THE PERENNIALS AND HARDY ANNUALS I planted in milk-jug greenhouses last winter have finally sprouted -- and how! Probably I could furnish my entire neighborhood -- if not my whole county -- with lettuce, spinach, Brussels sprouts, hyssop, Bachelor Buttons and more. Did you winter-sow your way to summer-beauty, too? Let me know how this outdoor method of seed-germination worked out for you: Read more » Winter-Sowing
Your Winter-Sowing Updates
April 29, 2013
THE PERENNIALS AND HARDY ANNUALS I planted in milk-jug greenhouses last winter have finally sprouted -- and how! Probably I could furnish my entire neighborhood -- if not my whole county -- with lettuce, spinach, Brussels sprouts, hyssop, Bachelor Buttons and more. Did you winter-sow your way to summer-beauty, too? Let me know how this outdoor method of seed-germination worked out for you: Read more » Transplanting Winter-Sown Seedlings
March 27, 2013
Originally published April, 2011.
GOT MILK-JUGS? I certainly do! Twenty-four of them, all filled with annuals and perennials achieved from last January's winter-sowing efforts. It's time to give some of these naturally hardened-off seedlings permanent positions in the open garden. Here are three techniques I use for separating and transplanting the youngsters, along with a tip for releasing them from their milk-jug greenhouse all in one clump: Read more » Your March Winter-Sowing Update
March 24, 2013
THIS WEEK, reader Sheila sent me the following note: Hi Kevin, I tried winter-sowing this year after reading all of your inspiring articles. So far, I have 21 gallon containers that have sprouted. I am SOOO excited! Well, Sheila, your words are music to my ears! Who else has winter-sowing news to report? Read more » Perennials Which Require Cold Stratification
February 15, 2013
SPRING IS COMING, FOLKS! Consequently, if you haven't winter-sown your flowering perennials yet, you really need to get hopping. For certain seeds (like the cranesbill geranium 'Rozanne,' above) require alternating freezes and thaws, or "stratification" in order to germinate well. Here is a list of common perennials which need this yin and yang treatment:
Read more » How’s Your Winter-Sowing Coming Along?
January 19, 2013
HAVE YOU STARTED your winter-sowing project yet? My own plantings are well under way, starting (but by no means ending) with the 12 miniature "greenhouses" pictured above. What I've planted in these gallon-size milk and water jugs, along with a few helpful links to articles which explain the entire winter-sowing process: Read more » My Favorite Seed Suppliers…& Yours (2013 Edition)
January 4, 2013
AS I’VE SAID BEFORE, I rarely buy annual, perennial or vegetable seeds from local vendors. Why? Because their selections are limited to what will fit on a rack. Take, for example, petunia seeds. The local big-box store might sell 3 basic varieties (if you’re lucky). But visit an on-line seed specialist like Summerhill, and you will find 71 petunia varieties, including the delightful ‘Shock Wave Rose,’ pictured above. The following seed-sellers get most of my business: Read more » Who’s Winter-Sowing this Year?
December 13, 2012
THE WINTER SOLSTICE, which this year arrives on December 21, is my cue to start collecting milk and water jugs. Why? Because it is in these free recyclables that I winter-sow my summer garden. Who else is a fan of this fascinating method of outdoor seed-germination? Read more » 
