Have you tried winter sowing vegetable and ornamental plant seeds? If not, give it a try this winter. Many seeds, including tomato seeds and your favorite perennial seeds, do unbelievably well using this method.
If you are talking about the screw on lid, I remove that and through it away. It allows for good air circulation and some moisture from rain/snow to enter the just.
I hope that is what you are asking Ken. : )
Name: Mone Chicago between O'Hare & Lake (Zone 6a)
I use large water jugs for winter sowing, so the neck is very large. I cover the neck with a piece of plastic and poke small holes in it for ventilation. During heavy rain, it keeps rain water from splashing and displacing the soil and seeds.