Spring came late in Minnesota this year. Our last frost wasn’t too late, but night and daytime temperatures were still pretty chilly for the longest time. The seeds I started indoors were ready to be transplanted, but without much warmth outside, I worried that they’d struggle.

Then there are the seeds that I sow directly in the garden. I have trouble establishing my brassicas (cabbage, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, etc.). Bugs or varmints will nibble on their leaves before they even get the chance to really establish themselves. And I didn’t always mark where I planted the seeds, so then if weeds came up, I wasn’t sure if I was pulling the right sprout…

Well, I’ve got an easy solution! Plastic jugs! Just cut the bottom out of them, pop off the lid and place them over the transplant or the newly sowed seed and you’ve given your little one a better start at life. Be sure to cut off the curved part so you can press the edges of the jugs down into the soil; this way the wind won’t blow them away. Be aware that once the daytime temps heat up, it can get pretty toasty inside your little diy cloche, so if your plant is asking for some air circulation (looking limp), give it to them. Be aware, too, that unless you’re intentional with your watering, you can easily dry out your little guy. I like to put the sprayer attached to my hose on the mist setting and place it right over the top hole for a good 10-12 seconds every morning. If your plants are doing well in the day, but you worry about a cold night, you can remove the jug cloche for the day and replace it when you tuck them in.

You may want to hold on to your milk jugs from now on! Or make friends with someone who buys purified or distilled water for their diffusers or cpap machines. And if you try this out, let me know how it works in your garden!