As an amazon delivery driver I get to see a lot of gardens. I saw a family doing this just last week.

Whooooaaa! Pop bottles and milk jugs areGREAT. Who cares how they look! They work wonderful AND you are up cycling! There is no downside! Line them up tidy if you must but don’t let what your neighbors think stop you from trying this method! When they see you gardening without worrying about hardening off or even watering (provided it doesn’t get too dry) they’ll want to try it too! Lazy gardeners unite! Get those milk jugs and put them to work!

On Roots and Refuge, she used the lid as the base, placed a soil bag down laying it flat on the lid and cut the top out of the bag but leaving the edges intact to contain the soil. She planted her seeds and then placed the container over top the entire thing. I learn so much from you Luke! Thank you!! 😊

The best lettuce bed I ever had happened years ago purely by accident when I first started gardening. After the seeds didn't germinate well (due to my mishandling and inexperience), I tossed everything into a huge flower pot that had old soil in it buried under leaves. When I moved my plastic boxes off of some other plants, I put two of the broken ones upside down on top of the lettuce scraps in the old pot intending to toss everything out later. You know what happened. The old, ugly pot was full of several types of beautiful lettuce within weeks and we ate off of it for quite a while.

Long time ago, my Dad had bought a tractor from a vegetable farmer. When he went to pick it up, he noticed that in early February the farmer was out with a seeder planting something . the farmer explained that they planted spinach this way and got a couple of weeks head start on the market. They particularly liked when they could plant through the snow. As the snow melted, the seeds would sink into the soil.

2021 is my 2nd year of winter sowing and it was very successful! My first year I did less than 20 milk jugs of vegetables only. However, in 2021 I winter sowed about 87 gallon sized milk jugs of vegetables, flowers, fruit and herbs. I winter sowed tomatoes, peppers just about everything! Every grew successfully. I never had to water or fertilize them. The snow and rain watered them and nature did the rest. You must use a good organic potting soil. They work like mini greenhouses. They all transplanted and produced perfectly. Virginia zone 7a.

I do this every year. I use the milk jugs. I also plant tomatoes and peppers in February. Last year my winter sown tomato plants out performed the greenhouse plants. My winter-sown plants were smaller but sturdier when I transplanted them. Then they took off and became my garden rock stars.

I love how you are giving more growing options and ideas to those that may not have extra space in their homes. Thank you for continuing to educate and inspire more growing. Blessings

Third year of WINTER SOWING! I use mostly milk jugs and put them in the back yard. Am still experimenting. I love to see people using pop bottles, milk jugs, etc. They are gardening. Hooray for them!

2nd year of winter sowing here in 7b. And I love it, gives me a jumpstart on starts and economical to! I do agree that it can be aesthetically unpleasant to the eye but, #1 my yard is semiprivate. #2 my neighbors have no buisness being back there.

This is the first video that I have seen with someone planting in snow. Many people live in the Midwest and further North who are interested in growing at home, but channels feature people who live in the warmer parts of the country. This really encouraged me! Thank you for your thoughtfulness. I am a new follower 😀💯

I've been winter sowing for years. I'm so glad to see you made a video for those who don't know about this great method.

I have been winter sowing for a couple of years now. This will be my third year. It is amazing!

Thanks for another video. For us one of the great reasons to winter sow is to grow perennial flowers without worrying about cold treating the seeds. Our neighbors are more interested about what is in the milk jugs then they are interested in judging us, especially remembering the produce baskets they get in the summer. Love your channel and love your seeds.

I do this every year, I love getting a jump on the season....chomping at tha bit in zone 7a😁....I cant wait

This is exactly what I needed for planting my sunflowers 🌻 outside and keep the animals off! Thank you

May I say, I've been watching your channel for a while now, because I wanted to learn how to be better in the garden. Out of all the gardening channels I do watch, yours is by far one of the best educational channels, where you make it easy to understand, provide alternative options, while having fun in the garden. Thanks for all you do for the gardening world, Luke! ~ Laurie

I always start my seeds outside using milk jugs and empty soda bottles. Best and easiest way to start seeds IMO.

I love your philosophy on garden etiquette outside and that you shared your view so that others may take note of something they didn’t think about. I love passionate gardeners but not always their choice of containers.

