@@GrowfullywithJenna I do not. I only grow vegetables that are warm season crops, tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, etc. I use winter sowing for things that need stratification periods. There are different things you can start depending on the months. If you were to do annuals, you wouldn't be able to start those until Spring and at that point, I think why not sow the usual way. Does that make sense?
@@esthert5191 I have not used them before, but I am sure they would work the same way. I think the only thing I would do a little differently is sow fewer seeds in those bottles since the growing area is much smaller. It would make it easier when the time comes for dividing and transplanting.
I purchased a bunch of clear gallon water containers on sale and drank a loooooooot of water. I've used these containers for a couple of years. Half of my containers are for winter sowing and the other half of the containers are little cloches for seedlings planted in ground. You want smooth sides. If there is wavy texture on the sides of the container it'll be very hard to get your soil out without breaking it to pieces. I took notes on this method a few months ago for personal use. Here they are. Enjoy. Does and Don’ts of Winter Sowing: Do Gather all your supplies and prep the jugs to be filled with soil. Only use translucent and clear jugs to plant in. Make sure the jugs have excellent drainage. About 12 to 14 holes on the bottom and 2 or 3 on the side of the jug. Wait to plant seeds until the winter temps are constantly cold and will likely stay cold for the rest of the winter. Use good pre moistened quality potting soil. Fill the jug to at least 4 inches of potting mix in your container. Put a label inside the jug and write on the outside of the jug with an acrylic paint pen. Only plant 3 to 6 seeds per jug. Plant only 1 seed per hole and space them away from each other so they don’t get crowded and tangled up with each other. Soak the filled jugs in a bin of water to make sure the soil is moist. Place jugs in a location to get morning sun and afternoon shade so they don’t germinate prematurely. Have blankets ready to throw over the jugs when the weather gets too extreme. Exercise patients with the process. The seedlings will grow when the temps are right for that seed. When they get planted in the garden they’ll catch up and out perform the store bought plants. Especially the nightshade veg. Check the containers at least once a week If you are in a warm zone where the temps get 80 degrees and higher then open the jugs and vent them. When the temps drop again reseal the jugs. Open the jugs 3 days before planting to let the seedlings acclimate to the full sun. Then transplant into the garden. Don’t Do Don’t fill the jugs with potting mix weeks ahead of time. Don’t start your seeds too early. WS seeds from February through April Use large totes or bins. Do not use potting soil that is moisture control or time released fertilizer. Don’t use peat pots, Peat pellets, Toilet paper rolls. It all molds in the jug. Don’t plant your seeds too deep. Barely cover seed. Really small seeds can stay on top of the soil. Failure to sprout is usually because the seed was too deep. Use a high quality duct tape to seal the jug for the season. Take your jugs indoors.
This is amazing, Renee! Thank you so much for sharing all of this information! I'm curious if you do vegetables in yours or mainly perennials/flowering plants?
I winter showed tomatoes in April last year (zone 5b in Ohio). They did phenomenal! I think I had beginner's luck. First with WS, first time with tomatoes, first time with seeds. I had 30 plants of heirloom varieties. I did not expect to grow a single one but they did awesome!
This is my 2nd year WS. I was very successful last yr. I grew flowers & vegetables. This year I am trying the clear Rubbermaid tote method with plastic pots inside.
I'm glad to hear it worked well for you last year, Rachel! The tote method looks interesting- are you putting soil in the bottom of your tote and setting the plastic pots on top of that? I may yet give that method a try!
Jenna, you will love this easy winter sowing method! This is my third year for WS in Ohio and am so excited when looking down into the containers as they sprout. Almost all of my herbs (and many other things) have done great with this method. I have learned to add a rebar pipe through all of my handles because the deer seem to investigate and knock them around. Looking forward to your follow up once they sprout.
That's a fantastic idea. I have problems with high winds knocking the jugs over so I have punched a few holes through low lip totes that are about 4 in tall so they drain and I put the jugs in the tote so they all stay tight together. I have also used crates that are for planting tulips to hold the jugs in place. So here's to a successful growing season and may your household be blessed with bounty in all areas of your life.
I love winter sowing. I would suggest you also write varieties on jug as it’s fun to know what’s growing. Also I run a stake through handles and it keeps them together and they don’t tip over.
I am definitely going to try this. I always try to grow lavender and just as the flower starts to really take root oh look an animal uproots all of my hard work
Jenna, check out Jeri Landers video on winter sowing. she has a nice set up with reusable storage bins. I appreciate your channel, as I am an Ohio gardener is the same zone as yours. Thanks for all the videos.
