I'm definitely not interested in any kind of short format and I love your videos because they are comprehensive, detailed and well structured. I don't have too much time to watch hours of videos on TH-cam, but I do find the time for those who have excellent value per minute, and yours are amongst the best when it comes to gardening. Having said that, I am encouraging you to explore different formats for the sake of growing your channel and reaching new audiences. You are doing amazing job here.
I am going to watch your videos no matter what length. I'm in Ohio, so your recommendations are always at the right time for me. I thought this video was very informative, and you linked other videos for more information. With that, you met the needs of all your viewers.
Thank you for your 2023 favorite list. I was so intrigued with the Purple Magic Broccoli and the only place I found it was Hoss Tools. Just put those babies in the soil yesterday and excited for the outcome! My 14-year old is winter sowing today with spinach, cabbage, thyme, rosemary, and some coneflowers. She rewatched your video twice to make sure she does it correctly 😊 Love your channel Jenna!
I am interested in your garden work weeks I love seeing what everyone is doing in this zone (its my zone as well) to prep their beds or garden work whether it's clean up or seed starting like this
I think most viewers like videos that are tight, without a lot of superfluous or rambling information. I really like that you show us, and not just tell us.
I always tape mine all the way around the jug to prevent loss of moisture. The container is meant to be a mini greenhouse, so leaving the side slits open could allow the soil to dry out too quickly. I love the winter sowing method and have had great success with it the past few years.
Thanks for the video! I prefer the longer format. The problem with longer videos may be too much repetition, too many words, chaotic script (or none at all) - none of these is the case in your videos. You have a good flow and content. That’s why your videos are so interesting and valuable. Keep going and experimenting. Greetings from Sweden ❤
Idea: talk about how the size of the seed affects the depth of planting and maybe how to plant the different types of seeds. For instance marigolds should just be planted by laying the seed on top of the dirt where you can plant corn deep because it's got enough uummph to power through the dirt. Another idea for a short: onion spooning. Most people have no idea
Thank you again , Jenna , for the succinct instructions with pro tips! I like both long and short vids you create. Really, anything you create to help us gardeners do better!
Recently discovered your youtube channel. Even though I've been gardening for now 50 years, I can NOT thank you enough for the great information you're giving. Videos are very informative. Just moved back to Ohio, after living in CO. This is my first year in a "new" place. Have way less room - came from our 40 acre ranch. Now just 3/4 acre. My backyard is grass so I'm going to have to start from scratch. I'm in Darke county, not sure where you're area is but sounds very similar. So I'm carefully kind of following your time tables. I've been ordering some seed like crazy, I laughed when I saw you doing what I just did - inventory seeds, put in spreadsheet & into gallon zip lock bags! I'm going to have to buy most of my compost to put in garden area. I'm watching your content as I assemble my new "greenhouse" for inside, and work on hanging grow lights - boy can those get $$$$ pricey. I've been following along your topics and really appreciate the WORK & time you've put into this. I am a subscriber - and JUST ordered PURPLE MAGIC BROCCOLI from Johnny's, whom I've used since CO for going on now over 40 years! They're a great source. I used to use Stokes, however Territorial Seeds, who I've also used, is now doing their home gardener's business. I did manage to find that Alpine Poblano pepper seed, which was out of stock in many big seed sellers, with Experimental Farm Network - who had as a bonus really low shipping costs. They had some really unique vegetable seeds, like Chinese Pink Celery. I'll let you know how that goes. Thanks again. Sorry if this is long
How are you & your family my sweet sister ? Your all videos are very informative about seedlings and their caring now I am sowing seedlings of pumpkin , lady finger , apple gourd thank you for videos
So nice of you to think of people who may like a shorter format. I, personally, like the longer format. And a big thank you for not speeding up your speech to fit more info into a shorter video as some shorts do, I find this speedy way of talking stressful. :-). Great job in all that you do!
Very nice video, straight and to the point, I liked it! We are winter sowing our hardy, half hardy and perennial flowers soon in the next couple days…hopefully this false spring weather doesn’t mess with them too much!
A useful video - thanks! I too prefer the longer format that can explore in more detail. Admittedly, though, a focused topic like this one suited the short format well.
Jenna, although I like your long format videos, I find this shorter format dovetails with the longer version quite well. Keep them coming! BTW I noticed that you top drench your planting medium before planting. I myself have used this method, until I began to bottom drench the medium by placing the containers in an inverted seed tray dome filled with water thus minimizing the leaching effect. Keep up the great videos.
Thanks! I've played around with both top & bottom watering, and just personally prefer top watering-- I know for most folks bottom watering is probably the better choice.
Great video. The nurseries are starting the flats now so they can be sold in May. We don’t have a greenhouse but the winter sowing is our cheap version. I put my jugs in plastic crates to keep the wind from blowing them away. Put a label inside the jug and write a number or name outside. I had a Jesus moment one year when my peppers turned out to be Butterfly Bushes. Since then I’ve been hoping to repeat that by making my water barrels into dry red wine.
Thanks for the shorter format! I'm new here, and I clicked because the shorter time is good for trying out something unfamiliar. I wouldn't have opted for a longer time. Creators say to not click out early, and I try to be accommodating so less time helps me while I try to help by staying to the end. For me, this video is a reference tool -- right now I'm not looking for a chat. (And nothing wrong with that, if that's your choice.) I just discovered winter sowing, and this information is a very thorough overview. Very helpful, easy to try to "get it," so I can try this out. Thanks again.
Great short. Just what is needed for busy people who also garden! Love the ideas herein. Might even try in the unheated greenhouse in winter, to begin early and keep seedlings protected from critters.
