, if we have too. But, I also WS in Jan and Feb. Put out all my perennials, biennials and any annuals that need a cold stratification then and I'm done WS until April.

Then I start on the hardy annuals, annuals and tender annuals. By then the snow is gone, at least hopefully it's gone, and I'm done with all by May 1st.

Fran
aliska12000
14 years ago
Oh dear, I can see why elevated is better, but I'm going to have so many jugs this year and don't have anything to use to keep them off the ground.

I want them just outside the back door at the north side of the house which, out a bit, gets just a little sun.

Is full sun ok? I thought not. If so, I could set some of them on an iron table and chairs I have outside.

I like to see them all covered in snow on the ground, could put some on the sidewalk. :-). I have a bad problem with ice back there, too.

Maybe I could string them along the foundation of the west side of the house which is very narrow, very little sun, and can't see much from the street, slopes down slightly to where gravel collects, then back up a little to the neighbor's fence, am talking maybe no more than 5'? there. Would prefer them outside the back door though. What think you?

I don't mind them on the ground to peek into; with jugs I can pick them up and peek down in.
northforker
14 years ago
I've collected shelving units (plastic/metal/whatever) from yard sales and thrift stores in order to use the 'vertical' space on my deck. I want to go out in my robe and slipers and I want them all RIGHT THERE! And I don't want to trip on them.

I've been WSing on shelves for 3 years -works great. Follow the link below and you can see pictures of how tidy it looks!

Nancy

Here is a link that might be useful: WSing on shelves
bettylu_zone6a
Original Author
14 years ago
Nancy,
Thanks so much for the visual! With this being my first year and all - it makes it so much easier to actually see what someone else has done successfully! I think I am going to try to get some shelves at yard sales too. It sure would be easy if I could find some with wheels, too.

I am still kind of wondering if I can also use my flats uncovered and just use the greenhouse cover, but your way is great use of vertical space and I DO have some jugs collected. It would be so easy, though to plant in cups, flats, whatever and just use the clear cover for the greenhouse... I just wonder if it would hold in the moisture well enough.

Oh, I can't wait - it is going to be SO COOL to grow my own little plants from seed on my deck and be able to see them from my kitchen window!

BettyLu
ontnative
14 years ago
Nan-6161, you're sooooo lucky to have such a large deck on which to store your WS jugs. I'll have to look for some cheap shelving. It sure does save on space, doesn't it. Mine will have to be placed on the patio/grass, though.
lgslgs
14 years ago
I had all 3600+ containers of mine on the ground this past year. I was glad I did - we had some major wind and ice storms that took down trees & power lines. But through all of that, my containers stayed put.

I'd probably still be picking up the mess if they were on shelves.

BTW, I am so glad I had containers instead of a greenhouse. If I had a greenhouse I'd probably still be picking up pieces of that as well!

Lynda

WS containers - elevated or in contact with the soil?

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