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Winter Sowing
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Posted: Aug/15/2008 7:25 AM PST
I dont know about yall, but I am already anticipating starting some new plants for next year. I have heard about winter sowing, but dont know what it really means. Anybody interested in sharing information?? 
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Posted: Aug/15/2008 7:58 AM PST
I'm excited about trying out my seeds for next year too, and plan on trying winter sowing too  Here's what I have gathered about the subject- very little actually  Sow seeds in clear, covered containers in the fall. Close and keep moist, place in a sunny location outside. Basically ignore them for the winter, except to make sure they haven't dried out. The seeds will sprout when the time is right for them to do so. Once sprouted, leave containers open a little, closing on cold nights if needed. Once the seedlings are large enough they can be transplanted into the garden after all danger of frost is past. The clear container works as a little greenhouse. I've been saving bakery, salad bar containers to try this. Anybody else out there who have done this- please give us some tips 
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Posted: Aug/15/2008 6:34 PM PST
I use a modified winter sowing method. Normally, I can only start planting seeds in May that are cold-hardy in my area. Instead now, I set up my greenhouse on about April 1. (I am changing to April 2 from now on, since last April 1 my greenhouse blew away. It was recovered )I sow all the seeds early, water occassionally, and let them come up when they are ready. Some seeds such as tropicals that do not withstand some cold may not be appropriate. You can look up what seeds people have success with too. One reason to love winter sowing is that so many people are so enthusiastic about it! It is a lot of fun because there are so many people to "talk" online about it. The winter sowing organization is pretty active too. They even give away free seeds to interested winter sowers! http://wintersown.org/ |
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Posted: Aug/16/2008 4:56 AM PST
I've done winter sowing and it's fairly easy to do. First thing is to start saving containers ~ you'll be surprised what works. Those plastic things that carry out salads come in are ideal, as long as the lid is clear, not colored. Poke holes in the lid for ventilation. When I lived in WI, my WS containers sat out on the deck, in full winter sun, sometimes buried under snow for weeks at a time. I had a ton of things come up when they were ready. Winter sowing is very much like having seeds drop and overwinter on the ground, only you have more control (and know where they are going to sprout ). I feel the resulting seedlings are better and stronger than seeds started indoors, for the simple reason that they have already been exposed to the elements.
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Posted: Aug/16/2008 11:46 AM PST
If you go down to 'Plant Propagation,' then 'Growing from Seed' you will find on page 3 "Our own Winter sowing thread...' Over 400 posts there, good reading. |
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Posted: Aug/16/2008 12:19 PM PST
Thanks TB I was just sitting here trying to remember where all that info was hiding. I am going to use my coldframe more this year for doing some winter sowing. and starting some new plants. Isn't it great that we can still plan to be in the growing stages even in the winter? Linda B |
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