5 Reasons Why You Should Winter Sow Your Seeds! No Grow Lights Needed. Best Seed Starting Method.

[@pamelacorsi]

I’ve had 100% success winter sowing. It is also a money saver because I can start a large amounts of plants for just the cost of seeds.

[@HookedandRooted]

Hi Pam! its great isn't it?! I've had very good success rate as well. The few that hadn't done well were either due to seeds not being viable, or even slugs that climbed in and took out seedlings. I cant believe those yucky things could climb in through drain holes. And YES! the cost savings is great!! I plan on starting a few perrenials this year as well. My husband is always so impressed when I tell him I got all of that gomphrena all the way down the walkway for a $3 pack of seeds, its pretty impressive

[@pamelacorsi]

@@HookedandRooted I'm going to do a lot of gomphrena this year because of how beautiful yours were!

[@badwolf_gtv7725]

@@HookedandRooted i read if you put a copper tape around the jug you can stop that since it shocks the slugs and they dont like it

[@daisygurl3601]

Oh my gosh, Steph! I can't thank you enough for introducing me to this method. I've been creating starts using this since I watched this video and let me tell ya, I've never had such success with germination! It's a real game changer! Bless you, girl!

[@HookedandRooted]

You are so welcome! Yay Daisy, I'm so excited for you!! So glad to help! Happy gardening!! 🌱

[@msmaddox2918]

I love the wintersowing method Steph! I totally agree with you on the benefits of wintersowing! The big plus for me is not having to worry about fungus gnats. No matter what I do, I end up with fungus gnats if I start seeds inside. I will always use the wintersowing method for starting seeds ! 😁

[@HookedandRooted]

Hi Mary! YES!! I was able to tell George they were fruit flies for a bit, then he knew lol so I had to give up on the indoor seed starting. Between the fungus gnats, and the limited grow light space once I began potting up, I was just done with it. Add in the harding off, and forget it. Too much for me. This WS method just works for me, and I'm glad you enjoy it as well.

[@greenthumbelina7331]

I've always had great luck with winter sowing the majority of my seeds. This year I plan on starting some seeds indoors, seeds that need heat to germinate, or seeds that have a longer maturity date. This past spring (2022) I had great success growing Japanese Iris and Hardy Hibiscus from seeds that I collected from my plants the previous fall. I plan to grow some microgreens indoors as soon as my seeds arrive. Have fun planting seeds, everyone! ♥~Margie🤗🌱

[@HookedandRooted]

Hi Margie, yes definitely there are some seeds that benefit from some heat to germinate. I will say though, that even peppers which usually recommends bottom heat, worked with WS. So you never know. I'm sure both ways will be fun. Nothing like getting a peek at those first few seeds sprouting, so exciting. I would love to know how your iris and hibiscus seeds do, how they germinate and grow on etec. Keep m e posted! Yum for microgreens!!

[@greenthumbelina7331]

@@HookedandRooted I winter sowed the hardy hibiscus and Japanese iris seeds in March of 2022. I actually had one of the hibiscus seedlings bloom this year. It took a long time for the Japanese iris seeds to germinate and was ready to dump that milk jug in early June when I noticed these grass-like seedlings had emerged. I will let you know if these plants survive our zone 5a winter. I still have them in containers.

[@jasminelouisefarrall]

That time again and I cannot wait 🥰🥰🥰

[@HookedandRooted]

Hi Jasmine! it is almost that time. Woohoo!! I'm starting to feel ansty to get back outdoor. The rest is nice, but the shorter days start getting depressing. I need my garden

[@wintersowingwithelizabeth2286]

Great video! You can also wintersow in ziplock baggies propped together with marshmallow sticks. Everything is recyclable. It’s practical and tidy.

[@HookedandRooted]

Hi Elizabeth! Yes!! I do recall your method that Garden Answer highlighted last year. That was so cool!! I bought some large marshmellow roasting skewers, so maybe I'll try a few that way this year. My large tote experiment last year didn't go as well as I hoped. Thanks for sharing! Hope all is well. Happy New Year!!

[@wintersowingwithelizabeth2286]

@@HookedandRooted Feliz Ano Novo!!!

[@jimkingsland1645]

Thank you for this very detailed and informative video. It really helped that you mentioned what perennials to start when in 6B. It’s time!

[@HookedandRooted]

Glad it was helpful! Thank you so much for watching Jim.

[@ebbyo9821]

I’m collecting them now!

