How to Start Seeds Using a Milk Jug in 6 Easy Steps

How to Start Seeds Using a Milk Jug in 6 Easy Steps

Turn an empty milk jug into a mini greenhouse—a surprisingly simple and budget-friendly way to kickstart your garden and protect delicate seedlings from chilly spring weather. Here's how:

1. Prepare the Jug: 

Rinse out an empty gallon milk jug and cut it horizontally around the middle, leaving a small hinge near the handle.


2. Add Soil:

Fill the bottom half of the jug with 2-3 inches of moist potting soil.


3. Plant Seeds:

Sow your seeds according to the packet instructions, gently pressing them into the soil.


4. Create a Greenhouse Effect:

Tape the jug back together and leave the cap off for ventilation.


5. Place Outside:

Set the jug in a sunny, sheltered spot outdoors. The jug traps warmth and moisture, helping seeds germinate even in cooler temperatures.


6. Monitor and Transplant:

Once seedlings emerge and grow strong, transplant them into your garden after the last frost.


Starting seeds using a milk jug is a simple, budget-friendly way to get a head start on your garden while extending the growing season and increasing seedling survival rates. With just a few household items, you can create a mini greenhouse that protects and nurtures your plants. Give this easy method a try and enjoy a thriving garden from the ground up!

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