I'm going to do that this year but slightly different - mostly because when I transplant brassicas they always get mad about it and never do very well (starting indoors or in milk jugs they're just always salty about moving). So I'm going to try direct sowing and take the bottom out from the jug and put it into the dirt so they still get the greenhouse help but without the need to transplant. Fingers crossed they like that better!
Any TH-cam video can be speeded up by going to settings and select 1:25 or faster. I use this for long videos and slow talking presenters LOL. I find your videos to the point in any length.
Love your channel. I’ve seen many winter sowing videos or other garden related, yours always have an edge. Great editing, friendly voice and brief content that makes its less intimidating for new/average garden enthusiasts
I think I was the one who mentioned shorts because it seemed so many were quitting TH-cam at the time and I didn’t want to see you quit and thought maybe at times if you needed a break to use shorts to stay in contact with your audience. Not sure if shorts take as much time. I love the long format as well as others and YES, there is always Great info in your videos! Now, about weather. Those odd warm and sunny days in winter. Last winter it was a warm winter with rain and this winter started warm in December and increased all the way to now (February) minus one week of subzero in January. Last year the WS results were poor compared to 2022. I reviewed what happened to the weather in my journal and noted it was crazy warm and raining in January when I set out WS. This week the temperature will increase and with rain. Normal temperatures are 20s we have been 40s heading to 50s and some nights not reaching freezing or below. I think what happened was some of the seeds either rotted or sprouted then froze. My notes revealed in February that the seeds looked ready to sprout and we got snow and it then stayed cold. This year it appears it may happen again. I’m gun shy as I had a big loss last year. I think I will wait at least after the rain this week as it looks like Saturday we will cool back down. The weather said we are in an abnormal high temp bubble. Prediction is for us to also be 3+ degrees warmer this spring and not looking forward to that as it advanced growth too much last spring and late frost killed or severely set back plants/fruit. This weather, my area-it’s getting tricky to garden. I then seen Geeky Gardener video and mentioned about keeping the containers in an area that gets morning sun only and think that may be key in my garden to keep the containers frozen until it is time for them to sprout. Like you said they are in an artificial environment and Yes, it can get very hot inside those containers as I noted the greenhouse last year was 90 Degrees 😮 in January! Our normal high temps should be 20s and we are 44+ heading to 50s end of week with rain. The snow is almost gone and will warm up even more. 300 miles north they have no snow, it’s abnormally warm and the severe drought increases. I think the temperatures stay better regulated near large bodies of water also and spring seems to come around naturally-here, inland-not so much. Just observation from east coast WS reveals. I know to cover WS near spring when they have sprouted, But not in the dead of winter. Then top that with low elevation and desert like microclimate spells disaster. I may have to cover fruit plants to slow bud break this year or get ready with frost cloths as these temps killed a grape among others. The potatoes were burnt to the ground, berries were fried, everything was touched the last weekend of May and no warning what so ever from local weather. The winery is on a bluff and lost 95% of grapes 😮. I’ve been gardening a long time and I’ve never seen such weather. Yesterday (and still going) Nova Scotia was buried in snow above their heads, CA has a possible stalled out Pineapple Express with first ever hurricane type warnings and some areas could get 20” of rain 😮, we are under a heat bubble and tornadoes in SE. Mother Nature is not happy. The only good thing I read is El Niño is weakening which will bring precipitation back to this area. We were fortunate we got some snow as up north they didn’t. That’s what El Niño does-sends our winter weather south and heat/dry to north. We were 7+” down on precipitation at the end of 2023. Z5a, WI. Great videos Jenna! Don’t stop and just wanted to clarify why I mentioned shorts. I prefer full length, but if shorts would help you at busy times I’m ok with it.
Thank you for the feedback! I very much wonder what this growing season will bring weather-wise. It's been SO unusually warm here (60F) today, but a friend just told me that a polar vortex is supposed to created colder than normal temps here until May... at this point nothing surprises me any more! It definitely makes gardening more challenging though.
@@GrowfullywithJenna we had 57 yesterday and our First Ever Tornado in the month of February since they started recording weather in 1844. It went just SE of us. Damage info just rolling in and will hear more once they categorize the strength and numbers. No injuries, but substantial damage in farm areas so far. So we’ve now had a tornado in every month. This moisture and heat came in from that Pineapple Express from Los Angeles. I was shoveling wood chips early yesterday and told my husband I heard thunder and he joked it was a distant train-I said, better hope it doesn’t sound like a train. The guy they just interviewed said, it sounds exactly like a train! I know as I have had two fly overhead in my days and he described it Very Well and mentioned the pressure just like it sucks in and explodes-it’s something if you’ve never experienced it. The pressure is Unbelievable! The polar vortex I don’t think will be so cold. Monday still 40, But we will remain in 20s at night unlike the last weeks since subzero week in January. Our normal highs should be 20s 😳. I will try some winter sow and place on east side to keep them cool. Hopefully the cold nights will keep plants from breaking dormancy. Checked Accuweather and they note budding trees in MN. Some state allergies started in December and the whole up north area did not get measurable snow and hope rain comes as it could be fire hazard. Upside is that La niño is returning. It will be nice to get moisture and normal winter patterns back. Spring is predicted to be 3 degrees hotter!🙄. Listening just now and our long time meteorologist just said he thinks quarter mile wide and ‘maybe’ F4 😳 166-200 mph. He’s also the one that was leaning towards us not having a tornado as we’ve never had one in February. We had an F3 before and it wiped out a nearby town. Can’t trust what we have known as normal anymore. These storms are strengthening and more numerous and in abnormal locations.
