YOU MIGHT BE WONDERING WHEN, exactly, to winter-sow your perennials, annuals, herbs and veggies outdoors. The easiest answer is “now.” However, to save work later on, it pays to plant certain seeds ahead of others. The following schedule has worked well for me:
Perennials and Hardy Annuals. As a rule, if a plant is hardy in your zone, you can plant its seed any time in winter, regardless of the temperature outside. Sprouting will occur when warmth arrives, normally in spring. However, the seed can also sprout during some freak warm spell between weeks of frigid conditions. This is not a problem for perennials and hardy annuals. They simply yawn in the face of frost.
Tender Annuals. You can plant these early, too, with one important caveat: Should sprouting occur during a warm day (and remember, it’s even warmer inside the milk-jug greenhouse), you’ll have to throw a blanket over the container at night. For such seedlings are easily killed by frost. That’s why they’re called “tender.” Consequently, to avoid the covering-work, it pays to delay sowing the tender annuals until March or April.
Last year, in my own, zone 5-b garden, I planted perennials, annuals, herbs and vegetables using the following time-table. All of the seeds sprouted and survived (except the Delphiniums, probably because the seeds were old).
January through February:
Flowering Perennials & Hardy Annuals
Digitalis purpurea (Wild Foxglove)
Oenothera speciosa (Evening Primrose)
Consolida (Larkspur) ‘Galilee Blue Double’
Aquilegia (Columbine) ‘Alpina’ blue
Aquilegia ‘Scarlet’
Aquilegua mixed
Aconitum carmichaelii (Monkshood)
Delphinium grandiflorum ‘Blue Mirror’
Nepeta ‘Pink Dreams’ pink
Oenothera lamarkiana yellow
Alcea (Hollyhock) ‘Camois Rose’ rosy-pink
Alcea ‘Apple Blossom’ pale-pink
Berlandiera ‘Chocolate Flower’ yellow, fragrant
Aquilegia ‘Crimson’
Campanula (Bellflower) ‘Champion Pink’
Campanula latifolia ‘Brantwood’ purple
Lathyrus odoratus (Sweet Pea) fragrant
Nicotiana ‘Fragrant Cloud’ and ‘Purple Perfume’ (I also sowed these indoors, under lights; both grew with equal exuberance)
Platycodon (Balloon Flower) ‘Sentimental Blue’ (pictured above)
Lupinus (Lupine), ‘Russell Hybrids Mix’
Centaurea cyanus (Bachelor Buttons) common blue variety
Vegetables & Herbs
Spinach
Kale
Brussels sprouts
Peas
Broccoli
Thymus serpyllum (Creeping Thyme)
Salvia (common sage)
Oregano
Cilantro
March
Tender Annuals, Vegetables & Herbs
Impatiens wallerana
Cosmos ‘Double Pink Bon-Bon’
Zinnia ‘Violet Queen’
Marigolds
Lettuce (numerous varieties)
Bok Choy
Beets
Carrots
Basil
Parsley
April
Tomatoes (I also grew tomatoes indoors under lights; I can tell you the winter-sown plants not only survived a few below-freezing nights without covering — they were stronger than the light-garden subjects, too)
Again, this planting schedule is based on my own, zone 5-b climate. If you live in a milder zone you can winter-sow your seeds much earlier than me. I know a Texan who winter-sows his tomatoes in December.
In any event, let me know if you have any questions concerning the timing of your own winter-sowing projects. Be sure to include, in your comment, which zone you are in. Meanwhile, have fun planting your garden at the “wrong” time of the year!
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Related Posts:
Winter-Sowing 101: The Basics
How to Turn a Milk Jug into a Greenhouse
My Favorite Seed-Suppliers…& Yours (2012 Edition)
Perennials Which Require Cold Stratification
A Seed I’d Winter-Sow: The Chocolate Flower (Berlandiera lyrata)
A Seed I’d Winter-Sow: The Bachelor’s Button (Centaurea cyanus)
Seeds to Winter-Sow: Platycodon ‘Sentimental Blue’
Kevin, this might sound like a stupid question, but can you winter sow corn? And if so, when? I'm in zone 6, so a little warmer than you.
Yolanda – no such thing as a stupid question around here! In zone 6, I'd wait until late March to plant corn. Choose an “early” variety, such as 'Platinum Lady', 'Quick Silver', or 'Viva.' These will germinate at lower temperatures.
Thanks for this great list Kevin! – I was wondering about growing corn this year… How much do you recommened to plant for just 2 people (and friends)? and how much space would I need for this crop?
Erin – you're welcome.
Regarding corn…after reading Michael Pollan's “Omnivore's Dilemma,” it seems there are certain Monsanto varieties which can be planted extremely close. Monsanto types are a no-no, however.
I'd winter sow 4 seeds per milk jug. Then plant the seedlings in rows 2 feet apart in the open garden.
Kevin, I'm just wondering: did all of the perennials you planted in jugs last winter bloom during summer?
Did you soak or nick your sweet peas before planting them? I seem to recall you saying somewhere that this isn't necessary with winter sowing.
Sheila – Although most perennials bloom the second year after sowing, a few bloomed for me their very first summer. These included Larkspur, Evening Primrose (both pink and yellow), Monkshood, and Nepeta. Of course all of the hardy annuals bloomed…sweet pea and nicotiana my favorites.
Andrew – Yes I did say just that in an earlier post. Neither sweet peas nor morning glories require nicking (or soaking) before winter sowing. The natural freeze-thaw cycles in winter break down their rock-hard shells.
I learn so much from you. Nicotiana is one of my favorites, too! The variety Alata to be precise. I can't find it in seed or starts. One happy year our supermarket had a garden buyer who wasn't afraid to order material other than the standard grocery store variety. That's where I first met Alata. I've asked my nurseries to order it but it's never in their catalogs. Do you know where I might find this beautiful Nicotiana? It is very tall and lacy, comes in white or pastels and has an intoxicating scent after sundown.
Andrea
Andrea – Nicotiana 'Jasmine Alata' and N. 'Fragrant Cloud' (which I grow) are, it appears, one and the same. The plant grows to about 5 feet; the tubular flowers close during the day and open at dusk; the scent is both HEAVENLY and far-reaching.
You can buy the seeds Alata online from Renee's Garden.
aaah,interesting! I've been passing up Fragrant Cloud in hopes of finding Alata! Thank you VERY much. LOVE THIS BLOG.
Andrea
Here in the UK this winter we had -17C at 1pm for days plus 2ft of snow. My Purple Sprouting Broccoli looked fine at first, but after 2 weeks of thaw, it hasn’t survived. The thick main stems have gone to mush. This is the first winter that I have lost the crop and I was so looking forward to my first taste.
On the other hand, the Arucola, whose seeds I brought back from a rainwater harvesting trip to Southern Italy, has survived magnificently and is growing back vigorously from the base. The Italians told me that it would never survive in the UK!
Here in the UK this winter we had -17C at 1pm for days plus 2ft of snow. My Purple Sprouting Broccoli looked fine at first, but after 2 weeks of thaw, it hasn’t survived. The thick main stems have gone to mush. This is the first winter that I have lost the crop and I was so looking forward to my first taste.
