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By Michelle
Rowland
For most
gardeners the winter months offer a time of rest
before the spring planting season. But for those of
us that winter sow seeds….we’re already getting
started! If you missed our winter seed sowing
program last year, you probably aren’t familiar with
this method of planting. Seeds are planted in
recycled plastic containers such as milk cartons and
then placed outdoors. The seeds begin to germinate
early in the spring and are ready to plant as soon
as the ground thaws.
The benefits of
this method of seed starting are that it doesn’t
require a grow light set-up and doesn’t take up room
inside your house. It eliminates the threat of
damp-off which is a fungal disease that can wipe out
an entire flat of seedlings that have been sown
indoors under lights. One important benefit is that
it helps you get through that time in the winter
between the holidays and spring. We’ve all probably
experienced the winter blues at least once in our
life. Getting your hands in the dirt is the best way
for gardeners to get past the blues and look onward
to the warm days of spring. If you are interested in
learning more about winter seed sowing please
contact Michelle Rowland at
Michelle Rowland.
Give Winter Seed
Sowing a Try
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Use gallon
milk jugs or similar containers (food trays with
clear lids can also be used)
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If using
jugs, cut open horizontally around jug but leave
hinged just under handle.
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Punch several
holes in bottom for drainage and several holes
around neck or in top for air/evaporation.
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Punch two
holes in each side if using jug.
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Fill with
3-4" of regular potting soil, not soilless
mixture.
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Moisten the
soil or bottom water to start.
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Plant
half-hard annual and perennial seeds as required
by their size, etc. Be sure to label them.
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Leave some
headroom for growth.
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Tape jug
around cut and place on patio next to house.
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Check
occasionally for condensation and water when
sunny if needed.
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Put extra
holes in container in the spring to get rid of
extra moisture or you may want to prop open.
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Separate into
clumps and/or individual plants and plant in
garden when frost has passed.
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Use 10%
fertilizer for first few weeks after planting in
ground
(Continue
to ~ Page 5 ~ Making a Gardening Journal)
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