16 Winter Sowing Ideas Using Simple Recycled Containers

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Plastic Milk Jugs

Plastic milk jugs are a perfect winter sowing container. Their sturdy design helps protect the seeds and offers enough space for plants to grow without crowding. Simply cut the jug in half and place soil and seeds inside. The lid acts as a greenhouse, helping maintain warmth and moisture.

If you want, you can use clear jugs for more sunlight exposure or opaque ones to keep plants shielded from excess sun. After sowing, just place the jug in a sunny location and monitor for signs of growth. They are easy to find and even easier to transform into a mini greenhouse for your seedlings.

Egg Cartons

Egg cartons are a fantastic way to start your seeds for winter sowing. They provide individual compartments, making it simple to plant and separate different types of seeds. The carton itself can serve as a small greenhouse, trapping moisture while also allowing air circulation. You can even leave the lid on to create more warmth for your plants.

Once the seedlings start growing, the entire carton can be placed directly into the garden, where it will decompose over time. This method is perfect for growing herbs, flowers, and smaller vegetables. Egg cartons are biodegradable, making them eco-friendly too.

Plastic Drink Bottles

Plastic drink bottles can be repurposed into compact greenhouses for winter sowing. Cut the bottle in half and fill it with soil. The top portion of the bottle can be placed over the bottom half, creating a dome that holds in moisture and warmth. This method works great for small plants and flowers. Ensure to poke a few holes in the bottom to allow for drainage.

The clear plastic ensures that the seeds get plenty of light, while the bottle keeps them sheltered from harsh winter conditions. Once the seedlings are ready, simply remove the bottle and plant them directly in your garden.

Yogurt Containers

Yogurt containers are another excellent choice for winter sowing. These containers are durable and come in different sizes, allowing you to sow multiple types of seeds. The containers can be stacked to save space, and like other recycled items, they help retain moisture and warmth.

Covering the containers with a clear lid helps mimic greenhouse conditions, creating an ideal environment for seedling growth. Additionally, you can poke a few drainage holes to prevent waterlogging. After a few weeks, you will have strong, healthy seedlings ready for transplanting into your garden.

Cereal Boxes

Cereal boxes are a great option for larger seedlings or plants that need more room to grow. Simply cut off the top of the box and line the inside with a plastic bag or trash liner to make it waterproof. Add soil and plant your seeds inside. The box will provide structural support, and the liner ensures the soil stays moist.

You can even use the lid of the box to cover the top, creating a mini greenhouse effect. These boxes are especially useful for growing leafy greens and other vegetables. Once the plants start growing, the box can be discarded or composted, making it an environmentally friendly option.

Plastic Takeout Containers

Plastic takeout containers are readily available and can be reused for winter sowing. They often come with a clear lid, which is perfect for maintaining the right amount of moisture and warmth for seeds to sprout. You can fill the container with soil and plant the seeds, ensuring that there is adequate space for each plant.

The clear plastic allows sunlight to reach the seeds, promoting healthy growth. For plants that need good drainage, simply poke a few holes in the bottom of the container. These containers work great for starting small herbs, flowers, or leafy greens.

Wooden Crates

Wooden crates offer a rustic yet functional option for winter sowing. These crates provide ample space for plants to grow, and their open structure ensures that air circulates properly. To prepare the crate, line the bottom with a waterproof liner or plastic, then add soil and your seeds.

The sides of the crate offer stability, and if you cover it with a plastic sheet or clear lid, it will retain the warmth and moisture needed for seed germination. Wooden crates are a sustainable choice, as they can be reused year after year. They are also versatile, as you can stack them or place them on a shelf to save space.

Ice Cream Tubs

Ice cream tubs are another great option for winter sowing. These tubs are sturdy, and their large size makes them perfect for growing bigger plants or multiple seedlings. You can cut holes in the bottom of the tub to allow for drainage and then fill it with potting soil.

Place your seeds inside and cover the tub with a plastic lid or a sheet of plastic wrap to keep moisture and warmth inside. Ice cream tubs also stack easily, making them a good option if you are sowing multiple varieties. These containers are also durable enough to withstand the elements, making them ideal for outdoor winter sowing.

Tin Cans

Recycled tin cans can be repurposed into excellent winter sowing containers. You can use small cans for individual plants or larger cans for grouping multiple seedlings. Before using them, make sure to punch a few small holes in the bottom for drainage. Once the cans are prepared, fill them with soil and plant your seeds.