On the other hand, the Arucola, whose seeds I brought back from a rainwater harvesting trip to Southern Italy, has survived magnificently and is growing back vigorously from the base. The Italians told me that it would never survive in the UK!
Welcome, Sustainable rainwater harvesting – Yes, you've had rather severe weather in the UK! Amazing that Arucola (we call it Arugula here) survived such low temps for you. Some salad greens are really very sturdy.
Would you believe it is presently -12F (-24C) here? Thankfully none of my winter-sown seeds have sprouted yet!
Hi Kevin,
Just discovered your blog last evening when googling how to winter-sow corn. You have some great stuff here. Thanks!!!
I am in zone 6a, just a tad south of you, and I'm wondering how tall my corn seedlings might be 3-4 weeks from now if I sow them in milk jugs and place them outside today. I'm trying to time corn, squash/melon, and beans for a 3 Sisters patch. I think it would be advantageous if I could start the corn so that it's 4-6 inches tall BY last frost date (mid-May here), so I can transplant them then. I'd then immediately direct seed my pole beans and winter squash, as well as my melon seedlings (which I will start inside on May 1). I'm concerned that if I direct seed the corn after the last frost, I'll be losing to much time with my melon and winter squash and they might not mature in time.
Any thoughts? This is my first experience with sweet corn.
Sarah D – nice to meet you! I've wanted to try the three-sisters approach to gardening for a long time. Seems you need considerable space to pull it off, however. Here, I grow melons and winter squash vertically.
Corn germinates very quickly when soil temperature is 50 degrees/daytime. Consequently, I think you are better off direct sowing it. Then proceed, as you mentioned, to direct-sow both pole beans and winter squash once the corn achieves 4 inches in height. You are wise to start your melons early indoors, since they demand such a long, hot growing season.
Hope you'll visit here frequently — I'd love to hear how this project works out for you!
Thanks for your ideas, Kevin. Nice to meet you too! I have a 10' by 22' space for the three sisters scheme. I hear it can be pretty unruly, but I'm intrigued by the whole companion planting idea, so I'm going to jump in and try it. Thanks for helping me bounce this around in my head. Do I have to wait until the “no chance of frost” date to direct seed the corn or can I do that sometime between now and then (say May 1)?
I've winter-sown my tomatoes this year and have many tiny seedlings that are JUST beginning to get a set of true leaves. I'm trying to keep the faith and believe that I will have sturdy plants at some point that will produce plenty of tomatoes.
I'll be watching the forecast for heavy frosts as you suggested.
Just planted out some lettuce and kale seedlings (also winter-sown) and placed row covers. I'm pretty sure they'll all do well. Also transplanted some tiny onion seedling that I winter-sowed. Have no idea how they will fare. For me, winter-sowing is perfect because my home is too cool to start seedling indoors and the whole light and bottom heat thing just gets terribly complicated.
Anyway, thanks again.
Hi, I live in UK Zone9 and am wondering if outdoor winter sowing in plastic bottles, would work the same here?
Many thanks for your blog, please keep up the good work.
Audrey – Nice to “meet” you. Yes, you can absolutely winter-sow where you are. What do you plan to plant?
Hi Kevin, I’m wondering about geraniums. I’m in zone 5 and wondering timing to have them survive the cold but be large enough for planting in containers by the end of May.
Barb – If you are referring to the large-flowered, zonal geraniums (pelargoniums), you can winter-sow them now. However, they won’t germinate until the soil temperature in your container reaches 70 degrees, and stays there fairly consistently. But the seedlings can handle night time temperatures down to 29F. They are amazingly sturdy plants.
Another thing. Try to sow your zonal geranium seeds thinly, meaning not more than 9 seeds per gallon-size container. This will give the young plants room to grow.
I love your site!! Can’t wait to start the winter sowing- got my gallon jugs all ready!
You asked for a Wassail recipe. Here’s one I like:
14 very small (Lady) apples
3 12-oz bottles of good non-alcoholic beer ( I like Bitburger alcohol free, or Erdinger Alkoholfrei. I get mine at a German specialty store.)
1/2 c firmly packed brown sugar
2 3-inch pieces stick cinnamon
1 tsp whole cloves
1/2 tsp ground ginger
3-4 whole allspice berries
1 4-inch strip of orange zest (no white membrane)
2 c apple cider
Bake the apples in a shallow pan at 375 degrees until tender, about 20 minutes. You need not core them or peel them.
Heat 1 bottle of beer in a large saucepan with the sugar, the spices, and the orange zest and simmer for 10 minutes.
Add the remaining bottles of beer and cider gradually.
Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
Put half of the baked apples in a large punchbowl and pour the wassail over them.
Use the rest for a floating garnish on top.
Drink warm.
If you want a “grown-up” version, use ale in place of the NA beer and sherry in place of the cider.
Please let me know what you think!
Stacey – Glad you like this place, and glad you sent in this Wassail recipe. I’ll copy this into my recipe folder, and will surely make it next December, when the carolers come a-wassailing!
Have fun winter-sowing…I’ve just now planted 6 jugs, but have many, many more to do. What fun!
I’m so excited about winter-sowing! I’m looking into perennials that require full to partial shade, does this matter with the winter-sowing? I didn’t check everything on your list, but it seemed that most of the plants were “sun” plants. Thank you!
PERFECT! Your advice is always perfect…
Jenny – So glad to hear that you are winter-sowing! Even if your perennials (or annuals) will ultimately require partial to full shade, you still winter-sow them in the usual manner: in full sun. Sunlight in winter and early spring is too weak to have any negative effect on the emerging seedlings.
ArtistryFarm – Well, if not perfect, then timely!
I made my mini-greenhouses tonight. I don’t have a gas stove for heating up the screwdriver to make the drainage holes, but I found a candle flame worked fine. This was so easy! I even let my boys poke some of the holes (w/ close supervision, of course) which they enjoyed immensely. We are going to start some seeds tomorrow. I usually soak my parsley seeds, but am thinking I can skip that step after reading your explanation of the freeze-thaw cycle. This is so exciting!!!! True gardening in Winter!
I just caught that parsley is listed on the March schedule.
Very helpful list! I have taken more of a free spirit approach and sowed with abandon this year – reserving only the tenderest of plants for later planting. At my house, you have to be tough to survive! I read the comments about corn with interest, because I plan to grow some ornamental corn this year – mostly for decorating in fall. My husband has absolutely forbidden me to buy foddershocks! (Apparently, he had to vacuum his vehicle for hours after the last time I brought some home….wasn’t that clever of me to use his vehicle?)
badger gardener – Drainage-hole-melting — what a fun way to get your kids involved in gardening! Fun, too, could be an experiment with parsley seeds: sow some in January, sans soaking, and others in March, pre-soaked. Then you can report your findings!
Kelli – You are a winter-sower after my own heart.
