You can make winter sowing containers out of recyclable items that you throw out every day, like milk jugs, 2 liter bottles, or plastic buckets.
There are so many good options, but there are also ones that won’t work – so how do you choose what’s best? In this post, I’ll tell you the rules to follow so you’ll always have the most ideal mini greenhouses possible.
Types Of Winter Sowing Containers You Can Use
Below is a list of some of the most popular options to get you started. Everyone has their own favorites, so you should experiment with several different ones to see what you like.
- 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.
Rules For Choosing Winter Sowing Containers
There’s really no limit to the type or shape of the containers you can use for winter sowing. But there are a few important rules you need to follow to choose the best.
- They should be made out of plastic or foil.
- At minimum they must have transparent lids so that sunlight can shine through, but ideally the whole thing would be transparent.
- Each one needs to be deep enough to hold 2-3 inches of soil.
- They should also be tall enough to allow for at least 4″ of headspace so the seedlings have plenty of room to grow.
Related Post: Winter Sowing Seeds: A Quick-Start Guide
Pros & 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, below I’ll break down the pros and cons of the various options to help you decide.
Related Post: How To Prepare Containers For Winter Sowing
Large Bottles & Jugs
Hands-down the most popular type of containers for winter sowing are one gallon milk or water jugs. They are great, but they’re 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 jugs of it. So, the one gallon size isn’t as readily available to me.
One thing to keep in mind here is 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 transparent ones.
Benefits of milk jugs:
- You can reuse them for multiple years.
- They’re plenty tall enough.
- The caps come off, allowing for the perfect amount of ventilation.
Things to look out for:
- They aren’t dishwasher safe, so you’ll have to hand-wash them.
- It’s not always easy to find them, 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 ones, 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.
Benefits of food storage containers:
- They’re dishwasher safe.
- You can use some of them for multiple years.
- The 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 containers 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 1/2 gallon sherbet containers are more durable than one gallon buckets.
Benefits of large buckets:
- 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.
Benefits of grocery containers:
- There are many sizes to choose from.
- Most deli containers are dishwasher safe, and you can reuse them for many years.
Things to look out for:
- Containers from the bakery section are usually 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.
- The lids don’t always fit on tightly, so they 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 work great for winter sowing.
There’s a wide variety of options here, and some are more durable than others. For example, 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.
Benefits of food take-out containers:
- Wide variety of options, and many 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.
How Long Do Winter Sowing Containers Last?
Some types of winter sowing containers will hold up to the elements better than others. I’ve had some start to disintegrate after only a few months of being outside. I’ve had others that hold up very well, and last for multiple years.
I especially like ones that can withstand the heat of the dishwasher without melting. This makes the task of cleaning my winter sowing containers much easier.
I’ve noticed that if they can survive in the dishwasher, they usually last much longer, so I can use them again for several years.
You can use just about any type of plastic container for winter sowing, as long as you follow the rules above. If you’re just starting out, experiment with several different ones to find your favorites. Over time, you’ll build up a good stash that you can reuse year after year.
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 to start all of the seeds for your garden, and how to mix the different planting methods to make it super easy, then my Online Seed Starting Course is just what you need. This fun online course is designed to help you learn how to start any type of plants you 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.
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!
Sam says
probably seems like an ODD question but how do you make winter sowing containers with the milk jugs? they are mostly covered in snow so it is hard to see if you cut them somewhere and if so how far up/down. I’d be interested in more info plus what you seed in them….thanks
Amy Andrychowicz says
Great questions. Yes, the milk jugs are cut in half around the middle. The types of seeds that do the best with this method are cold tolerant vegetables, hardy annuals and perennials. Here is a great step by step guide for you to read more details, and get started… Winter Sowing Seeds: A Quick-Start Guide
Rainbow Bright says
Rotisserie chicken containers are fantastic for planting seeds. They have a high top and generally ridges or depressions in the bottom to aid drainage. I’ve got a friend saving them, even now, for my winter sowing!
Amy Andrychowicz says
Thanks for the tip. I bet rotisserie chicken containers would be great! They’re nice and deep with a wonderful domed lid! I haven’t tried them yet. You’re lucky you have a supply chain! ?
Stephanie Daily says
I love your idea of planting your seeds in those kind of containers with lids! I’m definitely going to have to borrow that idea for making my winter sowing containers this year. It seriously never occurred to me. I’ve tried recycling containers in all kinds of other ways, but always without tops and put in ziplock baggies. Genius. Pure genius.
