If you’re looking for an inexpensive way to start seeds without breaking the bank on an indoor seed setup, look no further! As a matter of fact, even if you do have an indoor setup, winter sowing is a very easy way to grow tons of plants with minimal effort while saving on space and allowing Mother Nature to do most of the work for you. So, how does it work?

Essentially, containers such as plastic milk jugs are modified to act as mini-greenhouses outdoors. You can get creative with this part and use whatever resources you have. Anything goes as long as it has about 4-5 inches to hold soil and a clear or light opaque lid on the top. You only need to add soil, water and seed, place them outdoors (yes! in the freezing temps!) and let the natural freeze and thaw cycles germinate the seeds. Once the seeds germinate, the tops of the containers will act as protection for the seedlings as well as insulation in the event of dips in temperature. You wont even need to water unless you live in a very dry climate or have an unusually dry spring. The sprouts will continue to grow at which point you can start making windows in the containers to let more air and sun in. When the time comes, transplant them. Unlike seedlings started indoors, these plants will already be acclimated to the outdoor temperatures and sunlight. They do not need to be hardened off. So easy, right?

So, what seeds are great for winter sowing? Well, the best and easiest to grow will be seeds that need cold stratification to break dormancy. This means they need cold/freezing temperatures to mimic winter in order to grow. Any seeds that mention being a ‘cool season’ crop, ‘pre-chill’, ‘cold hardy’ or perennials in general will respond well to the winter sowing method. There is no exact list so the worst that you can do is try it out!

Recommended Varieties for Winter Sowing:

1. Pansy/Viola

2. Milkweed

3. Coneflower/Echinacea

4. Blue Vervain

5. Lettuces/Kale

6. Swiss Chard

7. Poppies

8. Snapdragons

9. Marigolds

10. Strawberries