Wow, thanks, Kevin,
I live in the Pacific Northwest and we just got clobbered! Once we crawl out of the remaining tree limbs, power lines from my house to the road, etc., cant wait to get restarted with the ws you inspired me to give a try. after the last 3 days w/o any power we have just begun to feel the heat and electrics again this morning! (&email and cable). what a winter blast for us wimpy washingtonians. Cant wait to get going with your suggestions as well as try some tubs of fava beans and pea tips for salads. Let me thank you again, love your resourcefulness and generous sharing of knowledge and experience as well as ability to dumb it down to my level. Your the best! I will spread the word to my limited number of garden geek friends who will also appreciate your simple communication style!
I’ve been drinking milk all winter to have my gallon containers ready for seeding. As I live a town away from Kevin, it’s wonderful to be in the same zone and ready to follow his instructions. Corn flowers or Bachelor Buttons are a favorite and I’ve had overwhelming good luck getting an early start in my garden with these fabulous blooms. I’m ready to start my garden in this Year of the Dragon. Thank you, Kevin
Today I am going to start winter sewing. Have a 3 dozen cleaned out containers to start with, and am excited to read that this is something you can do throughout the winter depending on the type of seed.
I’ve picked up 30 packets of seeds – way too many, I know, but I’m also planning on gifting some. Most packets have way more seeds than I anticipate using – any suggestions?
I purchased soil that is especially prepared for starting seeds – is this the proper kind or would regular potting soil be better?
I appreciate your informative newsletter and the helpful responses from your readers. So exciting!
Sharon – Yes, your region really got clobbered last week! Glad to hear that your power and heat have both been restored. And thank you for your kind works. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate you sharing this site with your garden-geek friends. I think gardeners — and people who feed birds — are the best people on earth.
Incidentally, I’m a native Washingtonian. Born at Sacred Heart Hospital in Spokane.
Anne – Well, that explains why, when I visited our local supermarket last Wednesday, there were no gallon-size milk jugs to be had!
Deborah – Three dozen jugs — good for you! Honestly, we who winter-sow usually end up with waaaay more plants than we can possibly use in our own gardens. Good idea to gift some of your surplus — I do that, too.
You asked about soil. When winter-sowing, use any mixture which is well-draining. It need not be sterile, since we are planting outdoors, not in. Over the years I’ve tested seed-starting mix, all-purpose potting mix, African-violet mix, and my own compost, amended with perlite. All these worked admirably for winter-sowing.
I… I should just print out this page. It would be easier to recall it that way – heehee!
I am ready to do my winter sowing tonight… I have six milk jugs cleaned and ready! I even took a step forward and picked up some vermiculite! I’m going to make a mixture of vermiculite, coconut coir, leftover “seed starting mix”, and garden soil for my containers… I hope that’ll work great!
Sadly I’m not like Deborah up there, goodness! What I could do with that many to start seeds! Is it possible to make quadrants in the containers? Pair up seedlings with similar requirements and make the most of my limited space?
Donna – Six jugs is a great start! I wouldn’t divide different seeds into one container. What looks like a lot of room to you now will not appear so when the seedlings emerge.
Although I happen to prefer gallon-size jugs for winter-sowing, in the past I have also used soda-pop bottles made of clear plastic. As with jugs, punch out plentiful drainage holes in these, too, and cut the center to permit a hinged top. Be sure to remove the lid! Such bottles are great for sowing small quantities of seeds.
I put out my little greenhouses yesterday and they are already being exposed to freeze-thaw. Started in the teens, then came freezing fog (I didn’t know that was possible) and now we are in the 40′s, with temps. dropping later and rain turning to snow. My kids enjoyed this so much that I am going ot talk to the teachers about doing this project at school. We installed a school garden last year (I say “we” liberally because my friend and fellow parent did all the planning and grant-writing, I just provided some labor) and w/ the $ we did purchase a few grow lights. However not nearly enough for all of the classrooms. I don’t know how the teacher will feel about first graders and hot screwdrivers but am hoping if we get some more volunteers for supervising, she’ll let them do that part too.
badger gardener – Yes! Seems like you’re having a good influence on a number of kids lives. I hope the school sees the value in all this. Winter-sowing (and growing plants in general) is a biology lesson in itself. Not to mention it’s hands-on…and consequently FUN.
Thanks, Kevin – this is so helpful and informative! I’m in zone 7a here in Brooklyn, NY. I have more seeds than containers right now, but a friend just took me on a “tour” of her apartment building’s recycling room where I scored many gallon milk jugs and other suitable plastic containers – ha!
Now I’ve just got to get a planting medium. I’ve read that some people use seed-starting mix, others use a potting mix like ProMix, and others mix these two together. Some folks even used their own soil / compost blend and baked it in the oven or poured boiling water over to kill weed seeds and soil-borne nasties! That sounds like a bit too much work for me…I’d rather go the sterilized mix route. Do you have a blend you like to use for winter sowing?
Aimee — congratulations on your big recycling score!
Concerning soil: You can use a sterilized mix if you want to you, but this certainly isn’t necessary. After all, the jugs are being placed outdoors where there is little danger of “damping off.” Damping-off is a fungus that typically strikes seedlings which are grown in non-sterile soil…indoors.
Over the years I’ve tested all kinds of mixtures for winter-sowing projects — seed-starting mix, all-purpose peat/perlite potting mix, potting mix with “moisture crystals,” African violet mix, and my own compost, amended with perlite. All of them worked perfectly well.
The only winter-sowing-soil requirement is that the mix be very well draining. And all commercial mixtures — which are usually composed of peat & perlite — fit this drainage-requirement admirably. Just make sure you punch out lots and lots of drainage holes in your containers. And have FUN!
How many holes do you generally “drill” in a milk jug?
Carlie – I drill (or rather, melt!) 12 holes in the bottom (3 in each quadrant), and then 2-3 holes along each side, about a half-inch up from the bottom. You can see close-up shots of both the bottom and side drainage holes in this post.
And here are more details for turning a milk jug into a greenhouse.
Let me know if any other questions arise — I’m happy to help.
This idea intrigues me and I’m going to try it. I think I live in the same general region as you, I’m in the northern Dutchess county area, right on the border of zones 6-5A. One question, you mention sowing beets and carrots…do you find you have any trouble with the root vegetables when you transplant them? I’ve always heard that carrot seedlings don’t tolerate being transplanted well, that it leads to root deformities.
Hello, Kevin. What type of soil should I use in my gallon jugs? Zone 5, Alabama.
Denise – I’m a wee bit north of you, but I’ll still say “Howdy, neighbor!”
Surprisingly, carrots can be transplanted early on without worry of root deformity. I know that some winter-sowers will plant the seeds in a cell pack (one seed per cell), and then place the pack inside a jug. This way the young carrots can be transplanted with minimal root-disturbance. I’ve found that unshapely carrots are more often the result of rocks in the garden bed, or compacted soil.
Ditto for beets. Although beets sprout so readily in zones 5 and 6 that I doubt one gains anything by winter-sowing the seeds.
Sharon – Over the years I’ve tested all kinds of mixtures for winter-sowing projects, including seed-starting mix, all-purpose peat/perlite potting mix, potting mix with “moisture crystals,” African violet mix, and my own compost, amended with perlite. I can tell you that all of these worked perfectly well.
