The milk jug method may be the easiest way to get a bunch of new perennials ever. We’ll show you how to sow seeds outdoors in winter.
Get a head start on seed starting this winter!
How would you like to save money on plants? Start perennials from seed with this easy method: Sow your seeds in a milk jug, set it outdoors and let Mother Nature do the rest. This simple process relies on sun, snow and rain to do the work of breaking down the seed coat and getting the seeds to sprout. Below is everything you’ll need to get started, including a list of some of the best perennials. Then click through the slideshow for step-by-step instructions!
Perennials that start easily with the milk jug method
Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia fulgida)
Butterfly weed (Asclepias tuberosa)
Columbine (Aquilegia hybrids)
Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)
Forget-me-not (Myosotis sylvatica)
Foxglove (Digitalis hybrids)
Poppy (Papaver hybrids)
Shasta daisy (Leucanthemum hybrids)
Tickseed (Coreopsis hybrids)
How to sow seeds outdoors in winter
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Step 1: Prepare the jug
Using a utility knife or scissors, make a cut at least 4 in. up from the bottom, going nearly all the way around. Leave a couple inches uncut just below the handle to form a hinge.
You’ll need to add some holes for drainage, so use a hammer and a screwdriver or awl to pound six to 10 holes through the bottom of the jug. Place a scrap piece of wood underneath so you don’t damage your work surface.
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Step 2: Make labels
It’s hard to tell seedlings apart. So be sure to put a label in each milk jug with the name of the plant. This tag will help you tell plants apart after you’ve removed the top of the jug later in spring. You can label the outside of the jug, too.
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Step 3: Soil and seeds
Fill the bottom half of the milk jug with premoistened potting mix to within an inch of the rim. The mix should be moist but not wet. A pencil point makes just the right size holes for seeds. Check the seed packet to see how deep to make the holes. Since you moistened the mix earlier you don’t have to worry about watering right now.
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Step 4: Tape it up
After you’ve planted the seeds, tape the top and bottom of the milk jug together. Use either the packing or clear duct tape—they both hold up just fine outside. You’ll be taking it off later in the season when the temperatures warm up.
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Step 5: Bring them outside
Now your new plantings are ready for the great outdoors—even if it’s snowing! The plastic container acts like a greenhouse, keeping the seeds warm (but not too warm) and moist. Place them where they’ll get light and rain or snow (make sure the cap’s off the milk jug), but they won’t blow away. Snuggling them close together helps provide some stability. Plus they’re easier to keep track of this way. Avoid the north side of buildings—they won’t get enough sunlight there.
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Step 6: Spring surprise
As the weather warms up, flip back the tops on nice days but close them again at night. When evening temperatures stay above freezing you can leave them off permanently. You’ll need to keep a close eye on the milk jugs so the potting mix doesn’t dry out. If you have a warm spell in early spring, move the containers to a shady spot so they won’t get too dry.
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Step 7: Time to transplant
This coneflower has a strong root system so it’s time to transplant it. You may have to tease apart several plants if you sowed thickly.
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Wondering if you can get anything to bloom during your winter? Check out some of our favorite winter-blooming shrubs for each region. You might be surprised!