Jenna, you channel is amazing. You are a great presenter and video creator. I'm in zone 4 and started growing three springs ago... I can't wait to do winter sowing.
😋. Started my brassicas and my peppers yesterday…….. my grandson covered in slush from melting snow, said is turning to spring now grandma….. I said no….. Mother Nature is sneaky and likes to prank us lol
I've now have the plant labels and the special weather proof marker because my so called permanent marker failure outside in garden conditions.. Earlier notice someone's advice about a steel rod to surcure jugs. Thanks again your teaching helps
I use the two liter Pepsi bottles with the labels removed. They are clear and make a nice size for a single plant. I usually start with three to four seed in each, then thin.
I'm trying this also for the first time this winter (6a Ct). Excited to see how things go! Every time I acquirer containers, I'm dropping more seeds! Good luck Jenna!
I loved this, thank you! Rather serendipitous as I've been saving the few plastic milk jugs I get (I live out in the sticks and the milkman delivers our milk in glass bottles) for something and anything. I'm also experimenting with planting/sowing by the moon this year, and am trying to increase my perennial vegetable stocks so have got perennial kale and potato onions in the greenhouse!
Haha- perfect! You should definitely use some of those jugs to test this out 😄. I'd love to hear what you think of planting by the moon. I didn't see any difference when I tried it, but a lot of folks still swear by it.
Great channel. Just found it and happy to have someone is my zone 6a to watch (I’m in Michigan). I’ve had great luck with winter sowing, especially with flowers. Had beautiful lettuce and spinach as well. I did not have luck with warm weather vegetables although people swear it works. I never open the jugs except for a few days leading up to planting. And with the weather fluctuations you mentioned, you have to be careful to cover your jugs if they’ve sprouted and the temps drop below freezing again. I have 60 jugs out there doing their thing (in addition to indoor seed starts). 😳. Looking forward to a new season💐🍅🥒🧅
I had great success WS last year, (MA zone 6), especially with cool season crops and flowers, but I did not think it sped up my harvests by much. I buy big jugs of distilled water for my humidifiers and save them for WS.
Another great video Jenna. Looking forward to see the results. Fortunately that's a problem I don't have. That snow looks really cold. Cheers & keep safe.
I find it very beneficial to put holes on the top of the jugs too. The very first year I didn't, and what happens is the moisture only gets through the center and then the sides of the jug don't get the moisture. So when I started putting holes in the top, them more of the soil was able to get moisture and the seeds germinated so much better that way.
I've saved several orange juice and milk containers, I'm testing birdhouse gourge as their hard seeds and I truly had many failures with many them last season . Thanks for your teaching Lady
Think trying this on my birdhouse gourge as after years of success last season had over 100 germinate only to watch mold or fungus kill them in days,perhaps my over watering trying to help trying to help. I'm finding myself reading your fan base comments as some are very knowledgeable. Thanks for your teaching and loving many of your fan base comments also a Thanks to all.
I did this last winter for the first time. I'm going to do it again this year. I started mine in January, February, and some in March. For us here in Zone 4a, NNY, I think Jan. Feb. might have been too early. I'm not sure, so I'm going to wait until the end of March and the first of April. I had a 50% success rate out of 45 one gallon milk jugs. I didn't crowd the seeds, but I did have a lot of extra seeds to experiment with. So it wasn't a waste. I had luck with Basil, German Chamomile, Thyme, Dill, Spinach, Mesclun Salad Mix, one type of White Tomato, Lettuce, Larkspur, Kohlrabi, Marigolds (had one out of 4 seeds), and Columbine. No Cosmos, Cherokee Purple, Beef Steak, Giant Marconi Peppers, 3 types of eggplant failed. But I'll try peppers and tomatoes again in April because I think they should germinate. As the spring warmed up the drainage holes didn't work well in some of the jugs. I had green fungus on the soil in a few that failed. I'll drill more holes this time. Six wasn't enough to drain well when the snow melted and it rained. Good luck! It is fun to do and my little granddaughter did it with me and that made it more enjoyable. Take care!
Thank you for sharing your experience, Michael-- this is great info! Good point on the drainage holes- now I'm wondering if I have done enough to mine. We shall see!
