I took a break from sewing this week to sow - that is winter sowing seeds in my garden. This is the first time I am attempting winter sowing so I will have to write an update on how it goes. Winter sowing is a method in which you start seeds in plastic containers you set outside in, as you guessed, in the winter. The plastic containers serve as greenhouses. This way you don't need grow lights and other fancy equipment. The seeds will sprout when they are ready. It is a perfect way to use materials that you already have.
Before the pandemic, we rarely ordered takeout because of all the waste it created. We would eat in and bring leftovers home in our own reusable containers we brought for that purpose. However, over the past year, we have wanted to support local businesses and we are simply not going to dine in until we are all vaccinated. So we have ended up with way too many plastic containers.
I used a couple containers that entrees from the homemade noodle shop down the street Magic Noodle came in, other take out containers and clam shell packaging that once held salad greens. I poked holes in both the top and the bottom of the containers and filled it with potting soil I had purchased. I planted the containers with cold hardy plants including peas, lettuce and spinach.
I am going to have to remember to remove the lids on warmer days so the containers don't heat up too much. Last year I had the inspiration of making a mini greenhouse from a plastic bin and I ended up frying a bunch of plants.
I have taken other upcycling steps in my garden. Last year, I walked down our alley, collected branches and made this trellis. I started the project using hammer and nails, then switched to lashing with string. Then a neighbor stopped by. She said, "I have some hemp twine you can use." Then she went home and came back with it. That was a good string to use.
I am hoping to make more trellises this spring and will post a how-to along with my gardening update
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