Cris
Easy Winter Sowing Tips
It happens to me every single year. I get to thinking about springtime garden planting and try to jump the gun. I know it won’t do any good to plant seeds in January, not in this climate. Not even indoors, it just does not work.
Here, we get this false spring where the days are nice, and the grass is starting to get green again, the birds are out and everything. Then in actual spring we get a snowstorm. This destroys a garden like no other.
What exactly can you start early to get that garden started? Further, what is the best way to sow those seeds this early? Well, we are going to answer this for you here. I have figured out a few cold weather crops that actually do well starting them early here.
Get The Garden Started
You can start the garden early, in the cold with the right preparation. The easiest is to use mini greenhouses made from used milk jugs. I love recycling and reusing plastic containers, they are just such a waste if you can’t repurpose them. These are cheap and easy to make, so it’s worth it to save them throughout the year.
You can repurpose just about any plastic item to make easy greenhouses. Rotisserie chicken containers and other takeout dishes with clear lids work awesome as well. Those clear plastic boxes that you can buy strawberries and cherry tomatoes in also will work. You could just buy the cute greenhouse seed starting kit, but why waste the plastic when there is already so much in the world?
To make your milk jugs winter sowing greenhouse you first wash it thoroughly. Then cut in half about two-third of the way down, below the handle and poke drainage holes in the bottom of the jug. Fill the bottom with good quality organic soil and add your seeds. Place the top back on and seal using tape.
To reuse other types of containers, begin by washing them clean of any residues that may be in them. Add drainage holes to the bottom trays and fill with good organic soil. Plant your seeds in the moist soil and place in a sunny location. You will need to monitor how much condensation you get in both types of containers and add vent holes if you need to.
What Plants to Winter Sow?
Not every garden vegetable can be started this way. Choose cold hardy annuals, cold crop vegetables and herbs. Many seed packs will state that they are “self-sowing”, or the directions are to directly sow outdoors in fall or early spring. These are the types that need to freeze and thaw to sprout well.
Cold hardy vegetables include your leafy greens like lettuces and cruciferous vegetables. Some root vegetables do well in the cold as well. Many herbs also benefit from winter sowing too. Don’t overlook your companion plants that will attract pollinators and deter other pests too.
Lettuce Varieties for Winter Sowing
- Romaine Lettuce
- Iceberg Lettuce
- Spinach
- Arugula
- Radicchio
- Endives
Cruciferous Vegetables for Winter Sowing
- Broccoli
- Cabbage
- Brussels Sprouts
- Kale
- Kohlrabi
- Bok Choy
- Cauliflower
- Watercress
Herbs for Winter Sowing
- chives
- Dill
- Oregano
- Peppermint
- Sage
- Cilantro
- Mustard
Root Veggies for Winter Sowing
- Radish
- Wasabi
- Horseradish
- Carrots
- Potatoes
- Onions
- Leeks
- Garlic
Companion Plants for Winter Sowing
- Calendula
- Cosmos
- Marigold
- Morning Glory
- Petunia
- Chamomile
- Echinacea
- Lavender
- Nasturtium
Sit Back and Wait
The above-mentioned plants are great for winter sowing. Many of them need to have the seeds get cold in order for them to sprout. It’s perfectly fine to place your jugs in a location outside where they will get some sun. Let the snow and rain cover the jugs, this will benefit the seeds.
Once the seeds sprout, you will want to check for ventilation and possibly cut larger holes in the sides. As seedlings start to get larger, it’s OK to open the tops so the sprouts can soak in all the sun available. Don’t forget to recover them before it gets cold in the evening.
Allow the seedling to get a good strong root base established. Once they have good roots and can reach the top of the container it is time to transplant into your garden beds. If you might get a late snow, be ready to toss up some easy row covers over those babies during storms.
For More Great Info:
How to Sustainably Practice Permaculture
Vegetables that Grow Great in Containers for Small Spaces.
How to Build an Off Grid Solar Greenhouse
Building Amazing Raised Garden Beds From Pallets for Practically Free.