I'm doing this. I'm going to wait just a bit because I dont want to start too soon. My "plant" date is Feb 22nd (thats when I return from vacation) I'm also not going to use the plastic jugs your using, I have alot of 1020 trays that I will put under plastic bins that I have. I'm also going to put 1020 trays under a plastic row cover. We'll see what happens. 😀I have ALOT of flower seeds that I'm doing this with. Im in DE zone 7 and my main concern is that I dont want to start too early. I'm having a blast planning all this out and its very exciting. Your channel is great, I particularly liked the different starting soil mixes for seed starting.
I'd love to hear how this goes for you! I'm especially curious about the plastic row cover over the trays- I think I'd prefer doing it that way (vs the jugs) if it works out. Thanks for sharing!
Zone 6 here too NW PA have 109 jugs out and still going. My husband brings me 9 jugs a day because he uses at work so might as well try. Yes trying out veggies too. Just started with flowers and herbs that need stratification. Will be moving on to all crops including veggies by March. Planning on seedlings sale so why not try both methods. And yes to sell seedlings i need a license so trying every method to ensure I have enough to sell in different growth stages. Gl to us all trying it out
You do a great job explaining this method of starting seeds. I've seen it before but you have me curious in trying it now. I'll wait and see how it worked for you and if you have good success maybe I'll try next year. It would definitely save some space under my grow lights.
Jenna thanks for sharing this information, it sounds like a great idea. I'm going to give it a try and see how the results compare with my indoor seed starts. I'm hoping it will yield better results since there is no need to harden off the winter sown seedlings. I usually have good results starting seeds indoors. The hardening off process often is problematic as we have such dramatic changes in weather here in Wisconsin zone 5b. Good luck with your experiment and I'm eagerly anticipating your sharing the results !
I have a 3' by 7' cold frame I primarily use for hardening off my plants in the spring. Going to try winter sowing for the first time. Seeing that the cold frame is covered I can plant right into trays or cells, I will have to water. Thinking of doing some more comfrey, borage, lavender, butterfly bush, lettuce, spinach, cilantro, basil, dill and try some brassicas and some annual flowers as well. This will really free up space under my grow lights and reduce a lot of leg work (grow room on 2nd floor) come hardening off time.
Wow man, I think they’d grow to be pretty tough if they can pop in those conditions (you covered that at 4:50)… it might take some struggles i.e. - “time” (you also covered that at 11:20) - given the conditions are already set. But admittedly considering added scarification it could accelerate germ’ time (you also covered that too 👍🏽) Far out how come I’m just discovering you now. You’re a gem.
It will definitely be interesting to see how this all turns out. We've had a few warm days and I'm already out there every day checking on them 😆... no sign of sprouts yet!
Lol the patience process always has me at wits end most times too. Usually regarded as the most delicate/hands on time of the plant’s life. But sometimes too much love can kill. Best to sometimes back off and just let ‘em ride
Thank you for sharing, look forward to seeing how things work for you! We did this a couple years back and I had high hopes but wasn't a huge fan. I think it is a wonderful technique for someone who wants to "set it and forget it" kind of gardening and maybe gardening isn't as big of a focus in their life, but ultimately I just found the seeds were behind in comparison to starts inside and with the short cool spring that meant things like cauliflower and broccoli might not make a large head prior to the June heat. Similarly with non cold hardy plants like tomatoes and peppers I was surprised they didn't die from the cold but they had just germinated come mid-May and way behind the indoor starts. I didn't try it with perennials, that might be the way to go! Hopefully you can prove me wrong and have amazing success!
I'm so glad you shared your experience. This is exactly what I suspect might happen with mine! My theory is that this is a perfect method for growing things that require cold stratification, but that for the annual vegetables it's going to be an inferior method to my indoor seed starting. But we shall see! I am thinking I should probably throw a few perennials out there too, just to see how they do. Thanks!
Planning to try this with some broccoli and kale, my broccoli last year did not start well indoors (no grow lights) and then bolted just as heads were starting to form. Hopefully I can get a better start this year!
Great idea, Jules! That plastic should definitely help warm the soil. It's already kind of looking like spring in your yard based on your last video-- meanwhile, we're under about 6" of snow 😆
@@GrowfullywithJenna Man oh man. We're not out of it yet per winter weather. I read that clear plasti can warm the soiul by up to 14 degrees. Think I should leave it on until the seeds sprout?
REQUEST: Would it be possible for you to create an annual playlist from January to December of each year? I put my laptop on while setting seed and don't want to touch it with dirty hands so long playlists are perfect! You're channel is very educational just to listen to in the background. Thank you for your consideration and I understand if you don't have time.
