trudi has a bunch of pix at this link

Here is a link that might be useful: here

Thanks you so much for link. Unfortunately you can't see a lot of details in most of the photos. I am wondering if you cut the milk jugs so you can leave the handle attached to pick up easier, etc....simple little things like this are all helpful when you don't know what you are doing. lol

Like how helpful to someone just starting out a recent post was .... concerning a winter sower thinking about changing the soil they had been using to WS. I do appreciate all the help.

http://faq.gardenweb.com/faq/wtrsow/

Stillwelljill, I think that if you go to the above website, you will have answers to most of your newbie questions. I have been lurking for a couple of years, will try my hand at it this coming winter. Let's both keep our fingers crossed.

There are several ways to cut milk jugs, everyone has their favorite.

I use a hinge type, using scissors to cut around 3 sides but leaving the paper label side intact. I cut right below the handle so the bottom is able to accomodate 3 to 4" of soil. I usually make a few slices around the shoulders too, to facilitate opening more/bigger holes as spring weather warms. Also use plenty of drainage holes in bottom. To close, fold closed and secure with one or two vertical strips of duct tape. I never use the screw on cap. I don't even save them. I discard immediately.

Karen

Thegeez,
The website you posted is wonderful and has so many answers to my questions. Much thanks for the post!

When I cut my jugs up. I do it the full circle around and I usually do it under the handle. And then I use a hole punch and punch a hole in each corner and then I use florist wire to hold the two pieces together. It gives me enough space for the proper amount of soil. Hope this helps

Paula

What a great idea, Paula, to use a hole punch and florist wire. I am grateful!

Karen, A great idea about leaving a hinged side attached on the jug when cutting it in half and placing slices in the shoulders of the jugs. I will definitely try that.

I do the hinge method and punch 16 holes with my soldering iron in the bottem of each jug. I secure the hinge with a 3-4 inch strip of duct tape. I use foil tape to mark the bottom half of what I have and use a sharpie to number the jugs top and bottom. My jugs get morning sun and are moved to dappled shade when they sprout.

If you are going the "milk jug route" - and I am a top fan - - I can highly recommend the black and decker electric sissor for making the cutting job a snap. The were on sale at the Walmart website last week for $12 I think.

I also do the hinge method and soldering gun to do the bottom holes. I now use a paper punch to punch a hole in the top and bottom (opposite hinge) and secure with a twistee. I collect extra twistees at the grocery store. I put a piece of duct tape on side of jug, and a tag (made from blind) in the inside of jug with plant info.

I love hearing how others do their jug prep, it's helped me improve my method.