Let It Grow
By Tammy Thornton
When you are staring out of the window at your cold dreary garden, it’s hard to imagine digging in the dirt and planting seeds. However, when it comes to winter sowing, snow and freezing temperatures are a vital part of the growing process.
Winter sowing, a seed germination method developed around 2003 by Trudi Davidoff, of Long Island, New York, makes use of the freezing and melting cycles of winter to break down a seed’s dormancy. Unlike traditional seed-starting, which requires lots of indoor space and special lighting, winter sown seeds are planted in containers and left outside in the cold. Recycled containers are used as “mini greenhouses” for the seeds and dirt. Most commonly, winter sowers use recycled milk jugs, but empty ice cream tubs, clear soda bottles, and large take-out containers can all make great receptacles as seed starters. Containers should be able to hold soil about three to four inches deep, with a lid a few inches above the soil, allowing room for the seedlings to grow. Holes should be made in the top and bottom of the containers, so that rain and snow can water the soil from the top, while allowing it to drain from the bottom. When using gallon milk jugs, you can leave the cap off, which will allow ventilation and just enough snow and rain into the container, without causing seeds to wash away. Cut the milk jugs in half, keeping a few inches around the handle intact to act as a hinge. Once your seeds are planted, the milk jugs can be sealed with duct tape and labeled with a waterproof marker. If your marker washes away, you’ll be playing the fun game “What is this?” In the spring.
Though it seems counterintuitive to leave the seeds exposed to the elements, that’s the whole point of winter sowing. Many seeds require cold stratification, the process of breaking dormancy of the seed by exposure to cold and moist conditions to aid in germination. Nature will take its course and the seedlings will not sprout until the weather warms and they are ready to grow. The containers will provide an extra layer of protection from pests and weather extremes—such as a wash out rain. As a result, you will have tough little seedlings that have already been hardened off, as opposed to delicate seedlings grown indoors in a pampered environment. As your seedlings grow, the lid can be removed and your new plants will soon be ready for their permanent home in your garden.
For the small price of a packet of seeds and some potting soil, you will produce strong seedlings that hold their heads high, knowing they have survived the worst of Old Man Winter. We would love to hear from our readers, please send your questions or comments to shorelocalgardener@gmail.com.
Tammy Thornton is a mom of four, a substitute teacher, and a Sunday school teacher. She is passionate about gardening and cooking, and loves the beach.