[@HookedandRooted]

Me too Ebby! I plan on starting around 18 this year. A half dozen or so more containers to collect before I start around 1st week of February.

[@michellemccabe6888]

I will absolutely be trying this method right along with you as I am in the same area and am a new gardener. Thank you for sharing all of your great knowledge!

[@HookedandRooted]

Hi Michelle, welcome, and yes, I will be sharing soon once I get all my seeds gathered, which varieties I plan on winter sowing this year, and when I plan on starting them. I typically start first week of Feb, then a bit in March, and Annuals like zinnias, sunflowers, cosmos, and marigolds etc. first week of April. If you have any plants that seeds indicate that they need a cold period (cold stratification), you could start those now in January. Otherwise for us in zone 6 Feb/Mar is good.

[@kathleenberkheiser264]

I love your channel and have learned a lot. I live in Zone 6b in north Idaho. I just did my first winter sowing of Fordhook swiss chard.

[@HookedandRooted]

Thank you Kathleen, glad you enjoy the videos. Woohoo for winter sowing! I just got my first batch done this weekend too! perrenials and onions!

[@gracieshomeandgardens5089]

I have been collecting empty jags already for winter sowing..great one .take care steph.

[@HookedandRooted]

Hello, almost time to get them going, so perfect time to collect. Thanks for watching.

[@Orientalbackyardgarden]

That is a very useful video👍 I'm convinced and will try it myself🌝 Happy New Year 🍹👋✨

[@HookedandRooted]

Hello, your very welcome, and I'm glad you enjoyed. Yes, please do give it a try. Its so fun to experiment. Thanks for watching.

[@RevAcres01]

Winter sowing and direct seed was a game changer for me. Thanks Steph for the great video.

[@HookedandRooted]

Hi Kim! I completely agree! Alot easier in my opinion. Yes, winter sowing involves some setup, but after that, its easier to manage than the indoor seed starting. Thanks for watching Kim!

[@privateperson5769]

Winter so is the best, so much fun and easy. Everything does not always germinate for me but its all good. I live in zone 9 , so I still have to water mine over winter.

[@HookedandRooted]

Hi There! I agree it is a great method. I also have a few that sometimes don't germinate for various reasons, either the seeds were duds, or the container got water logged or not enough moisture etc, but overall my success rate has been better than with indoor seed starting. Thanks for sharing your experience, and your zone so that others can have as reference. Thanks for watching!

[@Garricher5958]

Space, and fungus gnats has been a concern of mine for the indoor sowing of seed. Also the hardening off part is one of the bigger issues with transplanting from inside to outside. I have my gallon plastic milk jugs already cut and drilled, and ready to go here in 7b. Thank you for making this video, very helpful!!!

[@SnappyR]

I can't wait - I did order some more seeds from Baker Creek! I always liked the idea of investing in a grow light set up but I don't want to deal with the hardening off situation. Winter sowing has proven to be the best way to start seeds♥

[@HookedandRooted]

Hi Robyn! I agree, the hardening off is such a commitment isn't it?! I just received my baker creek order today. Happy New Year!

[@josweatt898]

It isn’t bad hardening off your indoor sown plants in those cheap zip up greenhouses. I stake it down as they are flimsy in wind. I load them up with trays of plants and keep it zipped. Once they are used to that I just unzip. And roll up flaps zip up at night.

[@rhondaschenk5727]

Very interesting Steph! I loved your format with comparing it to indoor seed starting. Thanks!

[@HookedandRooted]

Glad you enjoyed it Rhonda, and you are so welcome!

[@cindyhewatt3406]

I have never done winter sowing, I’m now excited and think going to start save some containers…going to watch all your winter sowing playlist. Thank you for always educating us with your soothing voice! ❤️

[@HookedandRooted]

Hi Cindy! Thank you so much for your kinds words. I always though my voice was silly with its bostonian accent, you just made this girl blush. Yay for trying some containers. Even if you try it out with just 2 or 3 containers, it will be a fun experiment for you. Then you can decide what you think of this method. Thanks for watching Cindy, Happy New Year!

[@daisygurl3601]

I love this idea! What a great hassle-free way of getting a jump start on the garden! Blessings…daisy

[@michellefrance1165]

This sounds amazing and with a lot less work involved! I was going to do the cool flower method this year but life had other plans for me unfortunately. I will definitely give this a try thanks for the information 😊

[@HookedandRooted]

Hi Michelle, I'm sorry life has changed your plans. It happens to us all one time or another. I have not yet tried the cool flower method. I know a few other channels that have great luck with it. I'll have to check it out at some point. Give winter sowing a try, see how you like it. Please let me know if you have any questions, I'm happy to help.

