What is winter sowing? This is the question I found myself asking after watching a variety of YouTube garden videos. I was pleasantly surprised when I found the answer.
What is winter sowing?
Winter sowing is a method of sowing seeds using plastic containers left outside in the winter season when outside temperatures are below freezing. The seeds go through a cold stratification period by remaining outside. As the temperatures warm up Mother Nature takes over and the seeds germinate breaking dormancy.
Drainage holes should be made at the bottom of each container.
To begin start collecting plastic milk jugs or plastic juice containers. Whatever you decide to use make sure the container is clear or opaque, this will allow for sunlight to penetrate the container creating a greenhouse effect. Drainage holes should be made at the bottom of each container. I put additional holes at the top of the container as well to allow for airflow. The container should then be cut across the middle leaving a small area uncut to allow for a “hinge”.
Tape the container all the way around using waterproof duct tape.
Now you’re ready to fill your containers with a good quality potting mix, do not use seed starting mix for this method as it may retain too much water. Soil that is light and drains well works best. Choose the seeds that you want to sow, plant as directed on the seed packet trying not to overseed the container. Tape the hinge all the way around using duct tape or any waterproof utility tape. Make sure you label your containers, this should be done with a waterproof marker.
Place your containers in a sunny spot in your garden and Mother Nature will do the rest, the seeds will germinate on their own schedule. In a few weeks, you will have plants to place in your garden.