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Winter Sowing Exchange

WANTED: New to the idea of winter sowing

14 years ago

I am sure this is a silly question. I was reading about winter sowing on wintersown.org and I needs some experts to guide me thorugh this process.

Why wouldn't I just winter sow the seeds in the ground where I want them? Why go through the process of creating the green house with containers? Can I sow them in the ground where I want them and create some kind of 'tent'/ greenhouse affect right there?

what have you tried that has been successful?

thanks for any guidance you can provide for a newbie.

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Comments (4)

lgslgs
14 years ago
Using containers lets me start the seeds in a higher quality soil than I have in my garden beds. It also keeps birds, mice and chipmunks from snacking on the seeds and prevents winds and rains from moving all of my seeds off to my neighbor's yard.

That gives my seedlings a good jump start before I transplant them into the garden and has made a big difference in how many mature plants I end up with out of each seed packet.

I don't direct sow anything in the garden unless I have so much saved seed on hand that I don't mind when 90% of it doesn't germinate. And the more I wintersow, the more I end up with tons of plants and saved seed - so I do eventually switch over to direct sow on a lot of things.

But if it's something where I don't already have gobs of it in the garden, and I'd be sad if I didn't get great germination - then ABSOLUTELY it's wintersowing in containers for those.

Lynda
token28001
14 years ago
Connie, the wintersowing method is really about protecting the seeds and seedlings until the weather warms up enough to plant them out. Hardy perennials can germinate anytime and usually survive snow, ice, and very cold weather.

I'll be sowing a lot in place this year, but covering them with the tops from my two liter containers. It's like wintersowing, but since our soil rarely freezes, I should still have good success, possibly as early as with sowing in containers.

Critters love fresh seeds of all types. The squirrels are already eating some of my direct sown seeds.
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This is turning into a very weird weather year for many of us. Because of that, it's hard to give you an absolute answer. Be aware that no matter what any of us tell you, it's nature that has the final answer in when those seeds will sprout. My best guess is that it's probably fine for perennials hardy to your area, and hardy annuals too. I'd definitely wait for anything tender. And if perennials and hardy annuals would sprout early, they have a much better chance of survival in their containers. And keeping them in a shady spot is definitely a good idea until spring is in the air. This is probably our coldest part of winter most years, and it's when I sow my hardy annuals and perennials. I sowed my first jugs a few days ago. I'd go for it if I were you. The chance that they'll sprout in shade is minimal I think, and winter might just stay mild this year. Karen
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Hi and welcome to winter-sowing :) Perennials I start in December but Annuals and Veggies, I would follow what FAQS say above.(they helped me tons last year) If we have a bad Winter again this year, I'd reccommend actually not starting annuals/veggies till April or May as I lost a few Zinnias, Cosmos and tomatoes last year that I did in March!! As far as any advice for wintersowing the first time? Remember to put a few drainage holes in, stick with good potting soil(don't use seed starter soil or cheapest brand potting soil) and be generous but don't thickly sow seeds. I had better results meaning bigger seedlings where there were a few but not overcrowded containers. Oh and I'm sticking too the miracle-gro potting soil but that is just my recommendation. :) How many do you plan on doing? Any perennials? ~Michael P.S. It can become addicting once you start! Lol
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What a great idea..wish I could make it. Have fun and next year there will be even more great plants to brighten many spots here and there.
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ruthz
14 years ago
token
I'm planning to sow in place this year, but I've been saving gallon milk jugs.
Is the two liter containers better?
I don't normally have those but could try to save a few if they are better.
mmqchdygg
14 years ago
Has everyone found the "discussions" side of this forum? (Not sure if the newbies realized they were on the exchange side) Tons more info over there! Here's a linky:

Here is a link that might be useful: Winter Sowing- Discussions side

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