Do you mean you'd like to have all the videos from 2021 grouped together (in chronological order), all the videos from 2020 grouped together, and so on? That's easy enough to do!
Good luck with your winter sowings, Lisa! And, your comment about the barn made me chuckle-- I started a month or so ago, got a path cleared out so I could at least access the shelves in the back and that's just about all the farther I got. I need to get my behind in gear 😂
It just might! It depends a lot on where you're growing and how thick the cover is. But, I'm imagining your setup to be somewhat similar to a cold frame- which would work in most areas for starting onions early.
Other folks have told me it works for them- they just wait to plant frost tender things like tomatoes & peppers until later (April-ish). I've not personally tried it.
Mine came with my grow light rack, but they are Perma-Nest trays like these: www.harrisseeds.com/products/04215-Permanest-22-x-11-Tray-Tan?variant=39338839507016&msclkid=3dfbd95059d91868b37ab8aefa2aa0a7&**LP%20-%20Shop%20-%20HS%20-%20Supplies&All%20Supplies
I watered until the soil was thoroughly saturated, and began to run out the bottom of the pots. I then let them sit for a few minutes to drain and dumped out the excess water. I probably ended up using 4- 6 cups total.
Yes, I am aware of the issues with plastic and BPA free. Sometimes it comes down to utilizing what I have on hand and these plants will not be staying in the plastic jugs for long.
I have been winter sowing for 10 years now. It's crazy how it's gotten so popular recently. I started 75% of my perennials this way.
Great to hear from someone who's been doing winter sowing for a long time! Do you do vegetables using this method too?
@@GrowfullywithJenna I do not. I only grow vegetables that are warm season crops, tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, etc. I use winter sowing for things that need stratification periods. There are different things you can start depending on the months. If you were to do annuals, you wouldn't be able to start those until Spring and at that point, I think why not sow the usual way. Does that make sense?
@@karie3 absolutely makes sense- thanks!
Have you used the 16 once water bottles to winter sow?
@@esthert5191 I have not used them before, but I am sure they would work the same way. I think the only thing I would do a little differently is sow fewer seeds in those bottles since the growing area is much smaller. It would make it easier when the time comes for dividing and transplanting.
I purchased a bunch of clear gallon water containers on sale and drank a loooooooot of water. I've used these containers for a couple of years. Half of my containers are for winter sowing and the other half of the containers are little cloches for seedlings planted in ground. You want smooth sides. If there is wavy texture on the sides of the container it'll be very hard to get your soil out without breaking it to pieces. I took notes on this method a few months ago for personal use. Here they are. Enjoy.
Does and Don’ts of Winter Sowing:
Do
Gather all your supplies and prep the jugs to be filled with soil.
Only use translucent and clear jugs to plant in. Make sure the jugs have excellent drainage. About 12 to 14 holes on the bottom and 2 or 3 on the side of the jug.
Wait to plant seeds until the winter temps are constantly cold and will likely stay cold for the rest of the winter.
Use good pre moistened quality potting soil. Fill the jug to at least 4 inches of potting mix in your container.
Put a label inside the jug and write on the outside of the jug with an acrylic paint pen.
Only plant 3 to 6 seeds per jug. Plant only 1 seed per hole and space them away from each other so they don’t get crowded and tangled up with each other.
Soak the filled jugs in a bin of water to make sure the soil is moist.
Place jugs in a location to get morning sun and afternoon shade so they don’t germinate prematurely.
Have blankets ready to throw over the jugs when the weather gets too extreme.
Exercise patients with the process. The seedlings will grow when the temps are right for that seed. When they get planted in the garden they’ll catch up and out perform the store bought plants. Especially the nightshade veg.
Check the containers at least once a week
If you are in a warm zone where the temps get 80 degrees and higher then open the jugs and vent them. When the temps drop again reseal the jugs.
Open the jugs 3 days before planting to let the seedlings acclimate to the full sun. Then transplant into the garden.
Don’t Do
Don’t fill the jugs with potting mix weeks ahead of time.
Don’t start your seeds too early. WS seeds from February through April
Use large totes or bins.
Do not use potting soil that is moisture control or time released fertilizer.
Don’t use peat pots, Peat pellets, Toilet paper rolls. It all molds in the jug.
Don’t plant your seeds too deep. Barely cover seed. Really small seeds can stay on top of the soil. Failure to sprout is usually because the seed was too deep.