[@michellefrance1165]

@@HookedandRooted thank you so much you're so sweet!!

[@jeaninewalsh5120]

Thank you Steph, I'm going to try this. I have plenty of time to collect containers. Thank you for sharing I think this will be easier for me than growing inside.

[@HookedandRooted]

Hi Jeanine! yes, please do try. Even if you only "practice" this year with 2 or 3, its a really cool experiment. Once you start it, and have some success, it becomes addicting, and then you may even find it will be easier than indoor or at least somewhat more convenient. Thanks for watching!

[@kimdudinetz8609]

Wonderful! Thank you.

[@lpmoron6258]

I gave Thumbs up. Lots of good information. But, I wish there was footage of you starting your seeds in these containers and showing them as they are growing.

[@HookedandRooted]

Hi there, I referred to my Winter Sowing Playlist in this video where you can watch how this is done step by step. Watch here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/i5Cbc5SaoptmZrc

[@susanschellberg4509]

Am planning to try winter sowing this year. I already have containers.

[@HookedandRooted]

Hi Susan! Oh yay, i'm so glad. I hope you enjoy giving it a try. If you have any questions let me know.

[@wendyleger5486]

you are cool! That's all, oh and thanks for the info

[@HookedandRooted]

lol, why thank you so much! Your most welcome!

[@amandasides5033]

I am going to do all three. I didn't have good luck last year winter sowing. We were very dry and I forgot to water. Lol

[@HookedandRooted]

Hi Amanda, Yes the drying out will certainly do it. Give it another try and see what your think. Thanks for watching.

[@Tea_and_thyme_2012]

Hi Steph I’m new to your channel and loving it. I live in the UK and I’ve never heard or tried winter sowing before but boy am I going to try it this year. I’m not a flower farmer just a very enthusiastic gardener with quite a small garden but I can sure fill it with plants and flowers I’ve grown myself. Can’t wait to see what you start growing. Fingers crossed for good germination. Deb x

[@HookedandRooted]

Hi Deb and welcome from the UK! Yes, please do give it a try, even if only 2 or 3 containers. It is so fun to experiment, and works really well after a bit of practice. Take care!

[@maggiemay6465]

Thank you Steph, love your videos...Happy New Year!!!

[@HookedandRooted]

Thank you so much for your kind words Maggie, Happy New Year!!

[@beybslifeintheus494]

Great sharing

[@HookedandRooted]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@trisha4829]

Thank you for all the tips. I am a new gardener and I started seeds inside last winter for the first time and I had an infestation of fungus gnats ☹ It was so hard to get rid of them. I ended up throwing out most of soil and seedings. I want to try sowing outside this year to avoid that disaster again.

[@HookedandRooted]

Hi Trisha! Yes, they can be so annoying and difficult to get rid of. I hope you give WS a try even just a few to see how you feel. Let me know if you have any questions. Thanks for watching.

[@cmbooks2000]

I have never started my plants inside. It seems really impractical. I usually sow in the ground. I am going to winter sow this coming season. Thank you. Great channel Great content.

[@HookedandRooted]

Thank you so much! Hope you enjoy winter sowing.

[@catmandanng4482]

Thank you so much !

[@HookedandRooted]

You're welcome!

[@josweatt898]

Isn’t it fun to look down the milk jug hole and see those tiny plants growing? My best containers are those huge water jugs people buy at Home Depot or Lower for drinking water fountains. So far I have only two but because they are clear and big, they are perfect. I have found that slitting the bottom of reg milk jugs instead of drilling holes keeps More moisture inside which you need. And sitting them on a hard surface like you have shown steps etc rather than dirt, helps keep snails out. I will be starting later this month for perennials and plants needing the cold stratification. Will check to see what you ordered from Baker Creek. Happy New Year Steph.