Thank you Luke for sharing this. I have done this method for years. My plants have always been heartier. Stronger. Totes are a great suggestion. Sheryl Mann calls that NTWS. No Transplant Winter Sowing. She has been highly successful for many years.

Right now I have kale and eggplants under grow lights in my kitchen; pepper seeds germinating on a heat mat and a few milk jugs outside that I've prepared using the winter sowing method. The milk jugs are buried under about a foot of snow. This is my second year gardening and my first using the winter sowing method. I just learned that in addition to flower seeds, vegetables can be started using this method. So I plan on adding a few more milk jugs with tomato and perhaps lettuce seeds to see how it turns out. I don't find it to be unsightly as they are lined up against the back of my house, I may even corral them using milk crates that I have on hand. From watching videos of others it looks like a fun, easy method of growing; and opening the jugs in the spring is akin to opening a gift on Christmas day. I'm very excited about this year's garden.

I literally just placed an order with you! I ordered various onion seeds and I'm going to winter sow them in water jugs and place them in the back yard. I'm excited to give it a try. I watched several good videos on doing this. Thanks Luke for another great video 👍

I haven’t even heard of this before! I thought indoor sowing was the only option. Thanks Luke!

This is fascinating, because I was wondering about this for a long while, and wanting to do a good portion of my garden this way (garlic growing got me going on this as well as tomatoes and bok choy volunteers). A great subject given the world we are living in.

Thank you for being unique and posting a different method!! I’ve been itching to get started. This is perfect

I tried the inverted plastic storage tote because I didn’t have the money or skills to build something over my planter box and it totally worked! They’ve also survived 2 snows so far because of the “greenhouse.”

I love winter sowing and am so glad to see this today! 😻

You blessed me ❤️ So much wisdom in here --NOT Just the methods, but the recognition that we don't ALL have indoor space 🤗 You are thoughtful!

I love winter sowing and it is how I got started in gardening. Thanks for sharing so it can help others to get started.

Yes, my Mother who was also my neighbor and has had a beautiful garden for years and years could not take my toilet paper roll seed starts and milk jugs, water or clear 2 liter pop bottles. She died of COVID fully vaccinated in August at 84 and before that appreciated my change to clear Sterilite boxes much better. I am so thankful you are sharing this with everyone as an alternative winter sowing hack. Great video! ⭐️

I use the clear plastic totes this way even in a mild California winter climate. I find it speeds up germination significantly and offers great pest protection for my little plant babies.

Me, a New Englander: "The heck is a POP bottle?!"

Never done this before, but definitely will within the next few weeks. I don't have a lot of room inside for grow lights, but have some seeds for plants that I can't find as starts where I live. Thank you, Lucas! You rock.

I just started winter sowing for the first time this year. So far so good

Instead of using a bunch of plastic bottles to start my seeds during the winter, I just use a clear tote with a clear lid to put all my seed starting cells and containers in and have it sitting on a table in my backyard with all my potted plants. It's more tidy imo than a lot of plastic bottles and jugs. Plus, it helps me save soil

Thank you Luke! Needed this video today as I was just looking at my seeds to figure out when to start them. You just cut out a bunch of work for me! Thank you! 🤗

Snow makes the background and the whole frame perfect

I learned a new method of winter sowing on top of the snow. I have snow on the beds right now I’ll give it a try. Thanks for the idea.

I was wondering if you were ever gonna try this but never voiced it lol. Well, now my questions been answered!

I also think it's awesome you have kept your price if seeds so low over the years! It's very helpful!

Got my seeds today! I have loved every seed I have tried from you guys!

What a great seed starting method for anyone who preemptively knows they will be super busy during the weeks they would normally be starting seeds in doors. Thanks for sharing!

i have been winter sowing spring crops and perennials for 3 years. Last year, after reading about it in a facebook group, I tried tomato seeds and they worked. I was surprised.

I never understood what winter sowing was. Now, thanks to you and this fantastic video, I do. Im super excited to give it a try!

