Winter vs Spring sowing?

16 years ago

Ok, is spring sowing the same thing as winter, just w/ seeds that need warmth not cold to germinate?? Everything is done the same way?

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Comments (4)

donn_
16 years ago
You need to pay more attention to the temperature and moisture level in the containers. Park them in semi-shade, and make sure they stay moist. Apart from that, there's no difference. Most seeds don't need cold stratification, and germinate just fine with Spring, Summer and even early Fall sowing.
Brent_In_NoVA
16 years ago
Is every thing done the same way? Not everybody winter sows the same way so you might have to explain your technique.

I grew a couple containers of seed last summer outside. I used milk jugs and I cut a large hole in one side of the jug for extra ventilation. I placed my containers on my north facing porch where they got just a tad of early morning sun. I had a problem keeping the Heuchera seedlings alive, but the others worked fine...Coreopsis, Scabiosa, and Lychnis.

- Brent
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My seedlings (started in jug) were frosted to stiffness in 28 degree weather the other night and they LIVED!!! Amazing! Now the temp is above freezing but we have frozen stuff falling out of the sky. I'm assuming everything will be fine. It's been very warm lately for a while and yesterday it was above 60 so I'll bet the soil is very warm and protecting the plants as it radiates heat. At least, I'm hoping. I know some things are not supposed to transplant well, but I'm wondering if transplanting small seedlings negates that. I don't know, this is my first time to wintersow. The roots of these small seedlings are all healthy but small. I wonder if that makes them amiable to trasplanting. It would be nice to hear somebody with knowledge of this chime in. My morning glories all had their true leaves and were 1-2 inches tall. They seem to be happy and growing well. They do germinate fast if nicked, so I would think direct sowing would be nice, as well. My first year to grow them, but the ones I nicked literally showed germination in 2 days in a jug.
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lynnencfan
16 years ago
Hi Brent - I am just a state down below you in North Carolina and I do alot of Spring and Summer sowing. I use mostly cell packs. I still cover the seed trays till they germinate then uncover them. I use trays that will hold water and keep about 1/2" of water in them and bottom water - if the tops start to look dry I will top water also but generally the bottom watering keeps everthing moist. I also have a shade house that I keep them in. We seldom go on vacation (our back yard and gardens are our vacation) so I can keep on top of them every day plus my husband and I are retired - this is what we do 24/7. I hope that helps some.....

Lynne
mmqchdygg
16 years ago
Brent- whatever technique you use won't change...'style' is not as important as 'method' in this case.
As donn mentioned, the only thing you'll change is the location of the containers to part-shade, and the amount of time you're out there monitoring. Set your watch for 1/2-hour intervals ;)

Although I haven't done a LOT of spring sowing, I can tell you that the time you'll have 'covers on' will be significantly reduced. Don't want fried seedlings.

Good luck!

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Winter vs Spring sowing?

Comments (4)

donn_

Brent_In_NoVA

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lynnencfan

mmqchdygg

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