The only winter-sowing-soil requirement is that the mix be very well draining. And all commercial mixtures — which are usually composed of peat & perlite — fit this drainage-requirement admirably. Just make sure you punch out lots and lots of drainage holes in your containers!
Howdy, Neighbor!
I was indeed thinking that it probably wasn’t worth sowing the beets this way, but I am very intrigued with your winter sowing ideas in general and spent the day checking out which containers I have that would be good for this project. I like that idea of planting one carrot seed per cell… I tend to hate weeding out the carrot seedlings. So this is something I’m definitely going to try, too.
Between your column and the new Fedco seed catalog, I’m itching to get gardening!
Denise
Denise – Agreed — thinning out thickly-sown carrot seedlings in the open garden is a royal pain! All that bending…and all those wasted seeds!
With a cell-pack, even if you sow 3 seeds per cell, it’s easy enough to pinch off (and thus kill) all but the strongest seedling.
Itching to get gardening here, too. Thank heavens for winter-sowing!
Hi,
Just wanted to say thank you for the winter sowing information! I shared your link on our garden blog, hoping to get our gardeners growing this weekend. Great information, thanks! -Amy
Amy – You’re welcome. Have fun!
Quick question about winter sowing, Kevin. Just how many seeds is it reasonable to put into 1 jug? I started some artichokes last week and only put 2 seeds per jug. But, I’m wondering if I’m being too conservative?
Thanks so much for your tips. We’re really looking forward to our garden this year!
Michelle Ann Anderson – Nice to meet you. With large seeds (spinach, broccoli, etc.), I usually plant six to nine per gallon-size jug.
I try to sow tiny, dust-like seeds (nicotiana, thyme, etc.) as thinly as I can. Which isn’t in fact very thinly at all!
But winter-sown seedlings are incredibly strong. If you have to slice them up like brownies at transplanting time, so be it. They will recover from the ordeal very rapidly.
Just found your site. Can I still winter sow something? or is it too late? I’m in Zone 7.
Ruth – Nice to meet you.
In your zone at this time, you can still winter-sow. The only problem you might run into is with seeds which require cold-stratification in order to germinate. All other seeds should sprout without a hitch. Have fun!
How awesome is this blog!!?? I am so happy to have found it. I will definitely be experimenting with it this year, in the next couple of weeks. I too am in zone 7 and most of my planting will be veggies and herbs which should work out nicely. I am so excited!! Now I have to go scavenging to get my supplies. The biggest challenge will be keeping Badger the Cattle dog from destroying all my work!!
Oh, one more question, how about tomatoes? Have you tried this technique with them and how did that turn out? Thanks so much!
Kevin, what if you winter sow something like spinach or lettuce and it gets too big before your garden is ready for transplants (like still frozen in April?) I guess i could cover my bed with a black tarp and thaw it out faster. Anyway, your don’t write much about transplanting your winter-sown plants. I would be interested to hear if you have any tricks up your sleeve. Shawnee
Deb – Sorry for the delayed response. The website was down for several days!
You have Badger the Cattle dog, while I have Lily the Beagle. To keep Lily from knocking over my winter-sowing vehicles, I set them on a table. You may have to do the same.
About tomatoes. Because these will gladly reseed themselves, they are great candidates for winter-sowing. I’ve sown them in January, and also in late-March. In both cases germination occurred in late April, and the seedlings were ready for transplanting in late May. (Much to my surprise, the seedlings even survived a number of freezing nights. I guess the milk-jugs provided them with just the right amount of protection).
Shawnee – Spinach and lettuce won’t germinate until the soil temp is about 65 degrees. Consequently your plants won’t get terribly large before they are due for transplanting. Keep in mind that winter-sowing is very different form seed-starting indoors (where plants can indeed get too large too soon).
And here are some tips for transplanting…
Hi Kevin,
I love your site!! Im very excited to get planting!!
I am new to gardening and Im not sure which zone I am in but I live in Saskatchewan Canada. I was wondering if it is possible to winter-sow here? A normal year the temperatures get quite cold but this year is like no other, very mild. I want to plant a vegetable garden with dill, a few herbs and the regular vegetables you’d buy in the grocery store. (carrots, lettuce, peas, cucumbers for pickling, radishes, green and yellow beans and tomatoes) Please help!
Kevin, I am new to the whole gardening thing….I live in an apartment with two balcony’s (zone 9b)I have already started several things in containers. I was wondering about the milk jugs you mentioned…what do you do with those?
So glad I found your site!
Thanks, I noticed a problem with the website so no worries!! I planted my winter sow on Thursday. I planted Kale, Collards, Spinach, Chard, Chives, Parsley, Cilantro, Basil, and 2 kinds of peas. I have to share some extra techniques I tried. I work in a Veterinary clinic and we have these trays that our blood tubes come in that are nicely sectioned cardboard. I used one of these in the water jug (fit very nicely) to plant my basil. Now when the seedlings are ready to transplant, they should just slip out of the sections easily. Will report back when transplant occurs. Also, I went to the local hardware store and bought a large black plastic “mortar mixing tub” for about $6. I drilled holes in the bottom for drainage, they will hold at least 9 jugs. I also went to a local store and bought a couple of sterite plastic containers with snap on lids. I drilled these also for drainage and planted something in them. Will report how well they do. I hope to be able to use them for a few years. I will still use the recycled jugs too but thought I would give this a try. I will be planting my tomatoes in a few days. I am really looking forward to this gardening season. Thanks so much
Hi Kevin – I love this site and how generous you are with your information. How about echinacia (coneflowers) – have you tried winter sowing them? I am in zone 4…is it too late for winter sowing? Thank you!
Heather — You absolutely can winter-sow in Saskatchewan ( I visited your city at the age 19, when I was the lead singer of a rock band!). From the list of veggies you posted, you should winter-sow your lettuce and peas now, in March. Sow the others about 8 weeks before you’d normally transplant them to the open garden. Plant your radishes and beans directly in the open garden — these sprout so quickly you probably won’t gain anything by winter-sowing them.
Constance – Nice to meet you. Here’s what the milk-jugs are all about.
Deb Nelson — Would love to hear how the cardboard separators work out for you. The mortar-mixing tray seems a good idea. I use the sterlite boxes (drilled) to hold my milk jugs, too. These have lasted for several years now. Winter-sowing’s addictive, yes?
Jen – Welcome. I have not winter-sown coneflowers, but I know hundreds of other gardeners who have, and successfully, too. My advice is to sow them now ASAP. I think they require freezes and thaws (stratification) in order to germinate. Otherwise, it’s certainly not too late to winter-sow in your zone. Have fun!
Hi Kevin! A friend pointed me towards your site. I’ve been itching to get gardening this spring, and I love the idea of starting early with winter (or spring) sowing. I’m near Seattle in zone 8b, and most of my perennials are coming up already, with the first daffodils and winter aconite blooming. My (ambitious) list of veggies to try this year is: carrots, radishes, tomatoes, zucchini, patty pan squash, delicata squash, sweet and hot peppers, spinach, lettuce, okra, green and scarlet runner beans, sugar snap peas, cucumbers, Swiss chard, mustard, and kale. I’ve already got onions and garlic in the ground. From reading your website, I am thinking the best candidates for sowing in jugs are the tomatoes, lettuce and other greens, peppers, cucumbers, okra, peas, and carrots. Is this correct? Does squash do well with winter sowing? I’ve also got some basil, sage and creeping thyme for the jugs. Have you ever tried sunflowers?