I've been trying to come up with an easy greenhouse to start seeds outdoors This presented an excellent idea for a seed trays in large tote as a greenhouse. Thank you

I’m trying your method NOW!! In years prior I’ve always for winter sowing in ♻️ recycled clear bottles. I’m pumped to try your method! U just saved me a ton of time! Thc

You make me smile and I always enjoy your episodes about gardening. I have managed to keep my spinach over the winter so far in the Interior BC keeping an eye on the temperature and covering.

Thanks for another great video. It’s late January and our weather has been very cold and snowy in WV. I’m eager to try this. I’d love to get a jump start on small gardening. This will be my first year. I’ve learned so much from you.

Whether its new seeds or new gardening tips, i can always count on you Luke. And of course the rest of the team at MIGardener😁 Thanks so much!

I’ve been doing this for years. But doing it with peas, potatoes, Lettuce, onions, kale, just about any seed you want to plant.

I am having great success with MI gardener seeds. I'm in the central Texas area. I started 6 varieties of peppers indoors last week and germination rates are impressive. I planted 6 types of heirloom tomato seeds from Luke's store yesterday. His seed packets are resealable which I find nice and the price of his seeds are the best I have found. Get your seeds now folks. Don't wait. Thanks Luke for the great seeds and great selection.

Yoda: “Luke! Start seeds in the winter you will!” Luke: “I dunno, I’ll try.” Yoda: “Do, or do not. There is no ‘try’!”

Thanks for clarifying winter seed sowing. I was so confused before you explained it in detail 👍

Thank you luke, as someone with limited space in a trailer park in nova scotia, canada this info is extremely valuable! Can't wait to receive my seeds and trifecta plus from your store 😁

I have learned so much from your channel. Am trying to grow tomatoes in milk jugs inside a breezeway and can't wait to see the results! Will still probably have to harden them off, but pulling plants inside and out daily is a lot.

I love how ur just chillin in the same clothes I wear when it's 70°f... y'all are crazy in Michigan

I love winter sowing!

Omg! Thanks Luke! I absolutely love this new idea and going to try this MUCH neater method. I have almost 200 containers and honestly its too much junk, my hubby is sick of it even though I neatly arrange them on the beds outside.

Like this a lot - eliminates a ton of steps and expense. Thank you!

I have 8 raised beds of varying sizes and shapes that are fully irrigated and tastefully designed into my landscape thanks to the folks who we purchased our house from. I winter sowed some flower seeds via the milk jug method but you just changed my entire life with placing the bin directly onto the raised bed. 🤭😱 I am TRULY blown away and feel so silly that I would’ve created so much extra work for myself by having to transplant all of the starts. The good thing is that I haven’t started my veggies yet so I can apply this new knowledge right now! The flowers I’ve already seeded in jugs are not going in the raised beds so this just saved my gardening life this season. I am INCREDIBLY GRATEFUL for this knowledge. Blessings my friend and prayers for a happy and successful growing season for you and your subs! 🪴💕❄️

Thanks for bringing more ways to grow! I greatly appreciate it Luke!

I did some late summer/early autumn sowing last year. I figured that was the way annual plants spread in nature. I can't wait to see if it will work or not!

The seed prices and free shipping are unbeatable! I cannot find anywhere else that sells heirloom and organic seeds for this price! I think I bought almost $100 worth this year. Probably the same amount last year too. Thank you Luke!

Wow…I had no idea I could do this. I’m in Southeast Michigan, bought containers and tubs for spring. I’m doing this this week! Thank you!

I love the harmless plug because I just went on and currently have 12 packets of seeds in my cart! Yay thank you

I've heard about this, but have never tried it. Thank you for sharing it!!!

Was planning to try this! So glad you can recommend it!😁💖🌿😊

I started WS for my hardy flowers on December 25. Now I am working on my herbs and hardy greens . And in March I will WS on my tenders veggies. Zone 7a .

I appreciate that you explain things in a way that anyone can understand what you're saying! I have watched others who speak in such a way that you almost need a degree to get it. Thank you. I love that you have videos on how to grow each type of pant! That is such a help. Last year was my first year of serious gardening. It has been a journey already. Many mistakes many victories but I have become very passionate about it. You have truly helped it feel like I can accomplish a prosperous garden. Thank you for making gardening fun and understandable.