Amy Andrychowicz says
Well thank you! LOL! We don’t drink a lot of milk, so I had to get creative with my winter sowing containers. 🙂
Margaret Akin says
Do you cut out the bottoms of the plastic containers or do you poke holes in the bottoms or do you keep containers as is with no holes? Do you have to keep the lid off slightly or in the case of milk jugs, do you screw the lid on tightly until spring? Thank you. Margaret
Amy Andrychowicz says
Hi Margaret, this post will help to answer all of your questions… How To Prepare Containers For Winter Sowing
Margaret Akin says
Thank you Amy. I’d like try this. It sounds like you need to only poke holes in the bottoms. Then in the spring you remove the lids to ventilate. I guess keep the lids handy, in case it gets cold again. Margaret
Amy Andrychowicz says
Yes, you’ve got it. Good luck!
abby says
Can I winter sow in (large–16″ – 18″) terra cotta pots and cover them with a plastic bag or plastic wrap? I assume I would have to dig out some/most of the old soil, add a layer of seed starting mix and leave enough headroom for the seedlings to grow.
Amy Andrychowicz says
It’s worth a try! The only concern I would have is that terracotta pots don’t hold moisture, so I would worry that the soil would get too dried out. It would be a fun experiment though.
Dawn says
I am planning on starting my winter sowing this week in gallon water bottles. Where is the best location?
Amy Andrychowicz says
Awesome! You can put the containers in full sun in an area that’s protected from harsh winds. Here’s more details on winter sowing seeds… Quick Start Winter Sowing Guide
monica says
I love to organize my winter sowing containers with boxes as well.
Allison says
Hello! Love the information! I have been researching winter sowing on and off over the last couple of weeks and just had a quick question about containers. I like the idea of using containers that you can just stick directly into the ground (peat pots, TP rolls, egg shells etc.) – I know two of the “rules” of winter sowing is to having a container that is deep enough for the 2-3″ of medium and that it should be something that basically acts as a small greenhouse/keeps the elements out – things that direct-planting container types don’t really do. That said, would it be possible to use a larger storage tub (similar to an under-bed plastic tub) with direct-to-ground containers stored inside of it? In theory it seems like it should work with the only weakness coming from the possible deterioration of the containers before you plant them in the ground. What are your thoughts?
Amy Andrychowicz says
Yes, I have heard of people using their normal winter sowing containers with the TP rolls/peat pots inside. They fill in between the rolls/pots with soil to help retain moisture. The biggest concern with using these types of plantable pots is that they can act as a wick and draw moisture out of the soil faster than normal. I think your method sounds like it should work, but keep a close eye on your containers to make sure they aren’t drying out too quickly.
SecondhandKris says
You say you start sowing in February. This winter seems to be exceptionally cold – will you still be starting them this month? Also, I don't have a deck or patio – but I would put the containers on my outside table for the morning sun – or is it okay to put them on a sheet of cardboard or some such thing directly on the snow?
Amy Andrychowicz says
You can start winter sowing your seeds anytime, no worries about it being too cold. As far as where to place the containers… you can put them right on top of the snow. No need to lay down anything first.
Tara says
Love your blog Amy and I reference quite often. I am pretty excited to try out winter sowing. I have some seeds that I bought last summer, but I am going to have to get more.
Amy Andrychowicz says
Thank you! 🙂 Glad to hear you’re going to give winter sowing a try. Good luck, I hope all of your seeds grow great for you!
Anonymous says
Hi Amy
I have been putting aside some old containers. I can't wait to try this out. Do I use regular gardening soil or should I use the seed starting soil?
Amy Andrychowicz says
You can just use regular potting soil. Sometimes I use a seed starting mix though, if that’s all I have on hand. Definitely do not use soil from your garden in your winter sowing containers though. Here’s more information for you… Choosing The Best Soil For Winter Sowing
Nat says
This is a very cool idea, I attempted an outdoor winter seeding of crocosmia lucifer and seeded in october. The problem was small sprouts appeared in mid december and were nuked by the frost. Who knows what might pop come spring but putting a lid on things might give them that extra warmth to survive. Great post!
Amy Andrychowicz says
Oh no, sorry to hear your winter seeding experiment didn’t work out. Yes, using the mini greenhouse containers should help to keep the seedlings from being killed by frost. Hope you’ll have more success with the winter sowing method!