Winter Sowing
Seeds
www.WinterSown.org
Seeds are sown in mini-greenhouses that are made from gallon milk jugs.
The seeds will germinate inside the jug and germinate at their own right
time when the weather warms. This method eliminates the need to
“harden off” the seedlings since they are already acclimated to being
outside. The seedlings tend to be strong and ready for the gardens.
Steps:
1. Gather materials (milk jugs, seeds, tool for poking holes in the
seed-starting container, seed-starting mix, sand, scissors, and perlite.
2. Using scissors, cut almost all the way around the bottom of the
milk jug leaving the handle intact. Using a drill or punch, poke
holes in the bottom of the jug for drainage.
3. Label the container with the name of the seed or use plant markers.
4. Lightly moisten the seed-starting mix. Add ¼ cup of sand to the mix
for drainage and extra weight. Place mixture into the bottom of the
jug (~3 inches deep). You can add some extra perlite (do not breathe
the perlite dust).
5. Sow the seeds and thoroughly moisten the soil. You can add the 25
seedlings (one packet) to the jug.
6. If you are sowing seeds before Dec. 21st, you will want to seal the cut
sections of the jug with duct tape. After this date, you can allow the
container to close without the tape. You should not add the lid to
the jug.
7. Place the jug outside in a sunny area near a fence or building.
8. Keep the container’s contents moist.
9. The seeds will grow as the weather warms. Remove any tape to
increase the air circulation.
10. Cut the container to remove the seedlings. Remove the whole
clump of seedlings and separate them into individual plants.
Transplant the seedlings into the garden at the normal planting
time.
Time Table for
Winter Sowing Vegetables
January to February
Flowering perennials, hardy annuals
Spinach
Kale
Brussels sprouts
Peas
Broccoli
Creeping Thyme
Common Sage
Oregano
March
Tender annuals
Impatiens
Zinnias
Cosmos
Marigolds
Lettuce
Bok Choy
Beets
Carrots
Basil
Parsley
Cilantro
Tomatoes