Another variation on the 2-liter - I put 2 slits in the upper half, about 1-1.5 inches long, directly opposite each other. This allows the top half to spread apart just enough to slide over the bottom. Then I push the top down nice and snug. No way they are going to blow off, they're snug enough to lift the bottle without a problem. The 2 liter bottles are very easy to rinse out and re-use when they're cut this way. I have also cut all the way around and left a hinge, tape or no tape, but when it comes time to take the seedlings out, the top needs to be cut off anyway.

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??

Mussie, Don't know about the milk jugs since here in NS they are made of a white plastic and I'm hesitant about using them. For the pop bottles, this is how I do them. 1. Rinse out with hot water and remove label. 2. Cut the bottle in half with an exacto knife/ box cutter. 3. Place drain holes in the bottom. I do this with a soldering iron, but it can be done by cutting/melting with anything that will produce drain holes. 4. Fill the bottom with at least 3 inches of soil and soak the soil. I fill the sink up a bit, and place the 'bottoms' in the sink to soak while I finish the top of the bottle and get the seeds and tags ready. 5. For the top, throw out the cap. 6. Make 3 slim upside-down V slits in the top section where you cut the bottle in half. 7. Sow the seeds, remember to tag. 8. Slide the top over the bottom. 9. Place the container outside in an area which will get snow and rain. As the seeds germinate, and the weather warms, you can lift the lids bit by bit. Since you have the upside down V slits in there, the sprouts/plants will be come more and more exposed to the elements and aerated. If you expect a really cold night and are worried, just push the lid back onto the bottom. Hope this is clearer than mud. LOL!! If you want pictures, I can get some done today and post them later or tomorrow.

Rusty asked, "So how would switching [to other forms] be of any benefit, price wise?" Buying ahead at current prices is the benefit. Forewarned is forearmed..... Think of it this way, if I buy $100 of powdered milk products at today's prices (something I normally use and it would be enough for a year) and it goes up 300%, I'll save a lot more on that purchase than if that same amount of money was in a savings account at today's interest rates over that same year. If dairy prices skyrocket for 6-months and then drop again over the next 6-months, I'm going to be able to use what I have in my home food storage, not change my buying habits or what I normally use, and my $125/month food budget won't take a hit - and that's my bottom-line. If nothing happens to the price of milk, I'm still good.... It's also easier to get accustomed to, or learn how to make and incorporate substitutes, before they are needed. I remember a few years ago on this message board during an ice or snow storm, people were posting us lists of food items they had on hand and were asking for help with what they could make to feed their families because they couldn't get out to go shopping and had to rely on what they had on hand. Those of us who practice home food storage do so to save money - first and foremost, be prepared for emergencies such as loss of income, natural disasters, interrupted food supplies, power outages, etc., and we are often good at finding options. I'm not going to wait until AFTER a disaster to prepare. -Grainlady