I've been starting my vegetable seeds in milk jugs outdoors, and it's been super easy and cheap—everything sprouted nicely! I'm in Zone 7b in Maryland, and I'm curious if there's a strong reason for me to invest in grow lights and racks for next season since my current method worked well. Should I keep using the milk jug technique, or will I regret not having lights? Convince me either way!
3 Answers
Honestly, if your method is working well for you, keep it up! I’m in a colder part of the northeast and can't really start most seeds outside til late spring. But if you’re happy with what you're growing in Maryland, I wouldn't rush to buy more equipment!
Exactly! My indoor lighting setup can be a hassle. If you have good conditions outside, go for it!
If your climate allows you to start plants outside like it does in Maryland, then sticking with milk jugs could totally work! In places with longer winters, like Wisconsin, having grow lights is essential since you can't start seeds outdoors until later. So, for areas with harsher winters, indoor setups make sense, but in your case, it sounds like you're good to go with the milk jug method!
Haha, I feel you! It's a whole production here to start seeds. You lucky folks in warmer zones have it easier!
Yup, I'm in the Midwest too and the struggle is real when it comes to starting seeds indoors. Count your blessings!
I see the benefits of grow lights mainly in extending the growing season, especially for crops like peppers and tomatoes that need warm soil to thrive. But if you can comfortably start your seeds outside, and they're doing great, you might not need them. Just keep an eye out for frost threats that could damage your seedlings if you start too early!
True! I had to cover my seedlings the other night when it dropped to 29°F—definitely a hard lesson learned.
For sure! If I didn't have grow lights, I would have lost many crops to unexpected frosts!
Right? If the milk jug technique is doing you right, why fix what isn’t broken!