Thank you so much for posting this! We have missed seeing you regularly, although taking care of yourself, and your family is more important than anything. I personally love the longer formats, and the greater the detail the better! Although I appreciate and love anything put out especially since I’m in northeast Ohio.
I love all your stuff! So informative! Would like to hear more about the compost pile in really cold snowy weather. How it works best etc. The deep litter in chicken run isn't working it turns into a 6in mud crust on top... 😢
What about making drip holes in the milk jugs not at the very bottom, but in the ridge/trench just a centimeter or so above the very bottom? Would the little bit of water at the very bottom be detrimental? Or would the little space between the holes and base improve drainage above the hole?
I've been considering something similar to get an early start on seedlings for cold hardy veggies. Except I'm thinking to cut the bottoms off of the gallon jugs, prep my area in the garden to loosen the soil, then direct sow in the garden and place each jug over the seedings, burying the sides of each jug about 1-2 inches. Leave the cap on the jug for colder days and remove the cap during sunny, warmer days. Of course need to water as needed but most of the moisture from rain would leach from around the jugs. In about 4-6 weeks can remove the jugs when temps moderate.
I suppose this really depends on location and zone. In cold areas that soil is likely to freeze inside the jugs. Here is 6b in the beginning of February I have plants in frozen soil in pots and the first couple inches of my raised beds are frozen.
The freezing and thawing of the soil actually helps in some cases- Some seeds, especially some native perennials and some perennial herbs need a period of cold stratification (and in some cases scarification) in order to germinate. The winter sowing mimics the natural processes which allow seeds to sprout.
@@GrowfullywithJenna Thank you for the knowledge and tips. I have some rose seeds in the fridge as we speak. Wildly, I have bak choy and carrots still growing out there even after that recent week of not getting above 0* F.
I love this. I had no idea we could do this in Ohio. I am absolutely going to try this soon. I love the short videos and the longs ones too. Keep them coming. I would love to see a short video on how to plant Asparagus roots.
Absolutely- it works quite well depending on the type of seed you're sowing! Love the idea of a shorter format asparagus planting video- I've got some crowns ordered and I'll try to do that when they arrive. In case you've not seen it, I do have this video on planting asparagus: th-cam.com/video/uNdGpaNI9Xo/w-d-xo.htmlsi=7rMn2X5F9XbAa-ve it's an older one, but covers the basics!
Our first try as well!!! We may both love it OR come May we will both have garbage bags full of cut in half milk jugs!!! lol Best of luck from Delaware Ohio.
I am trying out winter sowing perrenial flowers and brassicas for the first time, but I put the water galloons in our greenhouse instead. So far, we have no germination, but it's been cold. Hooefully we will see some growth in a few weeks.
Jenna… what would you plant using that method versus starting indoors? Maybe I’ll experiment and try both ways but if you have some guidelines for which seeds are better in this method, that would be great info. TY! Love all the videos… you’re the best.
I definitely prefer perennial herbs and native perennial plants- especially anything that requires a period of cold stratification. My personal preference is still to do all my veggies as indoor starts. I go in to the advantages of winter sowing more in this video starting at 1:00 th-cam.com/video/Rc73y7IH6A8/w-d-xo.htmlsi=qejQIfy36BZ3PYHd&t=61
Thank you Jenna. I only have a patio to grow on. I'd like to see container gardening. Right now I'm growing lettuce, beets, peas, and carrots in grow bag's. I'm in Florida
2 thoughts: I wouldn't use any medium appropriate for seed starting because I wouldn't use seeds starting mix. Free draining potting mix is probably the best. I cut the holes from the inside the jug to the outside so that there isn't any plastic sticking up inside preventing drainage.
Perhaps I was a bit liberal with the term 'seed starting'... as I sometimes use mixes which could be classified as potting mix for seed starting- case in point- the ProMix I use in this video.
I’d watch any length video you upload. 😊. My vegetable garden is planted in seven 4x4x2 stock tanks and are filled with a mixture of vermiculite, peat and bagged compost. I try to top it off very spring but would like some recommendations on what type of medium to use. I do have a small compost bin but there’s not enough in it to add to all the tanks. Currently I have winter rye growing in all of them which I bend or cut and drop and then cover with cardboard to kill it in early spring. I do plan to sow more winter cover crops in the fall of 2024. Thanks for any recommendations on bagged medium to add to the tanks. I’m in NE Ohio so big box stores are easily accessible along with local greenhouses that sell their own mixes.
Just did a bunch of these for someone yesterday. I’ll be doing mine this week, but using old Sterilite tubs and SOLO cups. And using your recipe for seed starting mix. 👍
I put drainage holes in both, and the cups sit atop a coupe inches Of moistened mulch in the tub. Helps with moisture. Still do the lid holes like you have in your salad containers. The cups definitely make tomatoes easier to deal with. 😊
So.... do this if you don't have room under grow lights or a somewhat protected greenhouse or polythene? Guess I'm looking for more "Why"s to the milk jug starts.
That is one reason! I cover the advantages to winter sowing in this video, starting at 1:00- th-cam.com/video/Rc73y7IH6A8/w-d-xo.htmlsi=mDYSWzAyZwDqZJIj&t=61
I'm intrigued by this method. I watched your video on it last year. I know the advantages are saving space under your lights and practically maintenance free growing of your seedlings but do you feel the plants actually grow stronger and do better with this method than growing under lights?
