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.
Table of Contents
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!
If you want to learn how to start all of the seeds for your garden, and how to mix the different methods of sowing seeds (including winter sowing, indoor seed sowing, and direct sowing) to make growing seeds super easy, then my Online Seed Starting Course is just what you need! This fun online course is designed to help gardeners learn how to start their plants from seed in order to save money on their gardens, and grow any type of plant they want from seed. Enroll in the course, and get started today!
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.
Tanya says
Amy, I’m ignorant to winter sowing, but I’m reading and watching videos and plan to do it this year for the first time! My question is this: can you winter sow directly into containers (outdoor pots) by putting transparent plastic over time top, with a few holes punched in? I’m zone 6 and in an apartment—I have to use containers. I did a cottage garden this summer, and I want to grow lots of zinnias next year. So can I just wait till after winter solstice, plant seeds in moistened pot soil, cover with clear, taped plastic with a few water holes, and let them germinate in the same pot they’ll eventually grow in? Thanks in advance for your expertise on this!
Amy Andrychowicz says
Yes, that will work for winter sowing, as long as the plastic you use to cover the containers is rigid enough to withstand being covered by snow. However, zinnia seeds aren’t a good choice for this method because they are not cold hardy. Here’s a list of seed for winter sowing to help you be more successful. 🙂
Gretchen Hawley says
I’m in zone 7. This is my second year winter sowing. I didn’t think to use my dishwasher to clean my containers! This will be such a time saver this winter. Thank you for the heads up. Also, I am going to use my kitty litter containers (I have one elderly adopted cat plus 2 one year old kittens) experimenting with just a few.
Amy Andrychowicz says
You’re welcome, glad I could help save you some time. 🙂 Have fun experimenting with different winter sowing containers.
Mary says
We don’t drink milk so no jugs in my house to reuse. Could I use an aluminum food tray with a clear plastic lid for winter sowing? The kind you can buy at the dollar tree store and make lasagna in.
Amy Andrychowicz says
Yes, as long as the bottom of the container you want to use for winter sowing is deep enough to hold a few inches of soil, and the top is clear and tall enough to allow for 3-4″ of seedling growth, then it will work.
Joyce says
Is it possible to use a clear, shallow tote?
Amy Andrychowicz says
Yes. Any clear container with a tight fitting lid should work great for winter sowing. Just make sure you poke holes in the bottom and top though.
GaGirl says
I am in Zone 7, if that makes a difference. Would planting my seeds in the ground and covering with a plastic dome (such as a cloche or one of the seed starting domes) give the same results as winter sowing in a container?
Amy Andrychowicz says
I have never tried doing that myself, but you could certainly experiment with it. As long as you can somehow secure the plastic dome so it doesn’t shift under the snow, or get blown or washed away, then I would think that your results would be similar to winter sowing in containers.
Brooke says
I know this may be an old thread but I’m curious…
What about a seed starting tray/kit. It has a clear lid, soil, and will be easy to transplant the little pods. Thoughts? Anyone try it?
Amy Andrychowicz says
No worries, my content never expires. 🙂
No, a regular seed starting tray won’t work well as a winter sowing container because those little cells don’t hold enough soil, and they dry out too quickly. It’s best to use a deep container that holds a lot more soil.
Sissy says
Amy, I see you use those plastic square lettuce containers for Wintersowing, I was wondering how those held up? I have been saving mine, but it is way too warm to winter sow, yet!
Amy Andrychowicz says
Those are actually some of my favorite containers to use for winter sowing! I’m going on year three with them. The lids are easy to take off and put back on, which is really nice. The only downfall is that they will melt in the dishwasher, so I have to wash these by hand. I only have a few, so it’s not a big deal.
Matt says
Hi Amy, what great tips! I wintersowed some seeds in flat Chinese take-out containers that look even nicer than the expensive black plastic trays that I bought in England! It’s amazing what ws containers one can find around the house!
Amy Andrychowicz says
Yes, it is amazing what you can find to use for winter sowing containers! It feels good to be able to reuse these things too, rather than throwing them straight into the recycling bin. Hope your seeds are doing well!
Margis says
I did some winter sowing last week. I used ice cream pails. Cut the center of the lids out and lined them with clear heavy plastic.
Amy Andrychowicz says
Sounds like a great modification to make your winter sowing containers! I like the ice cream pails too, they are nice and deep, and the handle makes them easy to move around.
Suzie says
Amy, I’ve never thought of using all of those different types of containers for wintersowing before! I can’t believe it! I’ll have to whip a few out of the recycling bin since I just ran out of milk jugs. 🙂 Great idea & yes, I just LOVE wintersowing. I’m getting ready to do some veggies here soon.
Amy Andrychowicz says
You’re welcome! Yes, since we don’t drink a lot of milk, I’ve definitely had to get creative with my winter sowing containers! LOL! 🙂 Have fun!