The metal material provides stability, and its sturdy structure helps protect plants from wind and extreme cold. You can also decorate the cans if you want to add some aesthetic appeal to your winter sowing setup. Just be sure to place them in a location where they can get plenty of light and warmth to help the seeds grow.

Plastic Produce Trays

Plastic produce trays are commonly available and make great winter sowing containers. These trays are typically sturdy and come with a grid-like design, allowing for proper drainage. Simply line the tray with a plastic bag or a liner to prevent water from seeping out. After adding soil, plant your seeds and cover the tray with a clear lid or plastic wrap to create a warm, humid environment for the seeds.

The holes in the tray allow for air circulation, reducing the risk of mold. These trays are excellent for small seedlings, such as herbs or flowers, that need consistent moisture to grow. You can place multiple trays on a shelf to save space while providing plenty of room for the plants to grow.

Pringle Cans

Pringle cans are an innovative and fun way to start your winter sowing. The sturdy cardboard tubes are tall enough to support the growth of young plants, and they are wide enough to accommodate a good amount of soil. You can cut the top off and poke holes in the bottom to allow for drainage. Fill the can with potting soil and plant your seeds.

The can’s closed design helps retain moisture, and you can cover the top with a clear plastic lid to mimic a greenhouse environment. These cans are perfect for starting tall or vining plants that need more vertical space. They also make for a fun and quirky winter sowing project.

Hanging Baskets

Recycled hanging baskets, often used for plants during the warmer months, can be repurposed for winter sowing. These baskets provide plenty of room for plants to grow and allow for good drainage. Simply line the inside with a plastic bag to keep moisture from leaking out, and then add soil and seeds. You can cover the baskets with a plastic sheet or clear lid to trap heat and moisture.

The open design of the basket ensures that the plants receive adequate air circulation, preventing mold buildup. Hanging baskets work particularly well for larger plants or multiple types of seeds that need space. They are also easily suspended from hooks, keeping them out of the way but still getting ample sunlight.

Glass Jars

Glass jars, such as those used for pickles or pasta sauce, can easily be repurposed into small greenhouses for winter sowing. These jars provide a sealed environment that helps maintain humidity and warmth for the seeds inside. To use, simply fill the jar with soil, add seeds, and place the lid loosely on top.

The clear glass ensures that the seeds get plenty of light while protecting them from cold air. Glass jars are ideal for small to medium-sized plants or for growing individual seedlings. As the plants grow, you can remove the lid to allow for better airflow. The jars are reusable and eco-friendly, making them a great choice for sustainable gardening.

Plastic Food Storage Containers

Plastic food storage containers, often found in kitchens, make great mini greenhouses for winter sowing. These containers come in a variety of sizes, allowing you to choose the right one for your seedlings. Fill the container with soil, add your seeds, and place the lid on top to create a sealed environment. The clear plastic allows light to penetrate and helps maintain the moisture needed for seed germination.

Poking small holes in the top or sides for ventilation can prevent mold growth. These containers are stackable and can be stored easily, making them perfect for small spaces. Once the seedlings are ready, simply remove the lid and plant them in your garden.

Old Boots

Old boots, especially those made of rubber or sturdy leather, can be repurposed for winter sowing. They provide plenty of space for growing plants and offer excellent drainage when you poke holes in the soles. Simply cut the top off the boot, fill it with soil, and plant your seeds.

The boot’s durable structure helps protect plants from wind and cold. You can also line the inside with a plastic bag to retain moisture and warmth. Old boots are a quirky and eco-friendly way to give new life to an otherwise discarded item. They are especially good for growing larger plants, such as tomatoes, peppers, or even flowers.

Old Tires

Old tires can be transformed into large, effective winter sowing containers. These tires provide a significant amount of space for planting multiple seedlings or larger plants. Stack the tires on top of each other to create a deeper growing space, and fill the inside with soil. Tires offer great drainage, and the stacked design allows for easy water movement.

To trap warmth and moisture, you can cover the top with a plastic sheet or old tarp. Once the plants start growing, the tires will provide ample room for root development. Old tires are particularly good for growing deep-rooted vegetables, like carrots and potatoes.

This article originally appeared on Avocadu.