I feel like some of them do- my German chamomile for one, and I'm sure there are others, I've just not played around with enough comparisons to know for sure. I didn't really see a difference between my indoor sown versus winter sown brassicas or leafy greens.
Yes- they stay out there no matter the temperature. This year I sowed the following: Eastern Purple Coneflower Narrow Leaf Coneflower Chamomile, German Wild Thyme Valerian Catnip Chives Chamomile, Zloty Lan Marshmallow Comfrey Feverfew, White Stars Soapwort Yarrow, Gold Rue
QUESTIONS - If I have a LOT of jugs, could I just put up a shade cloth (30-40%) over them on the hotter days vs having to open to vent during the daylight hours and then closing at night? I was just thinking the shade cloth would be less time consuming and still keep the seedlings cool. Unless it's more about air circulation or something? Thanks for sharing this! I'm looking forward to first time trying winter sowing. While I enjoy all of your videos, I appreciate shorter length ones like this occasionally. As you said, there's not always time to enjoy the deep-dive, long form vids.
Google/youtube really rewards you for doing shorts. There are free AI sources that go through your long version video and find 1min clips that are on a single topic and splices it. So then if you do a 15 minute video once a week, you can do 2-3 shorts that are 'teasers' for that full video, but also give short pieces of information.
This year I've sowed: Eastern Purple Coneflower Narrow Leaf Coneflower Chamomile, German Wild Thyme Valerian Catnip Chives Chamomile, Zloty Lan Marshmallow Comfrey Feverfew, White Stars Soapwort Yarrow, Gold Rue
Sorry to hear that! I didn't like the way it turned out for some of the plants I've tried- and some seeds didn't germinate at all. I've been playing around with it to figure out which types of plants respond the best to this method.
What I think is this...short videos get much more views...good for you and good for fast food America. Just make sure too focus on the topic..give as much facts and detail with out alot of yacking off topic. No feels or stories just the information on the head topic of video. I have time but no real loyalty too any youtuber. Plus I watch 100% of videos on a small screen and eye fatigue plus boredom sets in. Unless your going the way of the naked Gardener then sure alittle longer is just fine😅
@@GrowfullywithJenna thank you and plz know I only give my opinion not too hinder but help. I'm my business life I payed more attention too negative reviews only because very few customers complain they simply go somewhere else. Also I'm told for every complaint given there could be as much as 50 people who don't. Knowing this it's imperative too pay attention or one day you might find your self wondering where's all my business gone. I like your content that's why i am a a subscriber. Peace%plenty
I'm definitely not interested in any kind of short format and I love your videos because they are comprehensive, detailed and well structured. I don't have too much time to watch hours of videos on TH-cam, but I do find the time for those who have excellent value per minute, and yours are amongst the best when it comes to gardening. Having said that, I am encouraging you to explore different formats for the sake of growing your channel and reaching new audiences. You are doing amazing job here.
Thank you so much for the feedback- I appreciate it!
I’m in the same camp, though I found this video interesting, I love the long format. Shorter videos are probably easier to make though ;)
And maybe it worked bc I for some reason have decided, hey it’s early Feb, I should try this!
Total agreement with above. Also, you include details not covered by some others. High value indeed and so well presented.
I am going to watch your videos no matter what length. I'm in Ohio, so your recommendations are always at the right time for me. I thought this video was very informative, and you linked other videos for more information. With that, you met the needs of all your viewers.
Thank you so much!
Your the only fellow Ohio gardener I watch. So, I appreciate anything and everything. Your a great teacher.
Wow, thank you!
@@GrowfullywithJenna You are so welcome.
Thank you for your 2023 favorite list. I was so intrigued with the Purple Magic Broccoli and the only place I found it was Hoss Tools. Just put those babies in the soil yesterday and excited for the outcome!
My 14-year old is winter sowing today with spinach, cabbage, thyme, rosemary, and some coneflowers. She rewatched your video twice to make sure she does it correctly 😊
Love your channel Jenna!
I'm glad you found some! And I'm so excited that your 14 year old is winter sowing- I hope she has great results!
I am interested in your garden work weeks I love seeing what everyone is doing in this zone (its my zone as well) to prep their beds or garden work whether it's clean up or seed starting like this
I like a variety of short and long. Glad to see the channel is still growing
Thanks for the input!
I think most viewers like videos that are tight, without a lot of superfluous or rambling information. I really like that you show us, and not just tell us.
Thanks for the feedback!
I always tape mine all the way around the jug to prevent loss of moisture. The container is meant to be a mini greenhouse, so leaving the side slits open could allow the soil to dry out too quickly. I love the winter sowing method and have had great success with it the past few years.
I like long form videos with lots of detail but I will definitely watch the shorts.
Awesome, thank you!
When you post. I’m there no matter what. Love you content your knowledge. Thank you.
I appreciate that!!
Thanks for the video! I prefer the longer format. The problem with longer videos may be too much repetition, too many words, chaotic script (or none at all) - none of these is the case in your videos. You have a good flow and content. That’s why your videos are so interesting and valuable. Keep going and experimenting. Greetings from Sweden ❤
Thank you so much!
Idea: talk about how the size of the seed affects the depth of planting and maybe how to plant the different types of seeds. For instance marigolds should just be planted by laying the seed on top of the dirt where you can plant corn deep because it's got enough uummph to power through the dirt. Another idea for a short: onion spooning. Most people have no idea
Thank you again , Jenna , for the succinct instructions with pro tips! I like both long and short vids you create. Really, anything you create to help us gardeners do better!
Thank you!!
love the idea of the salad containers.
It worked well for me last year!