[@HookedandRooted]

Hi Jo! I agree about the solid surfaces! Its funny you should say that because last year, I ended up moving all of the containers I had set on the soil on top of my raised beds, down onto the gravel in my veggie garden instead. I was finding that the holes I made for drainage were just enough for the slugs to get in!! I lost all my strawflower seedlings (all but 2) and even some cosmos to slug damage. Do you keep those large water jugs to re use? So far I have found that I like the clear ones like the one I'm holding in the video, more than the frosted clear ones. However, th square ones don't seem to hold quite as many seedlings. I can't wait to get started. I'll be starting about 18 this year and I'm going through my seeds now to determine if any will need cold stratification. I'll share more on that soon, just got my baker creek order in mail today! Thanks for watching, and Happy New Year!

[@tammygarrett-williams2830]

♥️ Thank you for the pros of winter sowing seeds. Every point that you mentioned was spot on. I can't wait to put my empty water jugs to work. Happy New Year🌺

[@FlowerFanatic]

I love the little bites container 😂. Winter sowing is great 👍 . I’m definitely transitioning to easier things this year. Too many new and big changes happening over here. I also dislike hardening off…trying to avoid that as much as possible, Of course some Plants are worth it! Especially the ones we eat. 😊

[@HookedandRooted]

Hi Steph! My kids love little bites, or mini muffins as they call them. And i needed risers for my seedlings lol so it worked out. I agree, the more hands off we can be in the begininng, it helps preserve some energy to tend to the flowers and veggies as the season grows on. Winter Sowing works for both flowers and veggies! I've had success on both. Good Luck, and Happy New Year!!

[@FlowerFanatic]

@@HookedandRooted ❤️ you too!

[@delphine88313]

I like this idea but in north Florida our weather goes to cold to hot.We MAY get two days of cold and BAM! Its close to 80 degrees again. I do have some seeds that need this method but will have to put them in the fridge. Lol

[@HookedandRooted]

Hi there, I agree, it is a difficult method for people who live in warmer climates. As the name indicates "winter sowing" it seems as though its best for regions that get a true winter. Yes, if you have seeds that need cold stratification, I have found popping them in a zip lock baggie or tupperware for a few weeks prior to sowing them, really helps with germination. Have fun!

[@delphine88313]

@@HookedandRooted Thanks 😊

[@daiseegray9110]

I received my order from Baker Creek, I grew the white Gomphrena last year and ordered the variety you grew for 2023. Would love to know what has grown well with winter sowing for you. I have grown inside and with winter sowing and have better luck with inside. 🌼🐝

[@HookedandRooted]

Hi Daisee, what a great name! Oh how fun, I just received my baker creek order in the mail today, the white! I'm excited to try this color, and have saved some seeds of my atomic purple as well to try in a different area. Yes, inside can surely work, and winter sowing can also have some fails as well. We all do what works best for us, as long as we end up with plants in the end, its all that matters. Thanks for watching!

[@ruth8268]

Steph, this so so cool! I will give this a try. By the way, I received a HORI HORI for Christmas. 😉

[@HookedandRooted]

Yay on your hori hori Ruth! I have no doubt that it will quickly become one of your most used tools for digging/weeding/dividing. This method to grow seeds works well Ruth, and even if you try 2 or 3 to see how you like it, I encourage you to try. Remind me what zone your in again? Thanks for watching!

[@ruth8268]

@@HookedandRooted I am in Little Rock, Arkansas. My husband joked when he gave the horn horn to me. He said I had been watching too many Dateline shows. 🤨 He was a bit hesitant to buy such a tool!

[@clivesconundrumgarden]

Great points Steph, as you know we tried winter sowing last year. We had some success but 1 challenge for us was the soil getting too wet, plus I over sowed and didn't thin lol !! But the ones that did work were great, no hardening off, gnats is definitely a bonus. That being said I just love using grow lights too, but the "shell" game is real 🤣 Hope you guys have a great New Years Cheers J&C 🍾🥂😁😁😁

[@HookedandRooted]

Hi Jason and Colleen!! Hope you had a wonderful Christmas! I do remember your WS experiment! I think you should definitely try again, even just 3 or 4. You know what went wrong last year, so you can improve upon that and i'm sure you'll be successful. Overseeding is a hard one, especially with itty bitty seeds. Yes the shells lol. I liked being able to observe my seedlings all the time, but I was terrible with over watering because I was always around them and lost so many seedlings to dampening off, and the fungas gnats were herrendous lol. Happy New Years you two!!

[@clivesconundrumgarden]

@@HookedandRooted ya I think if I can do a better job preventing the water coming in from the sides (where I cut the milk jugs) and especially the bottom, they sat on our deck and sucked the water up. Ok you convinced me, we'll give it another go lol !!

