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 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
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).
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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!
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.
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!