Winter sowing is a hot topic! Did you know there are so many right and wrong ways to start seeds? Welcome to seed starting and growing! As soon as you think you know what to do, someone is ready to tell you that you've got it all wrong.
Our favorite way to start seeds is simply to start! I like to read blog posts and articles of farmers near me, that are growing what I want to grow. My photo albums are filled with screenshots of suggested flowers to winter sow. Every year I ask, should we do baggies? Trays set into totes? Milk jugs or in the ground with a cloche cover? Container gardens or buckets? Every year I think I did something wrong, or somebody moves my jugs and All is Lost. For me finding the right space, the right place and the right time is important.
University articles are reliable sources of information. So are county extension services, seed growing websites, the ASCFG and other flower growing organizations. One search on Facebook, Instagram or Youtube will yield plenty of blogs with useful information. A good rule of thumb to follow is that you can winter sow any cold hardy annual and perennial seed after the winter solstice. Tender annuals can be started a few months later in March. Keep the soil moist, use just about any container that light penetrates, somewhat protected from high winds and animals. Let it get covered in snow but allow for drainage. And you're good! For the most part. Until you do it wrong. Ha! I say that as long as you aren't starting a million dollars in seeds, and learn something along the way, you really can't go too wrong. Here are a couple of references and links.
Winter sowing in containers for Michigan gardeners - Gardening in Michigan
Winter Sowing Seeds: How to Give Flower Seeds a Head Start | Almanac.com
This year we are winter sowing a variety of herbs, cold hardy annuals, and perennials. I like to winter sow to save space, and because it's usually less work than starting trays indoors. Or, most likely I am simply overrun by dahlias and lisianthus plugs in our grow room.
I will start my seeds soon, probably after the Holiday busyness. For me, it's more about the shared experiences with my friends and family, especially our children, nieces and nephews. Often on a snowy day, with lots of coffee or hot chocolate and movies. I like to try new methods. See what works and doesn't. Just make sure to take notes and pictures!
Here is what I plan to winter sow. I started many of these in the fall. But this is Michigan, and I like to use a few opportunities to grow just in case.... Time will tell if I actually get it done! Happy Growing!
Larkspur
Bachelor buttons
Cosmos
Poppies
Sweet peas
Marigolds
Sunflowers
Bells of ireland
Amaranth
Dill
Rosemary
Sea holly
Pansies
Nigella
Yarrow
Snapdragons
Parsley
