Sow what?
Wintersowing is one of the laziest garden methods I know and I love it!
I held a Make and Take to teach people how to do this and they were amazed at how simple it was!
Daytime temps were in the teens but we were cozy indoors. The jugs get placed outside now and the seeds germinate when the climate conditions are just right!
Start perennials or other seeds that need cold stratification in December, January and February.
Here are links to videos I've made about milk jug wintersowing:
Easiest way to poke holes. It can be smelly so you might consider doing this part outside https://www.instagram.com/reel/C1dvbkBhmXp/
Start annuals in April https://youtube.com/shorts/ivuvS4KbaPw
Peek inside jugs https://youtu.be/0OD9MOmMoMs
Here's a reveal https://www.instagram.com/reel/C1r55NlpA8p/
Harden off annuals - sun rays so they don't get a sunburn https://youtube.com/shorts/mzvDJZc5NGk
Shade if too sunny https://youtube.com/shorts/mQOhzeemzsw
Jug method in spring
Why use the wintersowing method?
1. Natural Stratification: Winter sowing takes advantage of the natural stratification process, where seeds experience the cold temperatures of winter. This mimics the conditions many seeds need to break dormancy and germinate in the spring.
2. Low Maintenance: Winter sowing requires minimal intervention compared to indoor seed starting. Once the seeds are sown in outdoor containers, nature takes care of the stratification and early growth, reducing the need for constant monitoring and watering.
3. Hardier Seedlings: Seedlings grown through winter sowing tend to be hardier and better acclimated to outdoor conditions. They are gradually exposed to changing weather, resulting in more robust plants that are better equipped to handle the challenges of the growing season.
4. Extended Growing Season: By starting seeds outdoors in winter, you can extend your growing season. The seeds germinate when conditions are right, giving you a head start on the growing season compared to waiting until spring to sow seeds.
5. Cost-Effective: Winter sowing can be a cost-effective method for starting seeds. Recycled containers are often used, and there's no need for expensive indoor grow lights or heating systems. This makes it an accessible option for gardeners on a budget.
