Winter Sowing vs Indoor Planting Experiment

Hello Blog World,

For the past 3 years, I have been experimenting through my Garden Club. The first year I had a club meeting in January to start our first experiment of Winter sowing vs indoor planting. You might be wondering what is Winter Sowing? It's a natural process to help save energy and let the seeds sprout on their own time. When we plant indoors we have to use electricity and lights to help the plants grow. With winter sowing you can just put some seeds inside a recycled milk jug or any other plastic container and use it as a greenhouse.

During my three years of experimenting with winter sowing, I have learned plants are prepared for outdoor weather changes and they are stronger and larger than if planted inside with too much care, so winter sowing gives plants a better chance of surviving. You can also save energy and money by using the winter sowing method. It's great because you are able to recycle and reuse plastic containers.

This year I plan to start the experiment on February 12th. If you are interested in participating, here is a list of things you will need:

Gallon Milk Jug	You want a milk jug because it will give the plants plenty of space to grow before you have to transplant them to a pot or the ground. If you want to plant multiple seeds you can collect several milk jugs, or divide the container in sections to plant different seeds.
Potting Soil	You want to use soft soil because roots are tiny and sensitive they cannot grow in heavy clay soil.
Seeds	Tomatoes, Peppers, Flowers, whatever you want to grow.
Duct Tape	You want to use duct tape so it doesn't peel off in the rain.
Permanent Marker	You will need to write the date and name of the seeds that you planted in the milk jug.
Plant labels	This is optional, you can write the name of the plant on a label and insert it inside the milk jug. Make sure it is water resistant.

Now let's get started with planting:

1. Cut the milk jug in half, so you have about 2 - 3 inches of soil space.

2. Fill with soil about 2-3 inches.

3. Make seed labels or just write what seeds you are planting on the milk jug.

4. Plant seeds.

5. Write down how many seeds you planted and the date on your milk jug.

6. Now Tape the sides with duct tape.

7. Remove the milk top so rainwater can enter and any extra heat can be released easily from the top.

8. Place the milk jug or jugs in a sunny spot and monitor every week for sprouting!

9. Wait until April/May to transplant the seedlings to their new home. and

I would recommend that everyone try winter sowing because it's fun, affordable, and easy to get started.

I want to give a special thanks to Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds and Meadows Farms for supporting our club!