Thank you for all the information your posted on your website! Your gardens are lovely. I’m hoping that with your advice, mine can someday be as nice. I appreciate your posts on seed sources as well. I bought most of my seeds from D. Landreth this year, although their catalog is rather dangerous. There are also sellers on Amazon.com that carry organic seeds. Those are also dangerous, as to “save on shipping” I now have trellis netting, preying mantis egg cases, legume inoculant, plant tags, etc… I’m just wishing I could buy the jugs, as those are the most difficult thing for me to get and I’m off to a late start. I’m thinking of starting a chocolate milk addiction.
Jenn – Nice to meet you. Rather than starting a chocolate milk addiction, you might try a cheese-making addiction! That’s how I acquired most of my milk jugs.
About squash. While you can certainly winter-sow this if you wish, all squash seeds sprout so quickly in the open garden (once the soil has warmed) that you really won’t gain anything from an early sowing in a milk jug.
The other seeds you mentioned — including creeping thyme — are all great subjects for winter-sowing. While I have not attempted sunflowers with this method, plenty of other gardeners have had success with the plant.
Now about those preying mantis egg cases…sounds like a “must-have” to me!
So far, of the perennials and veggies winter sown in Feb (zone 5), Tuscan kale, broccoli raab, and bachelor buttons are poking up! Still waiting for redhot poker, shasta daisy, artichoke, leeks, delphiniums, nasturtiums, creeping thyme, and nigella. Getting ready to winter/early spring sow cosmos and pinwheel zinnias this weekend. Thanks for all the tips!
Ian – So glad to hear that your winter-sowing efforts are already paying off. Kudos to you!
You want gallon jugs? Try dumpster diving at school cafeterias and other places that throw them away every day; also those little individual waxed milk cartons thrown away by the hundreds make good starter containers.
Abe – Nice to meet you. Excellent tip!
Update on my “first ever forever winter sow project”, checked my containers today (well I have checked them more than that) but I am pleased to announce that I have snow and snap peas, dwarf Kale, Georgia Southern Collards and Rainbow Chard sprouting quite nicely! I only planted them on the 1st. I expect the other veggies to follow suite real soon as the weather has been quite nice here in zone 7 (Western North Carolina). I planted some sunflowers on Thursday (3/8) so we will see how they do. I plan to plant some tomatoes next week.
I also have in mind a plan for a cold frame using recycled materials. I will share that with everyone whenever I get it constructed and see if it is something worth sharing.
I am with Jenn, my list of “wants” keeps getting larger and larger, I don’t know how I will have room to plant all of them!! I do a lot of container gardening and I am experimenting this year with some other items I recycled from work. Those nice little Styrofoam cooler things that cold pack stuff gets shipped in (and usually sent to the land fill) should come in handy for containers and should hold up well, this is if I can keep “Badger the Cattle Dog” from chewing them up, he already got 2 of them. He also made it know to me that I am going to have to put up a higher fence into the garden area as he apparently jumped the fence to get to the “coolers” and had a grand ole time of destroying them! Silly little brat!.
I have always loved gardening but this website has made me more excited than I have ever been to grow some stuff! I’m sorry to keep going on and on but I get that way when I am truly enjoying something useful. Thanks so much for your website Kevin, you are now my new favorite!
Kevin- I live in North Pole, AK (seriously, I do) So, would this work for me? I’d love to start my garden stuff now but there is 4 feet of snow on the ground and the nights are still dropping into the NEG 20′s. Thanks for any tips you can give me!
Deb Nelson – Congratulations on your winter-sowing success! I jumped for joy this weekend, too, when I discovered my romaine lettuce, tarragon and blue flax had all sprouted. Your dog sounds like a handful — and a lot of fun!
Candi – Welcome. Yes, you can winter-sow even in North Pole, AK! Start by planting your perennials now. Hold off on tender annuals and veggies until about 8 weeks before you’d normally be able to transplant them to the open garden. And have fun!
Kevin, I have 18 milk jugs with flowers and vegetables on my bench outside. Thanks so much for the inspiration. I love this idea and there is no waste in this process. I can recycle the milk jug. But, that is not why I’m writing. I just attended a gardening workshop yesterday and found out that Northwest Ohio is now a zone 6, and I didn’t even have to move. Oh. the possibilities…
Hi Kevin, thanks for the advice about winter sowing for my vegetable garden in Saskatchewan! When would be a good time to winter sow spinach? I presume it would be like lettuce and sow it now? I have a section of flower bed that is in complete shade with a short period of evening sun (about 1hr) a day. I would love some color there that will come back each year. it is about 9ft x 5ft. along side our back patio. Any suggestions? also I have along the front of my house 20ft x 3ft approx that has full sun all day long. Which flowers should i plant that are full vibrant colorful flowers that preferably come back each year that could withstand the +30C to +45C dry heat that we have?
Kathy – And consider this — the new hardiness zone is very conservative. You might have palm trees in your future!
heather – Yes – winter-sow spinach and other lettuce greens now. As for flowers for the two areas you mentioned, you might start here: http://www.agardenforthehouse.com/category/gardening/perennials/
Hi, loving your site. I was very interested in your winter sowing timetable, as I have been playing guesswork with more tender seed like basil and stevia (which can take a lot more cold both before and after sprouting than I would have thought). I did want to mention that I see no reason to wait to winter sow tomatoes until spring; after all, in the garden they do reseed by themselves (some more than others, of course). This is my fourth year winter sowing in Iowa, zone 5a. I sow as soon as January; they always come up in April*, go into the ground earlier than the indoor-started tomatoes, and quickly catch up in size–no need to start them indoors, anymore. *Except this crazy hot year, I am getting sprouts already in March!
Oh, Heather, some flowers that would work in shade: some lamiums have pink flowers all summer long, and variegated leaves; anise hyssop reseeds readily and takes full shade for me, and it is a wonderful edible leaf to shred into salads, and sprinkle a few flowers for a surprising licorice taste, and pollinators love it, too; readily reseeding shiso/perilla doesn’t bloom but comes in a purple leaf form that can add some color, and also makes an herbal addition to salads; garlic chives can be a bit of a nuisance as they spread and have more tenacious roots, but they are a good culinary plant that blooms in white for a few weeks, when they are also much loved by pollinators; black eyed Susans are reliable, all summer/fall bloomers for me in deep shade.
Hi Kevin. We have wintersown our perrenials and annuals , and they are all doing well. We will be going out of town next week and were worried about leaving our precious seedlings. The temps next week will be in the 60s. Do you think that it would be good to water well before we leave and keep the milk jugs sealed shut for the week,or will they need to be opened up to get some sun. Thanks much. Dave
Dave – Yes to your two ideas, but let me offer a third: move the containers to a position which does not receive direct sun. Otherwise, too much heat can build up in the containers, causing rapid evaporation to occur.
