Milk Jug of Greenhouse?
Have you ever wanted to grow a plant from seed? This may be one of the most exciting processes of planting: watch a plant grow from start to finish. Due to brutal winters and chilly springs, it is often difficult to successfully do such a thing. However, this little trick may help you achieve strong, resilient seedlings while also getting rid of some extra plastic milk jugs.
Instead of high-tech equipment, this technique turns old milk-jugs into full functioning greenhouses which allows for the internal environment to be easily managed during unpredictable seasons. Also, having the milk cartons outside exposes the seedlings, just enough, to a wide range of temperatures during their initial growth cycle so that they can withstand difficult circumstances in the future. If those benefits aren’t enough, this process is also incredibly hands-off, so both the gardener and the plants benefit!
What you will need:
· Milk jugs
· Seeds
· Scissors
· Duct tape
· Potting soil
Steps:
1. Cut the milk jug in half, avoiding the handle, and toss the cap
2. Add drainage holes to the bottom of your milk jug
3. Add moisture to the soil, until it drains all the way through
4. Sow the seeds with consideration to their growing requirements
5. Put the top half of the milk jug snuggly back on top and tape the “greenhouse” shut
6. Label the milk jug and place in a sunny spot outside
Typically, you will not need to water the milk jugs, but it is always a good idea to check in and make sure that the jugs are not dried out! When it comes to determining what kind of plants you should sow, make sure to look into seasonal sowing guidelines. If you want to get a head start in the winter, mostly perennials and flowers are good for this season; specific herbs and other veggies enjoy early spring. Once the plants have four full leaves then they are good for planting!
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