Use a high quality duct tape to seal the jug for the season.
Take your jugs indoors.
This is amazing, Renee! Thank you so much for sharing all of this information! I'm curious if you do vegetables in yours or mainly perennials/flowering plants?
I have several milk jugs ready to use for this project. Thank you for sharing this information.
Hooray! Have fun winter sowing!
I winter showed tomatoes in April last year (zone 5b in Ohio). They did phenomenal! I think I had beginner's luck. First with WS, first time with tomatoes, first time with seeds. I had 30 plants of heirloom varieties. I did not expect to grow a single one but they did awesome!
That is awesome! I'm glad to hear it worked so well for you!
Love your channel for zone 6A gardening !!! ❤ ..... especially the winter sowing !!!!
This is my 2nd year WS. I was very successful last yr. I grew flowers & vegetables. This year I am trying the clear Rubbermaid tote method with plastic pots inside.
I'm glad to hear it worked well for you last year, Rachel!
The tote method looks interesting- are you putting soil in the bottom of your tote and setting the plastic pots on top of that? I may yet give that method a try!
Jenna, you will love this easy winter sowing method! This is my third year for WS in Ohio and am so excited when looking down into the containers as they sprout. Almost all of my herbs (and many other things) have done great with this method. I have learned to add a rebar pipe through all of my handles because the deer seem to investigate and knock them around. Looking forward to your follow up once they sprout.
I hope so, Lynne! Thanks for sharing the tip about putting the pipe through the handles!
That's a fantastic idea. I have problems with high winds knocking the jugs over so I have punched a few holes through low lip totes that are about 4 in tall so they drain and I put the jugs in the tote so they all stay tight together. I have also used crates that are for planting tulips to hold the jugs in place. So here's to a successful growing season and may your household be blessed with bounty in all areas of your life.
I love winter sowing. I would suggest you also write varieties on jug as it’s fun to know what’s growing. Also I run a stake through handles and it keeps them together and they don’t tip over.
Thanks for the advice!
I am definitely going to try this. I always try to grow lavender and just as the flower starts to really take root oh look an animal uproots all of my hard work
Oooh- that's frustrating!
Jenna, check out Jeri Landers video on winter sowing. she has a nice set up with reusable storage bins. I appreciate your channel, as I am an Ohio gardener is the same zone as yours. Thanks for all the videos.
You are most welcome, Mary and thanks for the tip -- I'll have to check it out!
Reuse. Repurpose. Recycle.
Love it
👍
Jenna, you channel is amazing. You are a great presenter and video creator. I'm in zone 4 and started growing three springs ago... I can't wait to do winter sowing.
Thank you so much 😊
😋. Started my brassicas and my peppers yesterday…….. my grandson covered in slush from melting snow, said is turning to spring now grandma….. I said no….. Mother Nature is sneaky and likes to prank us lol
Haha- yes she does!
Yay! You are doing it! Proud of you. I have 80 out so far and still going.
Wow that's a lot of starts! Mainly perennials or are you doing veggies also?
Pretty cool idea. Thanks for the info Mrs. Jenna. Stay safe and have a wonderful weekend!
We'll see how it goes! Hope you all stay safe & warm and have a great weekend also!
This method works really well! Getting ready to do this tomorrow 👍
👵🏻👩🌾❣️
Happy sowing!
I've now have the plant labels and the special weather proof marker because my so called permanent marker failure outside in garden conditions..
Earlier notice someone's advice about a steel rod to surcure jugs.
Thanks again your teaching helps
I thought that was a great suggestion (using a rod or pole to secure the jugs)!
I use the two liter Pepsi bottles with the labels removed. They are clear and make a nice size for a single plant. I usually start with three to four seed in each, then thin.
That's a great idea, thanks for sharing, Nancy!
Great 👍 idea
Thanks
I'm trying this also for the first time this winter (6a Ct). Excited to see how things go! Every time I acquirer containers, I'm dropping more seeds! Good luck Jenna!
Fun! I'm glad you're giving this a try too- and I'd love to hear what you think of it!
I love this. I can't wait to plant. So exciting
Happy planting, Victoria!
Hi Jenna! I'm in zone 6a, too, in central west Ohio, and I'm starting my winter sowing today, as it is going to be in the 50s.
Hi Brian-- glad to hear from a fellow Ohio gardener! Happy sowing!
I loved this, thank you! Rather serendipitous as I've been saving the few plastic milk jugs I get (I live out in the sticks and the milkman delivers our milk in glass bottles) for something and anything.
