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new to winter sowing need help

16 years ago

I'm trying winter sowing, for the first time this year. I hope I did it right. I'm in zone 4, in Wisconsin. Here's what I did. First I bought some potting soil, at the dollar store. I filled my cool-whip containers 1/2 to 3/4 full , put the seeds in and covered with dirt. I poked holes, in the bottoms, for drainage. I gave each one a drink. Next I put saran wrap on for a cover, poked holes, in the wrap. Placed the cover back on. I cut away most of the cover, but left some on, to hold the wrap in place. Poked holes in the wrap, so they don't bake. After labeling them, I set them outside. NOW WHAT!

Thanks for any help halley

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Comments (3)

kqcrna
16 years ago
Now, you just keep them moist and wait. Your time will come. Since you are in a cold zone, you can expect your sprouting to start later than those in warm southern zones.

Karen
stage_rat
16 years ago
It seems like you did everything right! Just watch that you see moisture on the saran wrap, if you don't they probably need a drink. And watch for water pooling in them, if you see that, they need bigger drainage holes. You probably don't have a lot of head room for them to grow, so once they sprout you may need to take the top off and figure out another top if the nights are close to freezing. Enjoy your seedlings when they come!
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To winter sow or not to winter sow...
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Comments (9)
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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First year winter sowing-need help
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Hi, There is a great list on Trudi_D's Wintersown site, I have posted the link for you. I wish you good luck, and welcome! Carol Here is a link that might be useful: Middle Zone seeds to WS (zones 4-5-6)
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very new to winter sowing
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Comments (8)
Welcome Molly! You're going to have a ton of fun winter sowing! I still have lots of seeds so if you need some to help get you started, send me an email. I'll be happy to send you some seeds. Everyone on this forum was so generous with their seeds when I first signed up, there's no way I could ever WS all of them. I would love to "pay it forward" and help another newbie.
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New to gardening, need help which I can winter sow? :)
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Comments (3)
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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duane456
16 years ago
Halley, I'd be a little concerned with buying potting soil from the dollar store. It might turn into a brick. What kind of soil was it? Everything else seems like you did the right thing.
Duane

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