What is Winter Sowing?
Winter sowing is the practice of planting seeds outdoors in containers during winter. These containers act as mini-greenhouses, allowing seeds to stratify naturally and germinate when conditions are right.
Why It Works:
Seeds experience cold and moisture, breaking dormancy naturally.
Germination occurs as temperatures rise in spring.
Benefits:
Low-cost method using recycled containers.
No need for indoor grow lights or heating mats.
Produces hardy seedlings acclimated to outdoor conditions.
Zone 7b Details:
Timing:
Start winter sowing in January-February for Zone 7b.
Preferable Seeds:
Vegetables: Kale, Broccoli, Lettuce, Spinach, Swiss Chard.
Flowers: Black-eyed Susan, Larkspur, Snapdragon, Foxglove, Coneflower.
Herbs: Thyme, Oregano, Sage, Chives.
Materials Required:
Clear plastic containers (milk jugs, soda bottles, salad clamshells).
Potting soil (not garden soil).
Waterproof tape.
Drill or knife for drainage holes.
Labels and marker.
Examples:
Milk jugs cut open, filled with soil and seeds, taped shut, and placed outdoors.
Flowers like Larkspur and Foxglove thriving after winter sowing.
Beginner-Friendly Seeds for Winter Sowing
Vegetables:
Lettuce
Spinach
Kale
Swiss chard
Broccoli
Radishes
Flowers:
Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia)
Coneflower (Echinacea)
Larkspur
Snapdragons
Calendula
Marigold
Herbs:
Chives
Oregano
Thyme
Sage
Community Resources: Winter Sowing Facebook Groups
Winter Sowing (main group): https://www.facebook.com/groups/wintersowing
Winter Sowing Flowers and Pollinator Plants: https://www.facebook.com/groups/wintersowingflowersandpollinatorplants
Winter Sowers | The Original: https://www.facebook.com/groups/wintersown/posts/10168674847165506/