Step-By-Step Guide to Winter Sowing Flower, Vegetable & Herb Seeds

 

Winter Sowing is a cheap and easy way to start flower, herb and vegetable seeds outdoors in the coldest months of the year. Anyone can do it and you don’t have to be  a gardening guru to get started. 

This process is not only environment-friendly, but also cost effective! What you’re essentially doing is creating a greenhouse for your seeds by using clear containers, such as milk and juice jugs. The seeds are protected from birds and mice and the fluctuating temperatures prepare the seeds for germination.  Placing the plastic containers outside saves the cost of grow lights and greatly reduces the need for watering.

Let’s get to the steps you need to follow in order to have healthy starts come Spring!

Gather and Prep the Containers

Remove caps from jugs and cut the jugs below the handle almost all the way around, leaving a hinge.

Cut small holes on the bottom of containers for drainage.

Soil 

Fill the bottom of jugs with soil. I use Miracle Grow Seed Starting Mix.

Seeds

Poke small holes for the seeds in the soil.  Drop seeds in soil and water.

Seal Containers

Replace the top portion of the jug onto its base and seal the container by wrapping duct tape around it. Mark container.

Set out and (almost) forget it 

Place jugs next to a fence or a structure so they don’t blow away and let nature do its thing!  if your area is experiencing dry conditions, light watering may be required. You can water your seedlings with a spray bottle. Just mist the soil through the opening at the top of the jug!

Other than that, the snow, sun, wind and rain will do their job and you’ll be able to transplant your seedlings into your garden or container garden come Spring. 

For a step by step video of the winter sowing process, visit my YouTube channel! https://youtu.be/j3TXzAfOl78?si=QpMPbR-iUrMiKi9e

Oregano seedlings coming up

Dill growing in a juice jug

Transplanted Thyme in Spring 

Transplanted Dill in the Spring

Transplanted Cilantro in the Spring