Best time to begin w/sowing ..????

16 years ago

Ok, question for all you vets out there...what have you found is the best time to start winter sowing ?? I would love to hear when everyone begins...I am wanting to start now, but am afraid it is too soon ??

Thanks so much !

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Comments (12)

bakemom_gw
16 years ago
Now! Start your perennials!
drippy
16 years ago
As soon as it's convenient for you. Winter always ends before I get all my planting done!
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flwrs4ever
Original Author
16 years ago
Ok, running to kitchen, grabbing some milk jugs, dirt, and seeds...I just caNT WAIT to get going !!! Someone told me to wait till the end of January to start..and I have been patientl waiting...thanks for the go ahead !
greylady_gardener
16 years ago
We usually have a January thaw and temps are predicted to be about 10 celsius by next week. Do you think that I should wait until that is over before sowing? Should I wait for colder temps and more snow? I am going to be sowing some tree seeds and several perennials along with lots of annuals.

Lois
pitimpinai
16 years ago
You can sow perennials now if you like. They are tough. We have January thaws here too the past few years. The seeds germinate fine when the time is right. I don't know about trees since I have not sown any before. Someone else will chime in.
Have fun. :-)
bakemom_gw
16 years ago
I have been on vacation this week (the sort of vacation you have dealing with 16, 18, and 22 year olds) and realized I don't have containers ready. I have prepared two and have started my personal winter sowing data base. I have 32 containers planned with perennials, annuals and herbs and veggies. I'm into parsley, basil and lettuce for winter sowing. I think my backyard is too shady for toms. Rats.

Think I'm going to hit rudbeckias this week - only perennials just to be cautious. I have some rudbeckia maxima I have been dying to try. Fun experiment and great payoff if it works.

Ma nature is sowing right now....why can't you?
rosebush
16 years ago
The first year I think I started sowing around the end of January and on into February. Last year I started much earlier, but had a problem with the Easter freeze.
Now that the Christmas rush is over and done, I'll be sowing this weekend and will continue off and on for a few more weeks. It's nice to have the time off from work to just play in the dirt! :)
daniellalell
16 years ago
I dont understand...your not nervous about these plants germinating early, freezing outside and dying? Is that a rare thing when you do them in the milk containers? Do you leave the milk containers open at the top to let in rain and snow?

Daniella
tiffy_z5_6_can
16 years ago
Daniellalell,

It looks like you've just discovered our Forum, and if that is the case, a big Welcome! I also need to warn you that you are about to embark on a wondrous adventure of year round gardening which will drive your family and friends to think you are a certified wacko gardener... You will experience pure joy in the coming months if you participate in this thing called winter sowing. (Some folks at this time would write 'but I digress', yet I will not since I have never digressed at the thought of filling gardens with all the plants I want.

I garden in a similar zone as yours and start winter sowing in the deep cold of February - also know as Valentine's Day. Only once in five years have I lost a couple of containers to a deep cold frost and these were tender annuals which were sown too early. You see, we start with perennials, then we move on to biennials, half hardy perennials, then it's the reseeding or 'tough' annuals, and then as the season winds down, we sow our tender annuals. I have also learned in the last few years that most seeds which germinate early are tough and will make it through. I've had Bachelor Button Sprouts covered with 1.5 inches of ice pellets and after the ice thawed, they were still there growing as strong as could be!

I've posted a link to the FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) page so you can peruse and read at your leisure. Do read them, and then come back and we will answer any question you have.

Here is a link that might be useful: Winter Sowing FAQs
moonphase
16 years ago
I remember all these questions I asked my self 3 yrs ago when I first started.I was so nervous.I started exactly on the soltice.I read every word posted here for months.Believe me,wsing works.You will be so amazed with all the plants that will germinate in the spring.It all works out perfectly.This yr.I am starting Jan.1 because my house has been full of guest and family for 2 weeks now.Sunday,I am going to the Ballet and then am kissing the Holiday festivities good bye.I am so ready to ws.I dreamed of sorting seeds last night and deciding which ones to sow first..Gardening and wsing to get my garden plants are a big part of my life.The gardeners here are awesome..Sow Perennials now,Jan and Feb,tender per. in march.Herbs and annuals in March,april and May..June plant fall plants it keeps going.Keep reading and start sowing.Keep good records.Do not put the label on the top part of the milk jug.You will cut that off in spring.I use plumbers foil.Works great.I use miracle gro potting mix,not soil,also works great..Ask away,the experts are here
moonphase
daniellalell
16 years ago
Thank you Tiffy..Gonna go read that..I cant sleep and I cant stop thinking about this..it just amazes me.
Daniella
albert_135 　 39.17°N 119.76°W 4695ft.
16 years ago
I've a pound of something called Sand Dropseed and I've a problem getting enough water to the sandy area for the tender young plants in the spring and summer. We have frequent light snow and light rain in the winter. I am wondering if I put some out now if that would be more effective.

I will try it and report. I just wonder what you think.

Best time to begin w/sowing ..????

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bakemom_gw

drippy

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albert_135 　 39.17°N 119.76°W 4695ft.

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Best time to begin w/sowing ..????

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