Enjoy your trip. Hopefully it will rain while you are away.
I surely wish I had seen this article earlier. I bought the notso expensive but futile seedling flats, the soil, and lots of seeds. I babied them in my spare bedroom where they got lots of morning sun, watered them when they were dry. Went to check on them the other day because we had been having such warm weather, I thought I would set some out. Much to my dismay, in less than 48 hours, many of my little baby seedling had bit the dust. There was this strange BLUE looking stuff on the top of the soil in all the ones that were dying. Apparently some kind of mold, but I’ve never seen it that color before. So I had no choice, I had to take them outside, remove the dirt and plant them in my outside containers. I wasn’t really ready yet, and may need to go out tonight and cover them, as we are now having a very COOL spell. Wouldn’t you just know it!!! ??? LOL I will use the winter sow next year for sure. I had lots of seedlings and they were tall, but very spindly and week looking. Some of them already look better for being outside in the fresh brisk air.But will have to replant some, especially my herbs. The cilantro and basil didn’t survive, but the oregano looks good, I transplanted Pepper plants, (3 kinds) (the eggplant bite the dust) Okra, tomatillo’s, and my lettuce is doing great. Planted several different kinds of tomatoes, and yes they should be marked well, I just put slips of paper beside the cups each thing was in and will all the moisture and mold, they are illegible. LOL I had been saving milk jugs anyway to use for watering my container garden, so I can use them this winter to plant in too. Thanks Kevin for all your wonderful ideas.
just found this great idea – do you think its too late to start some annuals now (i live near tarrytown, ny)
I was wondering if there is an alternative to the plastic milk jugs for winter sowing. My son tells me that the plastic containers will contaminate the seeds with chemicals.
I am going to try winter sowing my flowers this year, but for veggies, I was thinking of clay pots and covering with plastic. Would this work? Or is this just paranoia?
Carole – I hate plastic, too. But I don’t hesitate to use milk jugs for winter-sowing. The seeds are being set out in winter, when the sun is too weak to heat the plastic in any detrimental way. Keep in mind that at least 99% of commercial growers use plastic for seed starting in greenhouses. And lots of home-gardeners grow tomatoes in big plastic pots.
That said, you could use clay pots. Set them in something which will permit drainage (a milk crate would work) and cover with an old window screen. Remember that the soil in the pots must be exposed to all the winter elements — rain, sleet, snow, and ice.
Hello Kevin,
We tried out your winter sowing for the first time this year with much success. Thank you for the great tip!
Always thinking, I’m wondering about winter sewing directly in raised beds. Then, cover with mulch for winter and perhaps use a hoop house closer to spring.
To overcome the frozen soil issue, perhaps mounding a layer of loose planting soil on top to sow the seeds in would work.
Is there a reason I’m missing that would make this not be a good idea?
Thank you!
Michelle in ID
Hi Michelle – You can winter-sow directly in a raised bed or even in the open garden. No need to keep the soil from freezing if you are sowing perennials or hardy annuals. The only risks are these: seeds can be washed away by heavy rain, or they can be eaten by birds or critters. Sowing seeds in milk jugs mitigates such risks.
So, if I live in zone 6, I would start my seeds a month later?
Kevin, couldn’t Michelle in ID sow and cover them with hoops? That should cut down on the wind etc.
Hi Lee – If you are referring to perennials, you can winter-sow them just as I do, in December, Jan, or Feb.
Yes, Michelle in ID could arrange a hoop-house over her raised. But sowing in milk jugs is so much easier!
Has anyone had success winter-sowing in YELLOW milk jugs?
Stone6 – Can light penetrate your yellow milk jug? To make sure, do this simple test:
Stick your finger or a pencil through the open top. If you can see the object through the tinted plastic, probably the jug will admit enough light for seed germination.
Hope you’ll report your finding.
Hi Kevin,
I am in zone 9b Sacramento. Would you recommend winter sowing for my zone.
Kevin,
I live in Sealy, Texas. When would be a good time to start winter sowing. I already start my tomatoes in December. It’s a Christmas tradition now. But I would like to get a head start on Herbs and some Perennials. Thanks.
Hi Kevin,
Have you ever tried this method on site where the plant will be permanent to avoid transplanting? (Planting the seed in starter on site and cutting the entire bottom off the jug to cover.) If so, what were your results? Thanks much! (Zone 6 WV)
Kevin, what about lupines? I have lupine seeds and I wondered if I can put them ionto the coldish November soil, or should I winter-sow them in a month? Do I soak or nick the seeds? I have had zero luck with getting plants to survive more than one growing season. Thanks.
Hi Mary Ellen – I have oodles and oodles of lupines, all of them achieved through my winter-sowing efforts. Here in zone 5-b, I plant the seeds in milk or water jugs in December/January. Neither nicking nor soaking of seeds is necessary. Be sure to read my Lupin Growing Guide.
I live in zone 6b when can I winter plant? You have good info.
donna – I start my perennials on December 21. But you can winter-sow any time in winter!
?? I need to get some seeds for flowers to winter sow? Any recommendations as to where I should get them? (websites?) I could only get vegetable seeds from the local Agway this time of year.
Diane – Here are four seed dealers that I regularly order from (they will ship seeds immediately): Renee’s Garden, Seeds of Change, Seed Savers Exchange and Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds. I plan to order primula seeds from Thompson & Morgan next week. A quick google search will give you website addresses. Happy ordering!
Great gardening tip!!!!! The vegetable catalogs started arriving about two weeks ago and my order blanks are full. Another fun activity to do during this snowy winter in Wisconsin.
Greetings again,
I noticed in the hardy seeds you list spinach and peas, plants not known to transplant well. do your seedlings make the conversion to the big plot well?
Hi Wolfgang – Speaking from my own experience, yes, winter-sown spinach and peas transplant perfectly well.
Wow. What a great idea. With the change in the hardiness zones, it looks like I’m in your zone so that should be easy enough. But I do have a question.
I have become enamored with gourds. Big or little, useful or ornamental…I love them. Last year I tried to grow luffas for the first time. I tried starting them early inside and they didn’t come up. I tried starting them in the garden a little later and they took 2 months to sprout. At the end of our extended summer season, I wound up with HUGE plants and only a few gourds. I have never had this problem before! Have you tried starting gourds with this method? I assumed that because they are related to squash and cucumbers, direct sowing would be the best route but I may be missing something important (obviously). Others have told me that luffas are marginal for my area and they can be finicky. Another friend at work has them practically all over her garden. Any ideas?
Hi Lori – I might give luffa a try this summer, too. Unfortunately it is not a good candidate for winter-sowing. Like all squash (gourds included), it is a heat-lover. Best to direct-sow when the soil reaches about 70 degrees. Luffa needs 150 days to mature — so pray and pray for a long, hot autumn!
Deb Nelson- Where in WNC are you from? and what other successes have you had in the area?