Recently discovered your youtube channel. Even though I've been gardening for now 50 years, I can NOT thank you enough for the great information you're giving. Videos are very informative. Just moved back to Ohio, after living in CO. This is my first year in a "new" place. Have way less room - came from our 40 acre ranch. Now just 3/4 acre. My backyard is grass so I'm going to have to start from scratch. I'm in Darke county, not sure where you're area is but sounds very similar. So I'm carefully kind of following your time tables. I've been ordering some seed like crazy, I laughed when I saw you doing what I just did - inventory seeds, put in spreadsheet & into gallon zip lock bags! I'm going to have to buy most of my compost to put in garden area. I'm watching your content as I assemble my new "greenhouse" for inside, and work on hanging grow lights - boy can those get $$$$ pricey. I've been following along your topics and really appreciate the WORK & time you've put into this. I am a subscriber - and JUST ordered PURPLE MAGIC BROCCOLI from Johnny's, whom I've used since CO for going on now over 40 years! They're a great source. I used to use Stokes, however Territorial Seeds, who I've also used, is now doing their home gardener's business. I did manage to find that Alpine Poblano pepper seed, which was out of stock in many big seed sellers, with Experimental Farm Network - who had as a bonus really low shipping costs. They had some really unique vegetable seeds, like Chinese Pink Celery. I'll let you know how that goes. Thanks again. Sorry if this is long
This is great to hear- thank you-- and welcome back to Ohio!!
I'd love to hear how things go for you this year.
I love your longer videos. 🫶🏼
Thanks!
How are you & your family my sweet sister ? Your all videos are very informative about seedlings and their caring now I am sowing seedlings of pumpkin , lady finger , apple gourd thank you for videos
We are doing well! I hope you are too!
Awesome video! Thanks! I'm hoping my local recycle center will have some spare milk jugs for the taking.
Good luck!
So nice of you to think of people who may like a shorter format. I, personally, like the longer format. And a big thank you for not speeding up your speech to fit more info into a shorter video as some shorts do, I find this speedy way of talking stressful. :-). Great job in all that you do!
Good to know!
Very nice video, straight and to the point, I liked it! We are winter sowing our hardy, half hardy and perennial flowers soon in the next couple days…hopefully this false spring weather doesn’t mess with them too much!
I've been wondering the same thing about this crazy weather!
Great video! Nice idea. The longer ones are always a great watch for me also. Happy winter sowing!
Thanks!
A useful video - thanks! I too prefer the longer format that can explore in more detail. Admittedly, though, a focused topic like this one suited the short format well.
Thanks!
I like a soldering iron for drainage holes. Just avoid the fumes.
I have saved jugs and will winter sow tomorrow! exciting
I hope you had fun sowing!
Jenna, although I like your long format videos, I find this shorter format dovetails with the longer version quite well. Keep them coming!
BTW I noticed that you top drench your planting medium before planting. I myself have used this method, until I began to bottom drench the medium by placing the containers in an inverted seed tray dome filled with water thus minimizing the leaching effect. Keep up the great videos.
Thanks!
I've played around with both top & bottom watering, and just personally prefer top watering-- I know for most folks bottom watering is probably the better choice.
Happy February Jenna! Thanks for the winter sowing reminder! ✌️🩷🌈🐢🌱🌻🐝
Happy February to you as well!
Great video. The nurseries are starting the flats now so they can be sold in May. We don’t have a greenhouse but the winter sowing is our cheap version. I put my jugs in plastic crates to keep the wind from blowing them away. Put a label inside the jug and write a number or name outside.
I had a Jesus moment one year when my peppers turned out to be Butterfly Bushes. Since then I’ve been hoping to repeat that by making my water barrels into dry red wine.
Haha- if you perfect the water into wine thing... let me know!
Love the shorts! As a mom of three littles, this is perfect!
💚
Loved the short… inspired me to give it a try too! Any videos you post are enjoyable .. 👍
Awesome! Thank you!
I like the short 5 minute format. I like to get the facts sorta like point style one after another in a logical sequence.
Thanks for the input!
Great idea! I have a few jugs and electrical tape on hand. Gonna give it a shot! Thank you
Have fun with it & best of luck!
Thanks for the shorter format! I'm new here, and I clicked because the shorter time is good for trying out something unfamiliar. I wouldn't have opted for a longer time. Creators say to not click out early, and I try to be accommodating so less time helps me while I try to help by staying to the end. For me, this video is a reference tool -- right now I'm not looking for a chat. (And nothing wrong with that, if that's your choice.)
I just discovered winter sowing, and this information is a very thorough overview. Very helpful, easy to try to "get it," so I can try this out.
Thanks again.
Thanks for this feedback!
Great short. Just what is needed for busy people who also garden! Love the ideas herein. Might even try in the unheated greenhouse in winter, to begin early and keep seedlings protected from critters.
Thank you! The unheated greenhouse should work well- they'll just require watering.
You do have more knowledge to give us. I’ll be there.
😊
Thanks! I've been saving my gallon jugs, and wondered when to do this!
What are you going to sow?
Same as you, early cold hardy seeds. @@GrowfullywithJenna
I'm going to do that this year but slightly different - mostly because when I transplant brassicas they always get mad about it and never do very well (starting indoors or in milk jugs they're just always salty about moving). So I'm going to try direct sowing and take the bottom out from the jug and put it into the dirt so they still get the greenhouse help but without the need to transplant. Fingers crossed they like that better!
I'd love to hear how this works for you-- I've considered doing something similar with my cold hardy greens!
