Itching to plant? Milk jug gardens will do the trick

By Marilyn McKinley

OSU master gardener volunteer

It’s that time of year – the seed catalogs have arrived, your order is in (or should be) and the gardener’s itch is back.

Want to feel like a gardener again?

Why not start seeds in mini greenhouses made of milk jugs? Actually, any opaque container with a top will do.

I have done this for four years – successfully. It’s a real money saver, too.

All you need to do is thoroughly wash the milk jug (or container), punch a few holes in the bottom and cut it on three sides. So you have a hinge, punch a couple of holes on both sides of the hinge so you can close it with a twisty and discard the screw on top.

Fill the jug with 3-4 inches of light, fluffy potting seed starting mix or you can use peat moss and perlite.

Plant the seeds about 2 inches apart, cover the seeds with the planting medium, sprinkle with water and close the hinge with a twist-tie.

Be sure to label. I label inside the jug and write on the outside of the jug.

I assign a number to each seed, then record the plant name assigned to the number.

Set the jugs outside and wait. If we get a very warm sunny day, you may pop the top and let them catch a few rays.

Watch to make sure the seeds stay damp.

You will be amazed at the results.

No more indoor lights, no white flies and no damping off issues.

Depending on the temperatures we have in late winter and early spring, you might have to transplant into individual pots because of such rapid growth.

I like to stagger plantings over a few weeks to ensure I have blooms all summer.

I also start summer bulbs using this method.

I especially like starting gladiolus bulbs this way.

I start perennials by the middle of February. This may give you some challenges with the weather.

You might consider practicing a few times so you know the do’s and don’ts of using this method.

Most perennials take longer to germinate than annuals.

If starting perennials, be sure to read the planting instructions carefully.

Some require a cold period, some need to be soaked in water before planting and some need to have the surface scratched.

You can also start peas, beans, spinach, kale, brussels sprouts, broccoli, creeping thyme, oregano and cilantro at this time.

In mid-March, plant zinnias, cosmos, marigolds, lettuces, beets, parsley and basil.

Now is the time to plant any tender perennials. Be aware that if they sprout and the temperature takes a dive, you must cover these tender babies.

I have never started tomatoes this way, but understand that you should wait until early April to do so.

This is just one method of numerous ways to start your own plants for your garden. To learn more about starting seeds for your spring flowers and vegetables, go to http://go.osu.edu/seeds.