I used a discarded zip container that a comforter was in and an unused Rubbermaid container to start an indoor greenhouse. I used peat pots and seeds gleaned from last fall's bounty. In a week, the seeds have started to sprout! I placed it inside in a sunny window.
By Katy from Amherst, VA
Snow on the ground doesn't need to hinder your getting an early start on planting your spring seeds. Grab some gallon milk jugs and follow the steps in this page for starting seeds in the snow.
Start your seeds in plants already growing in the house instead of using many small cups for starting your plants ahead of the growing season. Just plant them right along with other plants you have growing in the house. When they get big enough to transplant, you can move them into other containers or directly into your garden.
If you're looking for a non messy way to start seed, this is it.
Recycle your milk jugs by adding holes to the screw style caps and the handle and to use for watering seedlings in your garden. This is a page about using a plastic milk jug for watering seedlings.
This is a page about starting seeds in egg cartons. This common household food container that often ends up in the garbage, can be reused to get your garden started.
Am I the only one who thinks that the birth of a seed is a beautiful, artistic miracle?
In addition to serving as "food" in a few months, these plantings are helping me to "Think Spring" and avoid the winter blues! Some of the planters have just one seed-type, others have a variety.
At this time, my garden is under snow and frozen slush. I love gardening, and this nasty weather can really put me in the dumps.
What is the reason for covering seed trays with glass when the trays are to be left in a greenhouse?
By Clive from Staffordshire, UK
To conserve moisture while the seeds germinate, is the only reason that comes to my mind.
It creates the same effect as being in a greenhouse.
I save the cardboard centers from toilet paper. These are excellent for starting seeds for my garden in the early spring. When the conditions are right for planting, I simply plant seedling in its cardboard core.
When planting your seeds to start seedlings to plant in your garden, if you have the room, use your biggest aluminum baking pan.