This was a good video like always. I personally will never do shorts as I will never be recording video vertically 😎
Understandable! I struggle a bit with the vertical format too.
Any TH-cam video can be speeded up by going to settings and select 1:25 or faster. I use this for long videos and slow talking presenters LOL. I find your videos to the point in any length.
Good tip!
You can also left click and hold your mouse on the video and it will run at 2X speed until you relaease.@@GrowfullywithJenna
Love your channel. I’ve seen many winter sowing videos or other garden related, yours always have an edge. Great editing, friendly voice and brief content that makes its less intimidating for new/average garden enthusiasts
Wow, thank you!
I think I was the one who mentioned shorts because it seemed so many were quitting TH-cam at the time and I didn’t want to see you quit and thought maybe at times if you needed a break to use shorts to stay in contact with your audience. Not sure if shorts take as much time. I love the long format as well as others and YES, there is always Great info in your videos!
Now, about weather.
Those odd warm and sunny days in winter. Last winter it was a warm winter with rain and this winter started warm in December and increased all the way to now (February) minus one week of subzero in January.
Last year the WS results were poor compared to 2022. I reviewed what happened to the weather in my journal and noted it was crazy warm and raining in January when I set out WS. This week the temperature will increase and with rain. Normal temperatures are 20s we have been 40s heading to 50s and some nights not reaching freezing or below.
I think what happened was some of the seeds either rotted or sprouted then froze. My notes revealed in February that the seeds looked ready to sprout and we got snow and it then stayed cold. This year it appears it may happen again. I’m gun shy as I had a big loss last year. I think I will wait at least after the rain this week as it looks like Saturday we will cool back down. The weather said we are in an abnormal high temp bubble. Prediction is for us to also be 3+ degrees warmer this spring and not looking forward to that as it advanced growth too much last spring and late frost killed or severely set back plants/fruit.
This weather, my area-it’s getting tricky to garden. I then seen Geeky Gardener video and mentioned about keeping the containers in an area that gets morning sun only and think that may be key in my garden to keep the containers frozen until it is time for them to sprout. Like you said they are in an artificial environment and Yes, it can get very hot inside those containers as I noted the greenhouse last year was 90 Degrees 😮 in January! Our normal high temps should be 20s and we are 44+ heading to 50s end of week with rain. The snow is almost gone and will warm up even more. 300 miles north they have no snow, it’s abnormally warm and the severe drought increases.
I think the temperatures stay better regulated near large bodies of water also and spring seems to come around naturally-here, inland-not so much. Just observation from east coast WS reveals. I know to cover WS near spring when they have sprouted, But not in the dead of winter. Then top that with low elevation and desert like microclimate spells disaster. I may have to cover fruit plants to slow bud break this year or get ready with frost cloths as these temps killed a grape among others. The potatoes were burnt to the ground, berries were fried, everything was touched the last weekend of May and no warning what so ever from local weather. The winery is on a bluff and lost 95% of grapes 😮.
I’ve been gardening a long time and I’ve never seen such weather. Yesterday (and still going) Nova Scotia was buried in snow above their heads, CA has a possible stalled out Pineapple Express with first ever hurricane type warnings and some areas could get 20” of rain 😮, we are under a heat bubble and tornadoes in SE. Mother Nature is not happy.
The only good thing I read is El Niño is weakening which will bring precipitation back to this area. We were fortunate we got some snow as up north they didn’t. That’s what El Niño does-sends our winter weather south and heat/dry to north. We were 7+” down on precipitation at the end of 2023. Z5a, WI.
Great videos Jenna! Don’t stop and just wanted to clarify why I mentioned shorts. I prefer full length, but if shorts would help you at busy times I’m ok with it.
Thank you for the feedback!
I very much wonder what this growing season will bring weather-wise. It's been SO unusually warm here (60F) today, but a friend just told me that a polar vortex is supposed to created colder than normal temps here until May... at this point nothing surprises me any more! It definitely makes gardening more challenging though.
@@GrowfullywithJenna we had 57 yesterday and our First Ever Tornado in the month of February since they started recording weather in 1844. It went just SE of us. Damage info just rolling in and will hear more once they categorize the strength and numbers. No injuries, but substantial damage in farm areas so far. So we’ve now had a tornado in every month. This moisture and heat came in from that Pineapple Express from Los Angeles. I was shoveling wood chips early yesterday and told my husband I heard thunder and he joked it was a distant train-I said, better hope it doesn’t sound like a train. The guy they just interviewed said, it sounds exactly like a train! I know as I have had two fly overhead in my days and he described it Very Well and mentioned the pressure just like it sucks in and explodes-it’s something if you’ve never experienced it. The pressure is Unbelievable!
The polar vortex I don’t think will be so cold. Monday still 40, But we will remain in 20s at night unlike the last weeks since subzero week in January. Our normal highs should be 20s 😳. I will try some winter sow and place on east side to keep them cool. Hopefully the cold nights will keep plants from breaking dormancy. Checked Accuweather and they note budding trees in MN. Some state allergies started in December and the whole up north area did not get measurable snow and hope rain comes as it could be fire hazard. Upside is that La niño is returning. It will be nice to get moisture and normal winter patterns back.
Spring is predicted to be 3 degrees hotter!🙄.
Listening just now and our long time meteorologist just said he thinks quarter mile wide and ‘maybe’ F4 😳 166-200 mph. He’s also the one that was leaning towards us not having a tornado as we’ve never had one in February. We had an F3 before and it wiped out a nearby town. Can’t trust what we have known as normal anymore. These storms are strengthening and more numerous and in abnormal locations.
