Winter Sowing Containers: What Works & What Doesn’t

Winter sowing containers can be made out of items you throw out every day, like milk jugs, 2 liter bottles, or plastic buckets. There are many different types of good containers for winter sowing, so how do you choose? In this post, I’ll tell you the rules to follow so you can be sure to always use the best containers.

One of the main questions I hear from first-time winter sowers is, what type of winter sowing containers are the best?

This is definitely something that becomes a personal preference as you gain more experience winter sowing seeds. Everyone has their own favorite types, so it’s best to experiment with all kinds of different ones to see what you like.

There’s really no limit to the type or shape of containers for winter sowing. But there are a few important rules to follow in order to choose the best.

Rules For Choosing Winter Sowing Containers

• Winter sowing containers should be made out of plastic or foil
• They should have transparent lids so that sunlight can shine through, but ideally the whole thing will be clear
• Each one needs to be deep enough to hold 2-3 inches of soil
• They should also should be tall enough to allow for a few inches of headspace so the seedlings have plenty of room to grow

Winter sown containers sitting outside in the snow

Choosing The Best Types Of Containers

When it comes to choosing winter sowing containers, the final decision boils down to what you prefer, and what’s available to you.

The types of containers I prefer to use for winter sowing are ones with lids I can take off and put back on, like buckets and food containers. Milk jugs also work very well for winter sowing, and are readily available to most people.

How Long Do Winter Sowing Containers Last?

Some will hold up to the elements better than others. I’ve had containers that start to disintegrate after only a few months of being outside. I’ve had others that hold up very well, and I can use them for multiple years.

I especially like ones that can withstand the heat of the dishwasher without melting. This makes the task of cleaning my containers much easier.

I’ve noticed that if my winter sowing containers can survive in the dishwasher, they usually last longer so I can use them for more than one year.

One thing to note is that some “plastic” take-out containers are actually made out of corn, which is great for the environment… but not great for winter sowing seeds unfortunately (and these will disintegrate in the dishwasher).

Winter sowing containers covered by snow

Types Of Containers For Winter Sowing

• Large milk, soda, juice or water bottles
• Old food storage containers (look for these in the free bin at garage sales)
• Disposable food containers (I like the larger 64 oz size, or the 48 oz size for shorter seedlings)
• Ice cream buckets
• Restaurant take-out containers (these are some of my favorites)
• Food containers from the grocery store deli (I like these)
• Containers from bakery goods

Pros And Cons Of Various Containers

Like I said, there are tons of options when it comes to choosing containers for winter sowing, and by now your head might be spinning.

So, if you’re still not sure how to choose what’s best, let me break down the pros and cons of the various types to help you decide….

Large Bottles & Jugs

Hands down the most popular type of containers for winter sowing are one gallon milk jugs! They are great, but they are not necessarily the best choice for everyone.

I don’t know about you, but I don’t drink much milk (or soda or juice for that matter), and when I do, I usually buy small containers of it. So, the one gallon size aren’t as readily available to me as they are to others.

Oh, and keep in mind that many manufacturers are making milk jugs opaque these days, because light is apparently bad for the milk. But the opaque jugs won’t work for winter sowing because they don’t let light through. So be sure to use clear ones.

Winter sown milk jugs under the snow

Benefits:

• Most can be used for multiple years
• Plenty tall enough
• The tops come off, allowing for the perfect amount of ventilation (no need to poke holes in the lid)

Things to look out for:

• They aren’t dishwasher safe
• Not always easy to find unless your family drinks milk, juice or soda
• You have to cut them in half to plant them, then tape them back together, which is more work

Food Storage Containers

I have tons of these types of containers in my stash. I’ve purchased some of them, but most I’ve saved and reused. In addition to disposable food containers, old Tupperware (and other name brand) containers can work great too. I find them in the free bins at garage sales. It seems they’ll last forever!

Various food storage containers ready for winter sowing

Benefits:

• Dishwasher safe
• Most can be used for multiple years
• Lids fit on tight, and won’t blow away

Things to look out for:

• Some types will start to disintegrate after only one season
• The smaller sizes aren’t deep enough for winter sowing

Large Buckets

Ice cream, and other large buckets, are another one of my favorites. But I have found that sherbet buckets are more durable than one gallon buckets.

Large ice cream buckets ready to use for winter sowing

Benefits:

• Deep enough, and allow plenty of headspace for seedling growth
• Dishwasher safe
• Tight-fitting lids that won’t blow away

Things to look out for:

• Most ice cream buckets I’ve used only last one season before they start to crumble

Grocery Food Containers

There are tons of potential winter sowing containers in the deli, bakery, and produce sections at the grocery store. My favorites are the ones that salad greens come in.

Disposable deli and produce containers are generally more durable, and last longer than the types that baked goods come in. Just be sure to choose ones that are deep enough.

Seeds sown in food containers from the deli

Benefits:

• There are many sizes to choose from
• Most deli containers are dishwasher safe, and can be reused

Things to look out for:

• Containers from the bakery section are generally not dishwasher safe
• Many can be flimsy and start to crumble after only one use
• Some don’t have removable lids (they fold over), making them harder to work with
• Lids don’t always fit on tightly, and may blow away

Restaurant Take-Out Containers

Some types of take-out containers you get when you order salads or other food from a restaurant would work great for winter sowing. There’s a wide variety of take-out containers, and some are more durable than others.

Plastic containers from bakery goods

Benefits:

• Wide variety, and some are reusable
• Some are deep enough for tall seedlings

Things to look out for:

• Most are not dishwasher safe
• Many aren’t deep enough
• Some are made from compostable materials, rather than plastic

Winter sowing containers can be made out of just about anything, as long as you follow the rules above. If you’re just starting out, it’s best to experiment with several different types to find your favorites. Over time, you’ll build up a good stash that you can reuse year after year.

Up next, learn how to prepare containers for winter sowing.

Want to learn more about winter sowing seeds? Then my Winter Sowing eBook is just what you need! It’s an in-depth step-by-step guide that will show you how to winter sow your seeds. Download your copy today!

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More Posts About Winter Sowing

• How To Choose The Best Seeds For Winter Sowing
• When To Start Winter Sowing Your Seeds
• Tips For Winter Sowing During A Mild Winter
• Choosing The Best Soil For Winter Sowing

Share your favorite types of winter sowing containers in the comments section below.