Last updated on December 20th, 2011
THERE ARE THREE REASONS to consider the December solstice (December 21) the unofficial start of spring. First, of course, is the lengthening of days — a phenomenon that houseplants notice even if we don’t. In the window garden, green vines suddenly unfurl new leaves; flowering plants, like the dwarf Pelargonium ‘Candy,’ pictured above, bud and bloom with increased vigor.
Next, the seed catalogs arrive. I read mine the way others read mystery novels: while lying in bed at night. If you plan to order seeds, order them now. The more unusual varieties disappear by March.
Finally, nothing evokes spring like sowing seeds in winter. I sow mine in gallon-size milk- or water-jugs. The planted jugs are then placed outside, where, exposed to the elements, they are watered by snow, ice, and rain. The seeds germinate without a hitch when warm weather arrives.
Enjoying houseplants, reading garden catalogs and then sowing seeds — these are the things which alleviate my own winter blues. I suspect any one of these aspects will put an April-bounce in your step, too.
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Related Posts:
Making a Greenhouse & Sowing Seeds
Perennials Which Require Cold-Stratification
Flowers to Brighten the Indoor Winter Garden
Terry says
Oh, now I remember how I first found your blog, it was the post last year about winter sowing. I tried it with some morning glory seeds, unfortunately did not have much luck because they kept getting knocked over. I will have to give it another try! What a beautiful flower up there!
Kevin Lee Jacobs says
Terry – I set mine in big plastic trays (storage boxes with lids removed) with drainage holes punched out in the bottom. These seem to keep the milk jugs from getting tipped or blown over. Having them raised up on a table helps, too.
Eric says
As one who hates the winter, I found this post very encouraging. Thanks for the optimism!
firepits says
I was the one who was hating the winter. But last year my friend suggested few things. Since then I love it and I am preparing for it too.
Uianira says
So last year I started as many toemotas as I could fit under my lights inside about 6 weeks before the last frost. They did fantastic. I had a bunch of leftover seeds though, and a bit of extra garden space, so I direct sowed those seeds when the I was confident the risk of frost had past. If the directly sown seeds weren’t just as productive it was too close to call. Any idea why this would be the case? It seems like a 6 week head start should give plant a clear advantage!Either way, I like the idea of outdoor sowing better. I’ll have to collect containers and try it next year.