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Winter Sowing garden

Winter sowing newbie question (Zone 7a)

oldpatct CT Zone 7

3 years ago

Hi Everyone

Very cold here in the northeast and was thinking can i winter sow all seeds that require cold stratification today. I am asking my question because the seed packets suggest to cold stratify for 30 days but since the seeds wont sprout until it is warm enough then why can't i put them out today for 60-90 days?

I have reviewed websites where they suggest some seeds for January, some other seeds (like milkweed for the monarchs in February, etc. etc.)

A basic question but can't find an answer anywhere?

thank you

Featured Answer

floral_uk z.8/9 SW UK

3 years ago

The whole point of WS, as far as I understand it, is that it avoids you worrying about stratification times. You just sow in winter and forget. So go ahead.

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Comments (8)

oldpatct CT Zone 7
Original Author
3 years ago
thanks
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venessa marquis
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
I can't seem to find out if the jugs should be in the sun? shade? I'm New to this and in zone 6b. I've left them in the shade til now thinking i did'nt want them to get too warm yet.(couldn't figure out how to ask a new question)
Gargamel
3 years ago
I wondered the same thing. I wonder if it matters if it’s cold out and everything is still frozen, but I read to put them in the sun. I also wondered whether to keep the cap on or off
plays inthedirt
3 years ago
I've been doing WS off & on in zone 5 & 6 since '94 & my best advice is Go For It! Until you get a feeling for your own microclimate I wouldn't use all of my most pricey or treasured seeds-experiment with just a few or start with inexpensive seeds (think $ store!) Normally I'd have started before now, but OH that snow! I can't get through the entire yard yet but can see the outline of the raised beds again. I usually start jugs in a somewhat shaded area (like UNDER the picnic table) & move them on top after they sprout. I always leave the cap off-it lets out heat if you get a warm sunny day & lets some rain get in. They can do just fine even under the snow, but make sure you have enough drainage so it's not an ice cube. Have fun!
Gargamel
3 years ago
Thanks plays!
Venessa Marquis
3 years ago
Thanks for your input!
diggerdee zone 6 CT
3 years ago
Yes, CAPS OFF! Lol. That lets the rain in and the heat out. I always put my containers along the side of my house on the driveway (which comes right up to the house) so they are on asphalt next to the foundation, in sun most of the day. Quite a warm spot but they seem to do fine there. I agree with playsinthedirt - go for it, experiment, find YOUR best spot, your best method. Just leave the lids off the milk jugs lol....

:)
Dee

P.S. I usually start in January and sow with this method right through April

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