Easy and affordable winter seed star ting

Turn off the grow lights, gather a few milk jugs and potting mix and start planting seeds.Winter sowing is a way to start transplants from seeds outdoors without a greenhouse or cold frame.

You’ll save money on equipment and time tending the seeds and seedlings. Just transform milk jugs, soda bottles and other items into mini grow chambers to start some of your favorite and hard to find transplants from seeds.

Gather flower and vegetable seeds, milk jugs or two-liter soda bottles, duct tape, a quality potting mix and weatherproof marker. Check the seed packet for information on planting details and timing.Winter sowing dates vary with the growing climate, individual gardener, and the seed variety you are planting.