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Q re: seal on milk jugs being used

15 years ago

Hi,

I'm attempting WS this year. Me and my wife already planted the seeds, using all the advice here, using milk jugs cut in half with a lip attaching the two halves. However, we had a heck of a time getting the duct tape to actually get a good hold as we wrapped it around the jug along the seam. I've gone back, and noticed that some (a few) have condensation on the inside, while others (most) do not. The soil still looks wet, but I guess I'm a little concerned. Do the side of the milk jugs need to have a pretty tight seal? Or is it a pretty mellow thing that I shouldn't worry about, as long as I reasonably duct taped it so the lid wont fly open?

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Comments (5)

jmc7104
15 years ago
Not to worry about seam as long as it is held closed The jugs need air circulating through them and if your soil was suffecently wet there shouldnt be a problem. Not sure of your area but most of us dont start until mid Dec or later. jim
terrene
15 years ago
Don't worry about the seal. I used both small pieces of duck tape in the corners, and also punched holes and used twist ties to close the gallon milk jugs. There was no "seal" in that case. They do fine! The condensation is a good sign, because that means the soil is moist. If they are placed outside in a location where they get precipitation fairly regularly, you will not have to worry about watering them until weather warms up in the Spring. Having a loose seal around the middle allows a little more moisture to get in, which is a good thing.

You will be amazed at how much sprouts! There will inevitably be a few that don't sprout, for whatever reason - dud seeds, seeds buried too deep, who knows? I sowed 158 containers last year, with a germination rate of 86%. Maybe a little higher because there were a couple containers that germinated in the summer!
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Thanks, all. Not really concerned about flooding I guess, but concerned about the ability of it to function as a greenhouse. Some of them ended up gapping quite widely. I found the pictures really helpful in figuring out how to do the milk jugs and the pop bottles and the picture I used as a reference had them duct taped. I see that the point of twist-tieing them must be for easier transport??
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nancy_drew
15 years ago
You did leave the caps off the jugs, didn't you? Remember, you do need some air circulation in there. Not a whole lot during the cold and snow season, but you still need some.
steveberry
Original Author
15 years ago
Yep I left the caps off. As for the season, I live in CA by San Francisco, so I'm never really going to get that frost and snow everyone talks about. I figured I could start now, and they'd just be ready a little sooner, like the wildflowers here. Does anyone in CA have experience WS?
sandysgardens
15 years ago
Steve

Don't try to seal the seam up tight. As others stated they need air and places for rain/snow/.... to get in. I use one or two small pieces of duct tape (one on each corner opposite from hinge) or I use a paper punch and punch a hole on the opposite side of hinge and twist tie lid and top together. I do have to say, my first year (5 winters ago) I thought I needed to seal the seam and it was a pain. So glad IÂm way more relaxed with jug securing.

If your jugs look dry I would add a bit of moisture to those and just keep an eye on them. It's good to see condensation! Mine freeze here, so I donÂt worry about them until spring, then lightly sprinkle the dry ones as needed.

Sandy

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