Winter Sowing

Have you ever heard of winter sowing? It is one of the easiest and best ways to get your seeds going and February is the perfect month to get started. 

So what is it?

Winter sowing is a gardening method designed for cold-hardy flowers that mimics natural processes. Seeds are planted in clear plastic containers with holes cut in both the top and bottom, then placed outdoors. This setup creates a mini greenhouse effect, allowing the seeds to undergo cold stratification—a process many seeds need in order to germinate properly. The cold exposure ensures the seeds wake up and sprout when the conditions are perfect.

What are cold hardy plants?

A "cold hardy" plant is a plant that can withstand cold temperatures, including frost and freezing weather, without significant damage, allowing it to survive through winter and resume growth in the spring by entering a state of dormancy during cold period. Because of our cold winters here in Maine many plants cannot survive, but their seeds can. Actually, the best way to save seeds is by putting them in the freezer! 

What are the benefits?

If you've ever started seeds indoors, you know how much work goes into keeping those little plants healthy. They need proper sunlight or grow lights, careful watering (not too much or too little), and constant attention to prevent them from becoming root-bound. It's a real hassle!

Winter sowing takes all that stress away. Check out this picture from last year if you need any convincing which method was better. 

 

What's even better is that the seeds know when its time to do their thing. You will have bigger, healthier plants earlier! No need to harden them off either. Its a total game changer. 

What do I have to do?

It's super easy! All you need is a plastic container—my go-to is an old salad container. While many people use cut milk jugs, I find salad containers work perfectly: they’re completely transparent, and the lid snaps on securely. If you choose a milk jug or old water jug, you’ll need to tape the top and bottom to keep them sealed.

Be sure to cut holes in both the top and bottom of the container—this is crucial for water drainage and air circulation, so don't skip this step! Next, fill the bottom with a few inches of potting soil or seed-starting mix (I've had success with both). Lightly dampen the soil, but avoid making it too wet.

Then, sow your seeds, following the instructions on the seed packet—some seeds need light to germinate, while others prefer darkness. Once your seeds are planted, label the container and place it outside in a sunny spot. Right now, my containers are in the garden near the greenhouse, but many people like to keep them closer to the house for a little extra warmth. It's up to you!

Okay I'm in, but what are hardy annuals?

Here is a list of the hardy annuals I am winter sowing right now, it is not a complete list of what can be sown using this method, but its a good start. Any plant listed as a hardy annual can be sown this way.

So what do you say? You going to give it a try? 

Let us know how it goes!!