Hi Kevin, i would love to see a pic of how you grow your melons and squash. I will snoop around here in your site, maybe I can find a pic. I have very limited yard space here in the South Okanagan of British Columbia, Canada. zone 7b. Its very deserty here, very hot and dry in summer. My little property is srrounded by chainlink fencing and I`m hoping to grow lots of sugar baby watermelons, gourds and squash on the fences. If I can stop the birds from pecking holes in them
Do you think these 48″ fences are high enough to grow these ? I`m off to Palm Springs California on Wed. Would love to bring back some cacti, but I`m sure it is not permited.
Hi Lynn – Although I can’t remember where they are located on this site, I do have pictures (somewhere!) of winter squash growing along the 4-foot tall, wire-mesh fence that surrounds my kitchen garden. So yes, you can grow baby watermelons, gourds and squash on a chain link fence. Just train the vines, as I did, to climb horizontally as well as vertically. And be sure to space them about 6 feet apart. They are exuberant growers!
Kevin, I love those Shock Wave petunias! However I don’t see petunia on your winter sowing lists, so I’m wondering if you don’t use them. Also, I tried a POtunia last year– from a garden center, sold individually–and its performance was great. A lovely color named Papaya. It’s not a tall variety, but it flowers its head off. I would like to try it.
Hi Kevin.
I live in zone 4b…I have a hoop house and was wondering if I could try sowing directly in the raised beds within the hoop house with the milk-jug tops over the sowing…Thanks.
Love your site!
Here’s a tip for melting drainage holes in your containers: last summer I used my soldering gun. It worked great! I did it outside to avoid the fumes from melting plastic, and cleaned the tip of the gun on a piece of old wood. A wood-burning tool would also work great.
I can’t wait to try my first winter-sowing project. It sounds too easy!
Hi there,
Thanks so much for all this fabulous information. I have a zone 5 question for you about tomatoes. I’m in Chicago and have grown tomatoes seedlings indoors successfully for a few years now. My plants often get really leggy though, which I’ve found is ok because I bury them very deep when I transplant them into the garden so their whole stem becomes the root system. My plants grow very strong this way.
My question for you is this: do you think it would make sense to winter sow tomatoes in February and just keep putting more dirt around them as they get taller? I’d cut the “hinge” way higher up on the milk gallon so there would be room for this.
Ooh, I have one more question for you: Do you plant in these milk jug mini-greenhouses like you would in a cold frame, if I were to ever build one of those?
I’m very inspired by you and will start some cauliflower and broccoli today. Gardening outdoors in Chicago in January! Crazy.
Thanks,
Catherine
Hi Catherine – Winter-sown tomato seedlings will be stout and strong, not tall and lanky like their indoor-sown colleagues. Consequently you won’t have to add extra soil to the container. You can plant the seeds now, or wait until April. In any event germination won’t occur until the soil temp reaches around 70 degrees.
The milk (or water) jug greenhouses serve the same purpose as a cold frame. But these “cold frames” are free, and oh, so easy to build!
Kevin, thank you so much for sharing your wealth of knowledge and experience to others. I know I’m not the only one who absolutely adores everything about your website.
I do have a question that seems almost too simple to ask but I just don’t know the answer and that is: How do I know what plant is tender and what is hardy? The seed packages don’t say. Is there a reference somewhere that I can go to or some other clue that will help me decipher its hardiness? Does it have to do with whether it’s classified as a spring, summer or fall crop?
I’ve started three jugs so far and have more ready and am excited about the success.
Thanks so much again.
I’m baaack! Can’t wait until spring!
I was wondering what type of seeds I can winter sow, and when in my zone 7 North Carolina place? Thanks in advance for your advice! I am so excited to try….and was wondering how many starts–seedlings per jug? Thanks!
Hi Kevin, same question: Do you not recommend starting petunias this way? I don’t have grow-lights, so this is my only shot really.
Ok, so my stupid question is about transplanting. I’m obviously not to that point yet, but I’ve only ever transplanted store-bought starts. Looking at all your little sprouts growing close, how do you go about transplanting them? Do you just put the whole thing (minus the milk jug) into the garden, or do you separate them out? I’d be worried about mangling the tender little things, when they’re that close together.
Hi Sherrie B – Hardy annuals are plants which reseed themselves. The seeds don’t mind being frozen in winter, and the plants themselves are not bothered by light frosts. Key phrases or words to look for on seed envelopes: “Plant as soon as the soil can be worked in spring”; “self-sows” or “re-seeding annual.” I don’t know of a reliable list for hardy annuals. Most lists I’ve seen claim that tomatoes, petunias, impatiens and nicotiana are not hardy annuals, when, in fact, these plants all reseed themselves in my cold, zone 5-b garden.
Hi MissLissa – You can start planting right now. Start with perennials and hardy annuals (see my note to Sherrie B above). A a rule of them, I sow tiny, dust-like seeds as thinly as possible in my containers. I plant larger seeds 6 to 9 per gallon-size container.
Hi Susi – You can definitely start petunias this way.
Hi Dielle – You’ll find transplanting directions in this post.
I am REALLY excited to get my garden started this year, especially since finding your website this morning. My question is this- I live in zone 5A, so how do I alter the planting schedule for the winter-sowing?
Nice to meet you, Tammy. You can use the same sowing-schedule as me. The seeds won’t notice the slight difference between your zone (5-a) and mine (5-b).
Hi Kevin.
I live in zone 4b…I have a hoop house and was wondering if I could try sowing directly in the raised beds within the hoop house with the milk-jug tops over the sowing?
Hi Ursula – As long as your hoop-house permits rain/snow/sleet to reach the seeds, then yes, you can winter-sow directly beneath it. The milk jug top will provide extra protection to emerging seedlings. Have fun!
I am zone 3 and we get Chinooks. What would you recommend for winter sowing? I love vegetable, annuals and perennials. Thank you
hi we found you from an article on FB and are so happy! my daughter and i are going to start this project together and are wondering if being in western michigan we follow these suggestions from the article? we are wanting to start now (feb)Spinach
Kale, Brussels sprouts, Thymus serpyllum (Creeping Thyme) ,Salvia (common sage)
Oregano,Cilantro and Hollhock and then next month the Lettuce,Carrots,Basil, and Parsley
However, I am famous for killing all plants, and am very worried about what to do with them in the spring! our sunny spots are not so great on our back deck, with some trees, do we need to move them around the house to keep them in the sun??
Hey Kevin,
All my winter-sowing jugs are now beneath over 2ft of snow and it’s snowing again today.
Should I panic and get the shovel? How much is too much snow…
Hi! When planting tomato seeds in the milk jugs, how many would you plant? Also, when it’s time to put the seedlings in the ground, how do you separate them…..pull them apart, cut through the soil with a knife, etc.? Thank you for this idea!!!!
mom – Unless you live in a hot climate, your seeds will do best if they are located in a spot that receives full sun. My containers (which are buried under snow just now!) are located in a southern position.
Jonalisa – Don’t panic. Your seeds are receiving just what they’d receive in nature. All of my jugs are buried under snow, too.
Laura – I plant tomatoes 6 to a gallon-size milk or water jug. Just pull them apart when it’s time to transplant.
