What Seeds Can Be Winter Sown?
Winter sowing is a fantastic method for gardeners in cool climates to get a head start on spring planting. Whether you’re growing select vegetables or focusing on native plants, this technique can yield impressive results. Based on our experience, it’s especially effective for cultivating native species.
This process involves creating mini greenhouses from recycled containers, making it an eco-friendly and practical approach. It’s particularly well-suited for seeds that require cold stratification to germinate. When the weather conditions are just right, the seeds will sprout within their protective mini greenhouses, ready to be transplanted into your garden when the time comes.
Not all seeds will successfully germinate through winter sowing, so it's crucial to choose seeds that can withstand or thrive in this process. If you've purchased your seeds, you can simply check the packaging for guidance. Look for phrases like “direct sow in fall,” “cold moist stratification,” or “outdoor planting,” which indicate suitability for winter sowing.
However, seeds collected from the wild, a seed library, or your garden may not have this information readily available. In such cases, research the specific plant to determine its germination requirements. Many native plants, for instance, require cold stratification—a process where seeds must experience a cold period followed by warmth to trigger germination.
To replicate this process artificially, you can alternate storing the seeds in the refrigerator and freezer for a couple of weeks. However, we've found that winter sowing provides the most effective way to cold stratify seeds for beginners. By exposing them to natural winter weather fluctuations, you can achieve optimal conditions without the need for direct ground sowing or complex indoor methods. If you need need some pointers on what to do, please look at our information here: Step By Step to Winter Sowing
Excerpt of Winter Sowing Plants:
Milkweed
Echinacea
Narrowleaf Vervain
Obedient Plant
Stay tuned for our Detailed List of Native Plants For Winter Sowing.