I love this! My children are grown and I don’t have big milk jugs, so this is a great idea for me! ❤

Awesome idea! I'll be doing this asap. Thanks for another great video!!

So, this had always boggled my mind, thanks for sharing !!! My ground is completely frozen, it is -20 here today. I am always amazed when I get surprise tomatoes or pumpkins ... very cool.

I have been using a large clear bin to help some winter purslane seedlings slowly grow over winter. Zone 6. The seedlings under the bin are about 3x the size of the ones outside the bin. I'll give winter bin germination a shot.

I love this method. I'm on year 2. I use milk jugs. There are facebook groups for winter sowing. The dont like the other methods with soda bottles. I also bought clear totes with lids that serve as greenhouses.

Never knew we could do this! Game changer!!!

I must admit..i am a master gardener and have never heard of this method. I will be trying it this year.

I agree the bins look more tidy! You forgot to mention how the seedlings are being watered (oops) For gardeners new to winters sowing: please remember to put holes in the top of your plastic bin or go out to water your seedlings. If you have milk and soda jugs and no HOA preventing you from reusing them, I do encourage that as well. Just leave the cap off and you’re good to go. Gardening has so much plastic already, that any way I can find to use less or reuse what I already made is really something I try to do. Happy Gardening!!

Good video, helped me out. Growing some wild flowers in my front yard.

I have not seen that method (putting new fresh soil on snow). I might as well try just to see how it works. Thanks as always, Luke! I very much like this video.

I get volunteer cherry tomatoes every year. It is such a joy.

I'm Grateful I don't have to use this method but I think I will practice it just in case. Good knowledge/experience to have.

Awesome. I am building a cold frame with a window over a pallet I used last year to plant brassicas in that this will work perfectly in... I usually wait for transplanting because we get a late hail storm weeks after our last frost date. Between the cold frame covers and using some Dollar Store clear tubs, I should be able to get a nice early start. For a plastic bin I would HAVE to weigh it down with a brick because of high winds, but that brick can also be a prop to ventillate when needed. Thank you!

Wow this is great! Now my spring planting will go much easier!

i JUST bought a few rubbermaid bins for this!! starting some spinach and lettuce after a cold snap this coming weekend

Winter sowing requires no shelves, heat mats or grow lights. The only monetary investment is soil, seeds, duct tape and something sharp to cut containers and drainage holes. After the initial watering when planting seeds, no further watering is required until plants have grown a bit and containers feel light (unless you live in a very hot, arid zone.) Seeds come up at the proper time when conditions are right for them to germinate and plants are hardier requiring no period of hardening off. Any seed can be started this way, including tomatoes. So glad you addressed this Luke! For me it's the easiest method for starting plants for my garden.

I love it!! We have had snow on the ground for over a week now but I’m heading to the dollar store tomorrow! Thanks for sharing!

Thanks for this video! It shows you are listening to the garden community!

Thank you for this! I'm starting some seeds indoors but I have very limited space. So going to try this!

Thanks Luke, I'm going to try this with some seeds this year. Also just received my seed order yesterday! Can't wait to try the dinosaur kale this year🙂

I am going to try rhis, thank you!

AWESOME video!! Great info and ideas here. Thank you once again for all you do! I always buy my seeds from you AND I have your book! Great stuff!! 👩‍🌾💚

Ooooo…..I have wintersowed for years…..I will do this tomorrow! I will do this in my black eyed Susan patch to build it up ….also build up my butterfly weed patch….I have individual plants scattered and I now want to encourage more groups of plants…. This is THE WAY to do it!!! I’m so excited!!!! I have to think where else I’m going to use this method…again, the ground is frozen so I’ll just sprinkle soil on top and just do what you did…I know it’s going to work because this is winter sowing on a grander level!!!! THANKS!

Sounds great. Thank you!

This is brilliant! I can do this! I have no indoor space. Thank you!

I love this idea so much!!!

Plan on using both the methods this year, also wanna try it in the greenhouse! Really interesting thanks!

This is fantastic! Thank you!!

Thanks for you information and thanks for your seeds. I just bought some. Great!

Awesome, thanks! And the comments! I love this community 😊👍🏻

I like that last method! I definitely learned something new, and I really think I will try this with my lettuce seeds! Thank you, Luke.