When to Sow Winter Seeds in Malden, MA

15 years ago

I've been reading alot about sowing winter seeds, something I've never tried before. Some people say to do it around the winter solstice (Dec 21) and others say in January or February.

Could anyone who has done this successfully in Eastern Massachusetts tell me when you sowed yours?

Thanks for your help.

Helen in Malden, Massachusetts

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Comments (6)

ishareflowers {Lisa}
15 years ago
Helen,

I live in Tewksbury,MA, I'm about 25 minutes north of you.

I tried winter sowing last year for the first time. I put my containers out in January and February.

I had great results with the ones that I kept for myself.

I used 16ounce styrofoam cups in bread crates "borrowed" from the local grocery store and then covered the crate and all with plastic bags.

Here is a photo to give you and idea of what it looked like.

{{gwi:355487}}
ohsillyme
15 years ago
Hey fellow Eastern Massers! I'm in Wakefield - work in Tewksbury - surprised I havent seen your ghetto Ishare!! LOL!
This was my first year and I put containers out in February, I believe. Most everything germinated with success, I used soda bottles and milk jugs.
Beware! Its highly addicting! lol!
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terrene
15 years ago
Hi Helen, I'm in eastern Mass too. I started sowing perennials in January and sowed them through March. Many perennial seeds require a period of "cold stratification", wherein the seeds are subjected to cold and wet conditions for a month or two, which softens their seed cover and enables them to sprout. This occurs naturally when seeds are dropped on the ground in the fall, and go through the winter. It can also be accomplished by placing the seeds in a damp medium (potting soil or vermiculite) in a plastic baggie in the fridge. No worries with winter-sowing though! It works great to cold stratify the seeds that need it!

I started sowing the tender annuals, veggies, and warm season grasses just about April 1st. I put these containers on the south side of the house against the foundation, which provided extra sun and warmth for these containers, and protected them from Spring frosts.
richdelmo
15 years ago
Hi Helen and welcome. Here is a messy copy from last years spread sheet. I had very good success with the exception of Torch Tithonia in which nothing sprouted. Please keep in mind these are the dates I planted not necessarily the best dates although I followed the general winter sowing rule of thumb for most seeds.

Plant Date Sowed
Bachelor Button March 15
Basil Apil 16th
Beets Febuary 18
Black Eyed Susan February 18
Broccoli Early Feb
Broccoli Febuary 18
Butterfly Weed February 17
Cat Nip Febuary 18
Delphanium February 17
Echinacea February 17
Gaildallia Febuary 18
Larkspur Febuary 18
Larkspur Febuary 18
Four OClock
Lettuce February 17
Pepper April 16th
April 16th
March 15
Snaps February 17

Sunflower Febuary 18
Sunflower Febuary 18
Salvia Early Feb
Salvia February 17
Spinach Febuary 18
Tomato
3/15/2008
4/5/2008
4/8/2008

Torch Tithonia Febuary 18
zinnia 4/5/2008
Marie of Roumania
15 years ago
hello helen,

i'm in quincy & winter-sowed the past three winters. i've experienced much better germination from perennial seeds set out in february than from seed set out earlier.

it's so tempting to get a jump-start on the solstice but i'm learning to wait. i prep jugs in december & january and really swing into action in february. it's the perfect antidote to the late-winter blahs!

most annuals & vegetables don't get set out until late april. the real heat-lovers -- morning glories, moonflowers, nicotiana, okra, beans, etc. -- don't go outside until mid-may. they germinate pretty quickly once they're warm enough.

hope this helps. enjoy & best of luck!
richdelmo
15 years ago
small world marie, I grew up and went to school in quincy.

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When to Sow Winter Seeds in Malden, MA

Comments (6)

ishareflowers {Lisa}

ohsillyme

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terrene

richdelmo

Marie of Roumania

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