I'm also experimenting with planting/sowing by the moon this year, and am trying to increase my perennial vegetable stocks so have got perennial kale and potato onions in the greenhouse!
Haha- perfect! You should definitely use some of those jugs to test this out 😄.
I'd love to hear what you think of planting by the moon. I didn't see any difference when I tried it, but a lot of folks still swear by it.
Thanks for the video, I'm going to be starting my first garden in Ohio this year and it's great to have your channel to reference
I'm so glad to hear you're starting your first Ohio garden- that's very exciting! Hope this garden season is a great one for you!
I've always starting my plants inside, This is something I have got to try. Great video Jenna. Your Awesome!
Thank you! We'll see how it goes- I'm very curious for the results!
Great channel. Just found it and happy to have someone is my zone 6a to watch (I’m in Michigan). I’ve had great luck with winter sowing, especially with flowers. Had beautiful lettuce and spinach as well. I did not have luck with warm weather vegetables although people swear it works. I never open the jugs except for a few days leading up to planting. And with the weather fluctuations you mentioned, you have to be careful to cover your jugs if they’ve sprouted and the temps drop below freezing again. I have 60 jugs out there doing their thing (in addition to indoor seed starts). 😳. Looking forward to a new season💐🍅🥒🧅
Thanks so much, Diane! I appreciate you sharing your own experience with winter sowing. I can't wait to see my results!
I had great success WS last year, (MA zone 6), especially with cool season crops and flowers, but I did not think it sped up my harvests by much. I buy big jugs of distilled water for my humidifiers and save them for WS.
I'm glad to hear it worked well for you, Pamela!
Those water jugs would be perfect for this!
Another great video Jenna. Looking forward to see the results. Fortunately that's a problem I don't have. That snow looks really cold. Cheers & keep safe.
Thank you, Keith! I love the snow, so it's a problem I'm happy to have 😄. Take care!
I find it very beneficial to put holes on the top of the jugs too. The very first year I didn't, and what happens is the moisture only gets through the center and then the sides of the jug don't get the moisture. So when I started putting holes in the top, them more of the soil was able to get moisture and the seeds germinated so much better that way.
Good to know, Kari- thank you!
Thank you. I just discovered this method yesterday and eager to try. I am hoping it still works to start Mid March here in Southern Ontario!
I hope so too!
I've saved several orange juice and milk containers, I'm testing birdhouse gourge as their hard seeds and I truly had many failures with many them last season .
Thanks for your teaching Lady
I hope they do well for you this year!
Think trying this on my birdhouse gourge as after years of success last season had over 100 germinate only to watch mold or fungus kill them in days,perhaps my over watering trying to help trying to help.
I'm finding myself reading your fan base comments as some are very knowledgeable.
Thanks for your teaching and loving many of your fan base comments also a Thanks to all.
All the information shared in the comments is great! I hope this works well for you if you give it a go!
Looking forward to seeing the results
Me too, William!
We certainly got plenty of ice and snow this time around. I believe our normal winters are back.
Let's hope so-- the winters here have been too warm for a while. I say bring on the snow!
I did this last winter for the first time. I'm going to do it again this year. I started mine in January, February, and some in March. For us here in Zone 4a, NNY, I think Jan. Feb. might have been too early. I'm not sure, so I'm going to wait until the end of March and the first of April. I had a 50% success rate out of 45 one gallon milk jugs. I didn't crowd the seeds, but I did have a lot of extra seeds to experiment with. So it wasn't a waste. I had luck with Basil, German Chamomile, Thyme, Dill, Spinach, Mesclun Salad Mix, one type of White Tomato, Lettuce, Larkspur, Kohlrabi, Marigolds (had one out of 4 seeds), and Columbine. No Cosmos, Cherokee Purple, Beef Steak, Giant Marconi Peppers, 3 types of eggplant failed. But I'll try peppers and tomatoes again in April because I think they should germinate. As the spring warmed up the drainage holes didn't work well in some of the jugs. I had green fungus on the soil in a few that failed. I'll drill more holes this time. Six wasn't enough to drain well when the snow melted and it rained. Good luck! It is fun to do and my little granddaughter did it with me and that made it more enjoyable. Take care!
Thank you for sharing your experience, Michael-- this is great info!
Good point on the drainage holes- now I'm wondering if I have done enough to mine. We shall see!
@@GrowfullywithJenna I.m looking forward to see how it works out for you!
