First time I'm going to winter sow

lorraine_2006

17 years ago

Hi I was hoping that some experienced winter sowers could help me. I would like to know how to winter sow, containers and the best plants to sow? Thank you for any info. Cheers! Lorraine

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (6)

tiffy_z5_6_can
17 years ago
I'll start off by posting a link to the FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) from the main forum. Take a read and do join us for more enjoyment! Welcome!

Here is a link that might be useful: FAQs on Winter Sowing.
0
musicalmommy
17 years ago
I'm a total newbie. Just 2 years of gardening experience and I've never grown anything from seed before. What is the difference between winter sowing and the usual method? Is the usual method to start the seeds indoors early spring? Does winter sowing means starting the seeds in flats in the middle of winter and keeping them outside the entire time? I have Poppy seeds from my sister in law. I was planning to sprinkle them into the soil a few weeks before winter frost. That's not winter sowing I know. It's called direct sowing? I'm afraid if I sprinkle them now, the seedlings will germinate and be killed by winter frost. Am I right about that?
0
Related Discussions
To winter sow or not to winter sow...
Q
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
...See More
I just winter sowed for the first time, too! (photo)
Q
Comments (12)
Editor, I am so happy to see your great start. Remember to post your container count on the official thread. It truly is addicting, and seeing you excitement brings back memories of my first season. I am very happy for you. I really hate to do this, and I REALLY hope my suspicions are wrong, but I have to ask you something about those lovely containers. Do they say anywhere on them, in tiny print, that they are made of corn? I bought organic greens at Sam's last year and was really excited about the container. It turns out it was made of corn (yeah, corn?) and melted into a shapeless mess when washed in hot water. I set them outside to see what would happen and the sun destroyed them. I really hope that's not the same thing you have, but if it is, better to find out now before the season gets too far along. Hoping to be wrong, Seedmama
...See More
first time winter sowing, some noob questions
Q
Comments (6)
I love small plastic ziplocs so much that I order 15,000 at a time for WinterSown.Org. You have to make sure the seeds are bone dry before putting them in the baggies. Storing dry seeds in the refrigerator or freezer doesn't provide any stratification--it's just cold storage. Seeds must be in a moistened medium before going into the cold to have any effect towards germination. WS isn't the Baggie Method, Winter Sowing is waiting until winter, then sowing the seeds into a lidded and vented container, and placing that container OUTSIDE and never bringing it back inside. In their containers, the seeds go through natural freezes and thaws, and then germinate hardily at their own right time. You need to look at my FAQs here at the Winter Sowing Forum or visit WinterSown.Org for more extended information and photos, etc. T
...See More
first time at winter sowing!!
Q
Comments (2)
Have you ever had tomatoes sprout in the spring from fruit that dropped the year before? I have..that's nature 'wintersowing'. It can happen, and you probably will get germination. Wintersowing in March just means more will probably germinate (less chance of rot). If the flowers were perennials, or hardy annuals (ones that reseed naturally) then you should be ok. Annuals like impatiens, yvonne's salvia, that don't readily reseed shouldn't be sown until April (in Ontario) for best results. Let me know if you need some more seeds...;0)
...See More
krystine
17 years ago
Yes, wintersowing means starting the seeds outside in containers and keeping them outside the entire winter. Direct sowing is just as you described. I, personally, would hold off on direct sowing the poppies now and wintersow them.

If I had one piece of advice for newbies, it would be to limit the amount of containers/seeds you wintersow the first year. I did waaaay too many seeds and containers my first time and when it came time for planting out, it became more of a chore than a fun thing to do.

Here is a link that might be useful: Krystine's Garden Blog
0
tiffy_z5_6_can
17 years ago
Musicalmommy,

Direct sowing is sprinkling them on the soil as you say. You can do this at this time of year since in your zone they will probably not germinate this late in the season. But where those seeds end up after you sow them in the gardens is why some of us winter sow. Rain and birds will take them away.

I don't have lights in the basement, nor do I have a greenhouse, so winter sowing is ideal. And I was planning on placing lights in the basement, but after winter sowing my first year, decided I'd spend the money on other things in the gardens.

In essence, you are creating a little greenhouse with your containers and if growing gardens on a budget, this method is most ideal. What costs me the most is soil - everything else is nominal.

Welcome to winter sowing. Try it! You'll enjoy it I'm sure!
0
debios
17 years ago
Kyrstine love your blog.

My first year I also planted to many jugs and seeded way too heavily. I guess it was because it was the dead of winter and my faith was low.This method of growing does work and works well. Labelling was another problem I had. My labels faded, or fell off or I thought I'd remember my "codes" . LOL There is no better feeling than seeing your first babies appear.

Good luck.
0
northerner_on
17 years ago
Hi Lorraine and welcome. I have WSd for 2 years and I am amazed on how much you can learn from this forum as well as the mother forum. I have been very successful - only this afternoon a neighbour was admiring the asters I WSd last winter. They are really spectacular and my favourite WSd annual. In addition to Tiffy's advice, I also recommend that you read this article by Trudi:

http://gardengal.net/page104.html
I consider her the 'mother' of winter sowing because it was this article that got me started. For several years, I had been trying to do it, but this article, which I just happend upon, showed me the right way. Good luck!
Northerner.
0

Related Stories

ARCHITECTURE Get a Perfectly Built Home the First Time Around

By Bud Dietrich, AIA

Yes, you can have a new build you’ll love right off the bat. Consider learning about yourself a bonus

Full Story

112

By Christine Tusher

Take care of these tasks to avoid major home hassles, inefficiencies or unsightliness down the road

Full Story

GARDENING GUIDES 10 Easy Edibles for First-Time Gardeners

By Marianne Lipanovich

Focus on these beginner-friendly vegetables, herbs, beans and salad greens to start a home farm with little fuss

Full Story

LIFE World of Design: Discoveries of 10 First-Time Homeowners

By Houzz

See how people around the globe have shaped their starter houses and made them their own

Full Story

LIFE Simple Pleasures: A Long Winter’s Nap

By Laura Gaskill

This time of year we can always use a little extra rest. Make it easy with these ideas for daytime napping

Full Story

WINTER GARDENING 6 Reasons I’m Not Looking Forward to Spring

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

Not kicking up your heels anticipating rushes of spring color and garden catalogs? You’re not alone

Full Story

HOUZZ TOURS My Houzz: Eclectic Repurposing Fits First-Time Homeowners in Utah

By Lucy Call

DIY projects using reclaimed materials add rustic style to an open-layout Salt Lake City home

Full Story

FLOWERS Rudbeckia Mania: Go Beyond Black-Eyed Susan in the Garden

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

Branch out from typical nursery fare, with lesser-known Rudbeckia species that have delightfully unexpected features

Full Story

WINTER GARDENING Extend Your Growing Season With a Cold Frame in the Garden

By Paintbox Garden

If the sun's shining, it might be time to sow seeds under glass to transplant or harvest

Full Story

By Alison Hodgson

What to do when you’re contemplating home improvements after a move and you don't know where to begin

Full Story

First time I'm going to winter sow

Comments (6)

tiffy_z5_6_can

musicalmommy

Related Discussions

krystine

tiffy_z5_6_can

debios

northerner_on

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US