Short and to the point, Noice Work.
Thanks!
Any video you make is sure to be fantastic and informative.
Thank you!
I looooove the step-by-step. Awesome video!
So glad!
Keep it short and straight to the point. Thanks!
👍
Thank you so much for posting this! We have missed seeing you regularly, although taking care of yourself, and your family is more important than anything. I personally love the longer formats, and the greater the detail the better! Although I appreciate and love anything put out especially since I’m in northeast Ohio.
Thank you! I appreciate the feedback!
Short and sweet info
TY 😊
I think you are a great speaker and I enjoy listening to your videos. I would like to know what you are growing. Thanks!
Awesome! Thank you!
I love all your stuff! So informative! Would like to hear more about the compost pile in really cold snowy weather. How it works best etc.
The deep litter in chicken run isn't working it turns into a 6in mud crust on top... 😢
I don't know what the weather's been like in your neck of the woods-- but EVERYTHING has been a muddy mess here, especially the chicken run!
It is great to listen to your longer disquisitions. But short focussed topical videos do come in handy. Thanks
What about making drip holes in the milk jugs not at the very bottom, but in the ridge/trench just a centimeter or so above the very bottom? Would the little bit of water at the very bottom be detrimental? Or would the little space between the holes and base improve drainage above the hole?
That is a great question. I feel like moving the positioning of the holes as you've described should work just fine-- but I've not tested it.
I love shorts just as a touch in, what I’m working on type pop in. Your videos have LOTS of great information so if they’d short or long I’ll watch! 😊
Thank you!
I've been considering something similar to get an early start on seedlings for cold hardy veggies. Except I'm thinking to cut the bottoms off of the gallon jugs, prep my area in the garden to loosen the soil, then direct sow in the garden and place each jug over the seedings, burying the sides of each jug about 1-2 inches. Leave the cap on the jug for colder days and remove the cap during sunny, warmer days. Of course need to water as needed but most of the moisture from rain would leach from around the jugs. In about 4-6 weeks can remove the jugs when temps moderate.
I've considered playing around with a similar method! I think it has the potential to work well. Let me know how it goes for you!
Jenna is awesome!
😊
I suppose this really depends on location and zone. In cold areas that soil is likely to freeze inside the jugs.
Here is 6b in the beginning of February I have plants in frozen soil in pots and the first couple inches of my raised beds are frozen.
The freezing and thawing of the soil actually helps in some cases- Some seeds, especially some native perennials and some perennial herbs need a period of cold stratification (and in some cases scarification) in order to germinate. The winter sowing mimics the natural processes which allow seeds to sprout.
@@GrowfullywithJenna Thank you for the knowledge and tips.
I have some rose seeds in the fridge as we speak.
Wildly, I have bak choy and carrots still growing out there even after that recent week of not getting above 0* F.
Jenna is starting to grow on me! Greta stuff!😃
😄💚
I love this. I had no idea we could do this in Ohio. I am absolutely going to try this soon. I love the short videos and the longs ones too. Keep them coming. I would love to see a short video on how to plant Asparagus roots.
Absolutely- it works quite well depending on the type of seed you're sowing!
Love the idea of a shorter format asparagus planting video- I've got some crowns ordered and I'll try to do that when they arrive. In case you've not seen it, I do have this video on planting asparagus: th-cam.com/video/uNdGpaNI9Xo/w-d-xo.htmlsi=7rMn2X5F9XbAa-ve it's an older one, but covers the basics!
I had not seen this one but will check it out. Thanks so much. I will look forward to the new one also.
Thanks for the pick-me-up gardening video. ❤
You're welcome!
Our first try as well!!! We may both love it OR come May we will both have garbage bags full of cut in half milk jugs!!! lol Best of luck from Delaware Ohio.
I'd love to hear how it goes!
I will let you know!!!!@@GrowfullywithJenna
The rutabagas we sowed Jan 27th were up on Feb 10th and look very good. My husband couldn't believe it!!!
I am trying out winter sowing perrenial flowers and brassicas for the first time, but I put the water galloons in our greenhouse instead. So far, we have no germination, but it's been cold. Hooefully we will see some growth in a few weeks.
I hope it works well for you!
Jenna… what would you plant using that method versus starting indoors? Maybe I’ll experiment and try both ways but if you have some guidelines for which seeds are better in this method, that would be great info. TY! Love all the videos… you’re the best.
I definitely prefer perennial herbs and native perennial plants- especially anything that requires a period of cold stratification. My personal preference is still to do all my veggies as indoor starts. I go in to the advantages of winter sowing more in this video starting at 1:00 th-cam.com/video/Rc73y7IH6A8/w-d-xo.htmlsi=qejQIfy36BZ3PYHd&t=61
Would you be able to do a video on using the garden hoop tunnels?
Love this idea- I'll try to get to this soon!
Idea - edit your existing videos as an intro with major points and a link to the full video
I've considered doing this many times! I should just go for it!
Thank you Jenna.
I only have a patio to grow on. I'd like to see container gardening. Right now I'm growing lettuce, beets, peas, and carrots in grow bag's. I'm in Florida
I am hoping to do a bit more on container gardening this year- though I don't do a ton of it here.
Ur really good 😮👍🏽
Thanks 😁
2 thoughts:
I wouldn't use any medium appropriate for seed starting because I wouldn't use seeds starting mix. Free draining potting mix is probably the best.
I cut the holes from the inside the jug to the outside so that there isn't any plastic sticking up inside preventing drainage.