[@HookedandRooted]

@@clivesconundrumgarden you have to seal them with duct tape. The seal prevents that from happening, but also creates more condensation in the "mini greenhouse" just be sure to toss the cap, you'll need the top to have an opening for rain water etc.

[@clivesconundrumgarden]

@@HookedandRooted right!! I did duct tape them, just not very well 🤣 I think the "sucked up" a ton of water from the bottom too !! Might put them on the woodchip pathways this year, that would help, I think!!

[@lavoniagartside710]

Hi, I live in Maryland zone 7b, trying to decide when is the best time to winter sow my tomatoes, flowers, and other veggies. Do you have a schedule that you use to know when to winter sow the various seeds for the most success?

[@HookedandRooted]

You can start now! I'm in zone 6 which is 1 zone colder than yours and I'm starting next week. I don't have a particular schedule. I just plant things that need cool weather first, spring veggies, perrenial flowers . Then annuals that aren't frost hardy toward the end, for me that is in April. Have fun!

[@maggiemay6465]

I would like to winter sowing..I am in 9a and get snow. Do we leave the caps off of the jugs????

[@HookedandRooted]

Hi Maggie! Yes absolutely, leave the caps off. This is how your jugs will get rain and snow to keep the containers watered and creating moisture/condensation. Be sure to have proper drain holes in the bottom/sides of container and also to seal the center of the container with duct tape. I have a video that shows how to prepare the containers. Here it is. Hope this helps: kzbin.info/www/bejne/i5Cbc5SaoptmZrc

[@brandysvenson8649]

Thanks for sharing! I live in a zone 4b/5 area where we get tons of snow, which could mean I end up with water logged soil in the containers once everything starts melting. I'm wondering if it's ok to sow perennial seeds in the fall or early winter after the first snowfall in a raised bed or large flower pots and then transplant them after they have grown into seedlings. Do you find your recycled containers get too wet and soggy at all?

[@HookedandRooted]

Hi there! In your zone I would say you are OK to start winter sowing around February that way you have less months for the jugs to be sitting out potentially getting waterlogged. You could always move some of your ws jugs to a more sheltered location if you find they are heavy/saturated and could benefit from getting less rain/snow for a bit. You could direct sow perrenials in the Fall and let nature take care of things. It's a less controlled environment so more difficult to access germ/succes rate, but in general it's the natural process of things. When our perrenials stop blooming they drop seed and give seedlings. So it should work the same when direct sowing perrenial seeds in Fall. Just be sure to sow the seeds to the correct seed depth and light conditions. Good luck, and have fun! 🌱

[@brandysvenson8649]

@@HookedandRooted thanks so much!

[@hendrymuljadi739]

Does winter sowing works for Zone 5B?

[@HookedandRooted]

Hi there, absolutely! You can start in January & February by winter sowing perrenials that need cold stratification. And then in March Spring and cool weather veggies and flowers ie. Bachelor buttons, snap dragons, cool weather herbs like cilantro.etc. By April you can start annuals, vegetables and herbs. Hope this helps.

[@hendrymuljadi739]

@@HookedandRooted Thank you!

[@karenschrantz2307]

What do you do after your seedlings are ready?

[@HookedandRooted]

Hi Karen, We plant them out in the landscape. They typically are ready right around or shortly after the last frost date has passed.

[@karenschrantz2307]

@@HookedandRooted Ok, thank you! When do you start using the fish emulsion?

[@BS-j1965]

The milk cartons are opaque not clear, I’m assuming it doesn’t mater clear or opaque?

[@HookedandRooted]

Hi There, you are correct. Yes, either will work so long as they allow light in. You shouldn't use a solid white or any solid container.

[@lindagowin7270]

Tried for the first time last year. Was not very successful. Any tips for success?

[@josweatt898]

Use potting soil not seed starting mix. Check your containers if you have not had rain or snow. Lift and some that are light weight water. Huddle together and toss the lids!

[@lindagowin7270]

@@josweatt898 ty I’ll try that

[@HookedandRooted]

Great advice Jo, and I agree with all of these.

[@HookedandRooted]

Hi Linda, along with what Jo said below, you also want to make sure that your soil is well moistened before sowing your seeds, not sopping wet, but well moistened. Sow seeds to proper depth, and seal the containers well to keep condensation in, and they need a good sunny spot.

[@melissaschloneger9902]

MUST have drainage holes in the bottom