Is it too late to winter sow?
prairiemoon2 z6b MA
3 years ago
Featured Answer
Sort by:Oldest
Comments (10)
prairiemoon2 z6b MA
3 years agoRelated Discussions
Is it too late to winter sow?
Comments (2)I am new to wintersowing this year, but in zone 5, I would think it's still okay to sow most seeds, except for perennials that require a long cold stratification period of 30-120 days. There is enough cold weather left that those requiring 2-4 weeks cold strat will probably be okay. You can still give it a try, some winter sowers claim they've had things sprout the following year! You have plenty of time left to sow warm season grasses, hardy and tender annuals, and veggies though. I sitll have at least 50 containers left to sow....See MoreIs March too late to 'winter' sow in Z6?
Comments (7)That is good to know that March is not too late. I got sick myself last weekend and I was generous enough to share it with my wife. So I was taking care of her last week as she took care of me before that. Fun stuff! Actually, I was doing the laundry this weekend and to my surprise I heard mourning doves! Seems kind of early for them, especially since we 5" of snow on Friday here....See MoreIs it too late to winter sow columbine?
Comments (11)PM2, go ahead and sow both the columbine and the California poppies now. Those columbine seeds will germinate whether you plant them out during the winter or in the spring. Just remember that columbine can be very slow to germinate or very fast. Don't give up on them if they aren't any sprouts in June, or July or even August. I had several containers out and nothing all spring and summer, then low and behold come, Labor day weekend, the seedlings decided to say "hello". They grew very quickly too, much faster than in the spring and I planted them out in early Oct. One good way to plant the columbine seeds is to use an individual container for one plant. make it at least 5-6 inches deep. Then put about 15-20 seeds right in the center of the container. Press the seeds into the soil, but do not cover them with any soil. cover and let mother nature do her thing. When the seedlings are ready to plant, then just take each container and make that one plant. That's how the seeds are sown at nurseries and that's why the plants we buy are so large. They put that many seeds in one container to make one plant. Oh, no need to soak the columbine seeds. The California poppy seeds. I never put them out before mid March at the earliest and have put them out as late as mid April as well. Just sprinkle them on the top of the soil, press them into the soil and do not cover the seeds with any soil. They will germinate just fine and no need to soak them either. Fran...See MoreIs it too late to winter sow?
Comments (5)So how does this look? The mini greenhouse is held down with tent stakes and bungee cords. At one point I was thinking I should seal up the bottom maybe by piling up some mulch to keeo out drafts but now I figure heat rises and we are wanting some cold in there anyway. The clear tray to the left of the seed tray is just the cover removed - I figure greenhouse in a greenhouse was overkill. The clear tray on the second shelf is filled with water to keep it humid in there - or maybe that isn't necessary. I have Butterfly Weed, Blanketflower and Rock Soapwort in my first tray. I plan on also starting catmint. Then in a couple weeks (closer to last frost) some annuals like cypress vine, snapdragons, cosmos, alyssum, mexican sunflower, etc. Or is there no reason I couldn't start those now? Here is a link that might be useful: My mini-greenhouse...See Moreplays inthedirt
3 years agoPatti Chicago Zone 5b/6a
3 years agoprairiemoon2 z6b MA
3 years agolast modified: 3 years agoPatti Chicago Zone 5b/6a
3 years agoprairiemoon2 z6b MA
3 years agolast modified: 3 years agoPatti Chicago Zone 5b/6a
3 years agoprairiemoon2 z6b MA
3 years agoplays inthedirt
3 years ago
Related Stories
GARDENING GUIDES10 Late-Winter and Early-Spring Bloomers for the West
Tired of waiting for spring to arrive? Try these drought-tolerant, flowering plants for color that starts in late winter
Full StoryGARDENING GUIDES12 Edibles Perfect to Plant in Late Summer
Keep those homegrown vegetables and greens coming well into fall
Full StoryGARDENING GUIDESFlower Shows Sow Ideas for Your Garden
There’s much design inspiration to be gathered at garden shows. Here are some ideas to start you off
Full StoryLIFELate Again? Eliminate the Things Holding You Up in the Morning
If you find yourself constantly running late for appointments, work and get-togethers, these tips could help
Full StoryGARDENING GUIDESGreat Design Plant: Larix Laricina Glows Gold in Late Autumn
Plant tamarack for a beautiful late-fall golden display
Full StorySHRUBS5 Glorious Late-Season Shrubs
Spilling over with berries or bursting with blooms, these stunning underused shrubs keep the garden party going through fall
Full StoryFLOWERSBest Cutting-Garden Beauties for Late Summer
Pick blooms bursting with color or in classic white for bouquets to give away or keep all to yourself
Full StoryBEDROOMSRoom of the Day: A Cocoon for Late-Night Crashing
Moodily masculine and warmly enveloping, this loft bedroom welcomes the owner after his long hours in the music studio
Full StoryWINTER GARDENINGExtend Your Growing Season With a Cold Frame in the Garden
If the sun's shining, it might be time to sow seeds under glass to transplant or harvest
Full Story
Patti Chicago Zone 5b/6a