After four years of being kept inside way too much I decided this morning I needed to dig out my winter sowing containers, read the seed catalog and get back to being more productive. I chanced on your site while looking to see if anything had changed in this area. This is the best website I have found for winter sowing. My question is “why had I never thought about veggies before?”
The real question is, can I plant over the spot where our barn burned last summer? I am thinking to till it real well and make use of all that wood ash.
I laughed out loud when I read about the lady with 3 dozen milk jugs. I did that too my first year and I planted way too many seeds in each container. There is not enough time in the spring to get all of hem transplanted, even after giving away at least half of what germinated.
linda – Nice to meet you. Like you, I planted waaay too many jugs during my first attempt at winter-sowing. Needless to say, our enthusiasm for seedlings is far greater in winter than in spring!
Wood ash, or “Potash,” is terrific for plants that like “sweet” earth. You might like to read this post.
Have fun with your project!
When I need to make holes in plastic containers for planting, I just use my drill. It is quick and easy and no melted plastic smell or burns. Depending on the drill, kids can do this with supervision-a battery powered drill works best for me with kids because they seem to have.less power and handle easily.
Hi Kevin,
I love this idea. I haven’t read all the comments so hope I’m not repeating. I immediately thought that tomatoes should work for winter sowing as they volunteer in the garden so the seeds obviously withstand winter temperatures. I am zone 4 here. But peppers? I start mine indoors with bottom heat and some take weeks to germinate and I notice they are not on your list.. However last summer I had two volunteer peppers in the garden for the first time ever. It was an exceptionally mild winter here last year so that was a factor. They naturally got a late start and didn’t bear fruit so I dug them up and brought them inside for the winter, just curious about what they might be. One has provided me with serrano peppers and the other has yet to produce anything. I’m looking forward to planting them in the garden once the danger of frost is past. I never thought of peppers as a potentially perennial plant!?
Mary in upstate NY
Hi Kevin,
This is the first time I encountered your idea for winter sowing. I immediately thought of tomatoes as they volunteer in the garden so obviously survive winter temps (zone 4 here). But I notice you don’t mention peppers. I start mine indoors in a mini greenhouse and some take weeks to germinate. But last summer I discovered two volunteer pepper plants in the garden for the first time ever, made possible by an extremely mild winter last year. They had, naturally, a late start and hadn’t produced anything come fall so I dug them up and brought them indoors hopefully to find out what they are. One has produced serrano peppers all winter but the other has not borne any fruit. I am looking forward to planting them outside again once the danger of frost is past, first going into the cold frame to get used to the outdoors. I never thought of peppers as a potential perennial! (like the illiteration?)
Mary in upstate NY
I live in North Central Texas, recently reclassed from 7b to 8.Our last freeze date is Mar 16, we are currently ranging fro 70 to high 30′s or low 40′s. We’ve been in drought for several years so gardening is pretty iffy around here. It gets to 100′s for days in a row in summer with nights in the mid 70′s up to 85. Is it too late to do winter sowing?
What is zone number San Bernardino, California? Can you send me the schedule when to plant vegetables all year around? Thanks Keven.
Thanks so much for the info! I’ve used the milk jug greenhouses for lettuces before and they worked beautifully, I also would sow seeds and germinate plants indoors and then transplant them and place them outside under a makeshift window cold frame. This worked better too for creating hardy plants. Especially tomatoes. The info you shared was very helpful and the lists you compiled equally so…this is motivating me to think of some more plants to sow now and transplant later into the garden! I am following you now on blogger and will be pinning this article!!
Hi Kevin, I live in zone 4 and would like to try your milk jug greenhouse and plant tomatoes and peppers in them. Now you live in zone5 and you say April for you. Do the veggies outside really grow that much faster in the winter garden then they do when you start them indoors. I usually start the tomatoes and peppers indoors no later then March. This year I was having cabin fever with this weather so I stated some Jan. 31, they are doing pretty good, but have had to already transplant them into a deeper pot. Oh back to the milk jugs, I planted 4 of them yesterday, I couldn’t get dressed fast enough to start cutting my jugs up after I saw your idea, I think its a great idea, but anyway, I get side tracked easily, my temp. got down to 28 last night , I checked the jugs this morning and boy were they cold, the containers were stiff, what are your night temp. running these days. I thank you so much for the information, Tracy
Can you winter sow in zone 3? (Northern Minnesota)
By the way I live in zone 5; but because I live in Mason County that has sand ground we have a micro climate here and in part of Fulton County across the Illinois River from here that ismore like zone 6. This winter has been unusual as there were days in January when we had three seasons in one day. There was a day that started out in the morning at a temperature of 60 F and by evening the temperature had dropped to almost 0 F. That is quite a change in one day!
My Uncle George used to say, ” If you do not like the weather in Illinois stick around; it will change!”
A friend referred me to your site and I thank you for all the gardening tips. I just put out my winter sowing for flowers and a few veggies (will do later this morning). I know I’m a bit late, but I hope they’ll still grow okay. Can you tell me, can you winter sow watermelon? I live in New Brunswick, Canada. I’d love to actually get a big enough melon to eat this summer. Surprise my 6 children.
BJ Russell
Hi Tracy – Plants do not grow faster when they are winter-sowed. But in my experience, they grow better and stronger than those which are started indoors. All of my jugs are frozen now, too. But these contain only perennials, hardy veggies, and hardy flowering annuals, so I’m not concerned. I always wait until the weather warms to start tender annuals and veggies.
I live in zone 5a, Madison, WI. I want to plant some nice white flowers for a friend’s upcoming August wedding. What flowers do you recommend I grow?
This is brilliant, I am so excited! I just put out bittersweet and hops and some spinach and kale, can’t wait to add more. Thank you for sharing! I too am curious about melons…I am in northern Wisconsin, zone 4.
Hello Kevin, I have your article on growing plants in milk jugs. I am going to give it a try!. I am in NYC which, I think it is Zone 5? When the plants are big enough to transplant, do they need to be hardened off. Thank you, Lesley
Terrific post…I added a link to my recent blog post about winter sowing. Thanks, Kathy
Hi Kevin. I was very excited to try your method of seed starting, I really wasn’t good at the indoor stuff. Anyway, I just went outside (I’m in zone 5 also) and was so excited to see my cilantro sprouting, then looked at the others and nuffin. Well, I thought I surely did something wrong, so I came back to your site and realized in my excitement to start my seeds, I didn’t read the list of things to sow and when. So today I’m going to ‘re-plant” my basil and parsley seeds. I didn’t however see on your list zucchini. Is this the proper time to sow these as well?
Thanks for all your help.
Kevin, I love the idea of ‘winter sowing’. I am in northern Illinois, so I think that I am also in zone 5? I planted 15 milk jugs with various flowers and veggies, and 4 of them have just sprouted.
It is exciting to go out each day and check. Thank you for the idea.
This was fun, but with one caveat. The indelible marker with which I marked 43 jugs washed away with a heavy snow. I have seeds sprouted in at least half of the pots, but no clue what is actually growing in most of them. I suggest using an indelible marker on a plastic knife planted inside the pot. So, for me it is a matter of wait-see or trying to match seedling to sketch on seed packet. Mystery pots. Next year, new plan.