Gardening

Winter sowing
Janet Lanza

Winter sowing is an easy way to start seeds to start seeds in the winter. I’ve done this in late January or early February (in central Arkansas), but the timing is pretty flexible. Basically, the idea is to make little “greenhouses” that you plant seeds in and (almost) forget. Lots of plants can be started this way and grown to a size that you can transplant directly outside.

The benefits are that you can scratch your itch to garden in the winter, you don’t need lights or indoor space, you don’t need to check the plants every day, you don’t need to “harden off” the seedlings, and the seedlings are hardier that those started indoors.

Steps:
Gather plastic containers (I use gallon water, milk, or cider jugs), wash them, and remove any labels.
Poke holes in the bottom of the containers (for drainage).
About halfway up the jug, cut it almost all the way around. Leave an inch or so (best at a corner) uncut so that it will serve as a hinge.
Fill the bottom part of the container with moistened potting soil. Alternatively, you can water the seeds and soil after you plant
Plant seeds in the soil to the appropriate depth.
Fold the top back over the bottom of the container and leave off the container cap. I’ve seen pictures of containers taped closed, but I haven’t found that necessary.
Label the container! Make your marks thick because even permanent markers will fade. I usually write on the side of the container that faces north. I’ve read about using a “paint pen,” but I haven’t tried this.
Place the container outside in a sunny spot! I usually place them so that the bottom inch or so is buried in the soil. However, I have seen pictures of pots on tables (especially if you need to protect them from the dog!).
Periodically check your containers and add water if they are dry. You should have enough moisture if, on a sunny day, you see condensation on the inside of the container. If there is no condensation, add water.
If the coming night is going to be very cold, you can cover the containers with a sheet or blanket. I have never done this and have seen pictures of containers buried in snow.
When the weather warms, you can take the tops off until you are ready to plant.

Resources:
https://getbusygardening.com/winter-sowing-seeds/
https://www.agardenforthehouse.com/category/gardening/winter-sowing/ (lots of information)