I'm doing this. I'm going to wait just a bit because I dont want to start too soon. My "plant" date is Feb 22nd (thats when I return from vacation) I'm also not going to use the plastic jugs your using, I have alot of 1020 trays that I will put under plastic bins that I have. I'm also going to put 1020 trays under a plastic row cover. We'll see what happens. 😀I have ALOT of flower seeds that I'm doing this with. Im in DE zone 7 and my main concern is that I dont want to start too early. I'm having a blast planning all this out and its very exciting. Your channel is great, I particularly liked the different starting soil mixes for seed starting.
I'd love to hear how this goes for you! I'm especially curious about the plastic row cover over the trays- I think I'd prefer doing it that way (vs the jugs) if it works out. Thanks for sharing!
I just did that! I am excited to see how they goes.
How fun! I am excited to see how it goes too!
I’m looking forward to the outcome
I am too!
Thank you for the video, I need to try this this weekend!
You're welcome- Happy Sowing!
Zone 6 here too NW PA have 109 jugs out and still going. My husband brings me 9 jugs a day because he uses at work so might as well try.
Yes trying out veggies too. Just started with flowers and herbs that need stratification. Will be moving on to all crops including veggies by March. Planning on seedlings sale so why not try both methods. And yes to sell seedlings i need a license so trying every method to ensure I have enough to sell in different growth stages. Gl to us all trying it out
Wow! You've got a lot going on! Best of luck.
You do a great job explaining this method of starting seeds. I've seen it before but you have me curious in trying it now. I'll wait and see how it worked for you and if you have good success maybe I'll try next year. It would definitely save some space under my grow lights.
Thanks! We'll see how it goes!
Thanks Jenna...I'm gonna try some this weekend..it's still so cold here in nh still... but I have a bunch of gallen.sized jugs.....good luck!!
Good luck with yours as well, Ruth! Happy sowing!
Jenna thanks for sharing this information, it sounds like a great idea. I'm going to give it a try and see how the results compare with my indoor seed starts. I'm hoping it will yield better results since there is no need to harden off the winter sown seedlings. I usually have good results starting seeds indoors. The hardening off process often is problematic as we have such dramatic changes in weather here in Wisconsin zone 5b. Good luck with your experiment and I'm eagerly anticipating your sharing the results !
I'd love to hear what you think of it! Good luck to you as well and happy sowing!
I have a 3' by 7' cold frame I primarily use for hardening off my plants in the spring. Going to try winter sowing for the first time. Seeing that the cold frame is covered I can plant right into trays or cells, I will have to water. Thinking of doing some more comfrey, borage, lavender, butterfly bush, lettuce, spinach, cilantro, basil, dill and try some brassicas and some annual flowers as well. This will really free up space under my grow lights and reduce a lot of leg work (grow room on 2nd floor) come hardening off time.
Sounds like a great plan, Brian! I'd love to hear how it goes for you.
CAn't wait to try this Thanks
Hope you enjoy
Wow man, I think they’d grow to be pretty tough if they can pop in those conditions (you covered that at 4:50)… it might take some struggles i.e. - “time” (you also covered that at 11:20) - given the conditions are already set. But admittedly considering added scarification it could accelerate germ’ time (you also covered that too 👍🏽)
Far out how come I’m just discovering you now. You’re a gem.
It will definitely be interesting to see how this all turns out. We've had a few warm days and I'm already out there every day checking on them 😆... no sign of sprouts yet!
Lol the patience process always has me at wits end most times too. Usually regarded as the most delicate/hands on time of the plant’s life. But sometimes too much love can kill. Best to sometimes back off and just let ‘em ride
Thank you for sharing, look forward to seeing how things work for you! We did this a couple years back and I had high hopes but wasn't a huge fan. I think it is a wonderful technique for someone who wants to "set it and forget it" kind of gardening and maybe gardening isn't as big of a focus in their life, but ultimately I just found the seeds were behind in comparison to starts inside and with the short cool spring that meant things like cauliflower and broccoli might not make a large head prior to the June heat. Similarly with non cold hardy plants like tomatoes and peppers I was surprised they didn't die from the cold but they had just germinated come mid-May and way behind the indoor starts. I didn't try it with perennials, that might be the way to go! Hopefully you can prove me wrong and have amazing success!
I'm so glad you shared your experience.
This is exactly what I suspect might happen with mine! My theory is that this is a perfect method for growing things that require cold stratification, but that for the annual vegetables it's going to be an inferior method to my indoor seed starting. But we shall see!