Perhaps I was a bit liberal with the term 'seed starting'... as I sometimes use mixes which could be classified as potting mix for seed starting- case in point- the ProMix I use in this video.
I’d watch any length video you upload. 😊. My vegetable garden is planted in seven 4x4x2 stock tanks and are filled with a mixture of vermiculite, peat and bagged compost. I try to top it off very spring but would like some recommendations on what type of medium to use. I do have a small compost bin but there’s not enough in it to add to all the tanks. Currently I have winter rye growing in all of them which I bend or cut and drop and then cover with cardboard to kill it in early spring. I do plan to sow more winter cover crops in the fall of 2024. Thanks for any recommendations on bagged medium to add to the tanks. I’m in NE Ohio so big box stores are easily accessible along with local greenhouses that sell their own mixes.
That's lovely to know!
Just did a bunch of these for someone yesterday. I’ll be doing mine this week, but using old Sterilite tubs and SOLO cups. And using your recipe for seed starting mix. 👍
Nice!! Do you put drainage holes in the bottom of the tubs, or just the cups?
I put drainage holes in both, and the cups sit atop a coupe inches Of moistened mulch in the tub. Helps with moisture. Still do the lid holes like you have in your salad containers. The cups definitely make tomatoes easier to deal with. 😊
Thank you!!❤❤❤
Any time!
Great idea!
I have 72 milk jugs that I'm filling with native wildflower seeds this week
Happy planting!
Thanks ❤
You're welcome 😊
So.... do this if you don't have room under grow lights or a somewhat protected greenhouse or polythene? Guess I'm looking for more "Why"s to the milk jug starts.
I did perennial flowers and a lot of them got such a good start they flowered in their first year. 🎉
That is one reason! I cover the advantages to winter sowing in this video, starting at 1:00- th-cam.com/video/Rc73y7IH6A8/w-d-xo.htmlsi=mDYSWzAyZwDqZJIj&t=61
I'm intrigued by this method. I watched your video on it last year. I know the advantages are saving space under your lights and practically maintenance free growing of your seedlings but do you feel the plants actually grow stronger and do better with this method than growing under lights?
I feel like some of them do- my German chamomile for one, and I'm sure there are others, I've just not played around with enough comparisons to know for sure. I didn't really see a difference between my indoor sown versus winter sown brassicas or leafy greens.
Do you just leave them out there no matter what the temperature ? and what did you plant in them? Enjoyed the video, I think it was informative.
Yes- they stay out there no matter the temperature. This year I sowed the following: Eastern Purple Coneflower
Narrow Leaf Coneflower
Chamomile, German
Wild Thyme
Valerian
Catnip
Chives
Chamomile, Zloty Lan
Marshmallow
Comfrey
Feverfew, White Stars
Soapwort
Yarrow, Gold
Rue
Thanks @@GrowfullywithJenna
QUESTIONS - If I have a LOT of jugs, could I just put up a shade cloth (30-40%) over them on the hotter days vs having to open to vent during the daylight hours and then closing at night? I was just thinking the shade cloth would be less time consuming and still keep the seedlings cool. Unless it's more about air circulation or something?
Thanks for sharing this! I'm looking forward to first time trying winter sowing.
While I enjoy all of your videos, I appreciate shorter length ones like this occasionally. As you said, there's not always time to enjoy the deep-dive, long form vids.
I would think that would work- though as the seedlings get taller (4"+), I'd definitely vent for the air circulation aspect.
Thank you so much! @@GrowfullywithJenna
Google/youtube really rewards you for doing shorts. There are free AI sources that go through your long version video and find 1min clips that are on a single topic and splices it. So then if you do a 15 minute video once a week, you can do 2-3 shorts that are 'teasers' for that full video, but also give short pieces of information.
I will have to look into this- thank you! Could you by chance recommend a good free AI source?
What type of seeds do well with this early season method? I also live in a zone 6a and would like to get a jump on my vegetable garden.
I'd love to know what you're growing with this method!
This year I've sowed: Eastern Purple Coneflower
Narrow Leaf Coneflower
Chamomile, German
Wild Thyme
Valerian
Catnip
Chives
Chamomile, Zloty Lan
Marshmallow
Comfrey
Feverfew, White Stars
Soapwort
Yarrow, Gold
Rue
The best video length for me is 10-15 mins,
Good to know!
Tried this last year and failed.
I'm fine for learning, but I'm not ready today
I'm watching but discouraged
Still OK to listen today.
Sorry to hear that! I didn't like the way it turned out for some of the plants I've tried- and some seeds didn't germinate at all. I've been playing around with it to figure out which types of plants respond the best to this method.
I think shorter videos make sense for subjects like this where you’re talking about a very specific subject.
Thanks for the feedback!
I prefer shorter video's that are precise and to the point. It's like reading a book by chapters.
Thanks for the input!
What I think is this...short videos get much more views...good for you and good for fast food America. Just make sure too focus on the topic..give as much facts and detail with out alot of yacking off topic. No feels or stories just the information on the head topic of video. I have time but no real loyalty too any youtuber. Plus I watch 100% of videos on a small screen and eye fatigue plus boredom sets in. Unless your going the way of the naked Gardener then sure alittle longer is just fine😅
I try my best to always stay on topic!
@@GrowfullywithJenna thank you and plz know I only give my opinion not too hinder but help. I'm my business life I payed more attention too negative reviews only because very few customers complain they simply go somewhere else. Also I'm told for every complaint given there could be as much as 50 people who don't. Knowing this it's imperative too pay attention or one day you might find your self wondering where's all my business gone. I like your content that's why i am a a subscriber.
Peace%plenty