I am thinking I should probably throw a few perennials out there too, just to see how they do.
Thanks!
Planning to try this with some broccoli and kale, my broccoli last year did not start well indoors (no grow lights) and then bolted just as heads were starting to form. Hopefully I can get a better start this year!
I hope it goes well for you, Mary-- best of luck!
This is my 1st year WSing. I'm in 7b UT. So I'll see how the seeds will fare. We've had some dusting of snow but not a lot!
Best of luck!
Seems like a reasonable approach.
I am set to cover some ground with clear plastic to warm that soil for direct sow.
Fingers crossed.
Great idea, Jules! That plastic should definitely help warm the soil. It's already kind of looking like spring in your yard based on your last video-- meanwhile, we're under about 6" of snow 😆
@@GrowfullywithJenna Man oh man. We're not out of it yet per winter weather. I read that clear plasti can warm the soiul by up to 14 degrees. Think I should leave it on until the seeds sprout?
@@JulesGardening I would leave it on till they sprout. That's a nice boost in temp!
@@GrowfullywithJenna thanks Jenna. be blessed
I’m giving this a try this year :)
Yay! Happy sowing & best of luck!
REQUEST: Would it be possible for you to create an annual playlist from January to December of each year? I put my laptop on while setting seed and don't want to touch it with dirty hands so long playlists are perfect! You're channel is very educational just to listen to in the background.
Thank you for your consideration and I understand if you don't have time.
Do you mean you'd like to have all the videos from 2021 grouped together (in chronological order), all the videos from 2020 grouped together, and so on? That's easy enough to do!
I have very little space in NYC for grow lights.
Winter sowing should be a good alternative to using grow lights indoors.
Thanks might try it
You're welcome, John!
I would put the seeds in water for a few days and then plant them
Thanks for the tip!
I’m trying WS for the first time to is year. Mine have been out for about 3 weeks so far. Hopefully this method works as well as I’ve heard it does.
I hope so too, Poppy! Best of luck with your winter sowings!
Thank you! Love this. My first time too. Ps...is your barn cleaned out & ready to go this spring? LOL..checking up on you, Gurl :)))
Good luck with your winter sowings, Lisa! And, your comment about the barn made me chuckle-- I started a month or so ago, got a path cleared out so I could at least access the shelves in the back and that's just about all the farther I got. I need to get my behind in gear 😂
As you know, no snow 'down' here, but will be curious to see how this goes for you in your much colder climate! :)
You're missing out-- snow is great fun 😄! I'm very curious to see how this goes as well. Take care!
Yes - I'm sure it is! It's very beautiful too. However, a 'cold' day here is low to mid 60's F... and that's cold enough for me! :)
If you go to your local Starbucks and ask them to save some milk jugs for you they usually will.
Great tip, Simone-- thanks!
Hello I'm looking for the see through agfabric you mentioned in your garden tour. I can't seem to find it. Any tips on sourcing?
This is where I get most of that netting: www.agfabric.com/collections/insect-netting
I have a covered raised bed, do you think winter sow would work for onions?
It just might! It depends a lot on where you're growing and how thick the cover is. But, I'm imagining your setup to be somewhat similar to a cold frame- which would work in most areas for starting onions early.
How about pepper seeds for this method?
Other folks have told me it works for them- they just wait to plant frost tender things like tomatoes & peppers until later (April-ish). I've not personally tried it.
10:24 where did you get that tray you used to cary the jugs?
Mine came with my grow light rack, but they are Perma-Nest trays like these: www.harrisseeds.com/products/04215-Permanest-22-x-11-Tray-Tan?variant=39338839507016&msclkid=3dfbd95059d91868b37ab8aefa2aa0a7&**LP%20-%20Shop%20-%20HS%20-%20Supplies&All%20Supplies
You did not give an amount of water. Looked like 1/2 cup.
Looks interesting though 🤔. Thanks
I watered until the soil was thoroughly saturated, and began to run out the bottom of the pots. I then let them sit for a few minutes to drain and dumped out the excess water. I probably ended up using 4- 6 cups total.
Just noticed your tattoos. What are the Roman numerals for?
Just my lucky numbers 😉
Plastic isn't good it any form with anything you will later eat . Best to do some research on that . Bpa free isn't what you think it is .
Yes, I am aware of the issues with plastic and BPA free. Sometimes it comes down to utilizing what I have on hand and these plants will not be staying in the plastic jugs for long.