How to Winter Sow Seeds - A Complete Tutorial Guide

Winter Sowing seeds is one of the easiest methods to germinating any seed. Use this method with any species regardless if it requires cold stratification or not.
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I germinate dozens of species (50+) every year, and have been practicing Wintersowing for over 8 years. In this complete guide, I will describe
- What is Winter Sowing
- Winter sowing vs Cold Stratification
- How to Winter Sow with Milk Jugs
- How to Winter Sow with other containers
- How to Winter Sow with trays/domes mini-greenhouse
- Lessons learned / tips and guidance for wintersow
Also, in regards to vegetables, as I said in the video - tropical plants can be Winter Sowed, but should not be sown until about a month earlier than you would normally start them. This would apply to most vegetables. But in general, if a plant is cold hardy to your zone, then the seed should have no issue surviving the Winter.
Ask questions in the comments, and I will try to answer them to the best of my ability.
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How to separate seedlings - a complete guide
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• How to separate seedlings
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[@canuckviolet3322]

I've watched a lot of these videos recently to prep for my first attempt at winter showing and this is definitely the best! Written instructions also is a major bonus!

[@growitbuildit]

Thank you! That really means a lot!

[@crystalwinter-powers5208]

I live in central Nevada and work a scale house for a trucking business...you'd be amazed at how many drivers also garden! I saw this video yesterday and already shared it today. Never heard of winter sowing until this vid...glad I saw the best first thing out of the chute.! Great job explaining and demonstrating!

[@growitbuildit]

Thank you Crystal!

[@bluemoon4921]

Wow, I've never heard of winter sewing & would never guess I could start now with so much snow on the ground. Very informative & detailed video. Thx so much for sharing your knowledge & experience 👍❤️😊

[@growitbuildit]

Thank you Blue Moon!

[@marthabourassa7909]

Best, most comprehensive tutorial on winter sowing I’ve found. Thank you!

[@growitbuildit]

Thank you so much Martha! I'm glad I could help you out!

[@mamokamika4212]

Thank you for sharing. Milk jugs - divide into 2, 3 or 4 sections. You can have up to 4 different type of seeds in each corner if you want less seedlings. For example - 3 or 4 different kind of peppers, tomatoes or eggplants. For watering, get a flat tray fill water half way, take milk jugs and submerge them for a few minutes (more like bottom watering) I love winter sowing. No bugs in the house, no hardening off, no electricity cost, no worries too much,… list goes on.

[@growitbuildit]

That is a really good tip!

[@SaintPaulPK]

This is fantastic. Thank you!

[@growitbuildit]

Excellent - I'm glad you found it helpful Dylan!

[@vitak6326]

Tried winter sowing last year. It definitely works and the plants are stronger than ones you start indoors.

[@growitbuildit]

Couldn't agree more Vita. I find it to be very efficient too.

[@TheGyreMadHatter]

Very thorough and well-executed instructions. Thank you for all this work!

[@growitbuildit]

Thank you! I'm glad you found it helpful.

[@maryiorio426]

Great info! Thank you so much!

[@growitbuildit]

You are very welcome Mary. Good luck this Winter!

[@nellmanning8547]

Very informative....thank you !

[@growitbuildit]

You are very welcome Neil - glad I could help you out!

[@judithmercer8104]

Great video! Just right amount of material without extra chitchat!

[@growitbuildit]

Thank you Judith!

[@karenplante3801]

Last year, I used all the organic lettuce containers that we bought all winter and took my wood burning tool to make holes in the bottom and top. They already had a hinge, but I burned rwo holes in the top and on the side and used a twist tie in it just in case the wind opened it. It worked great, so I collected the ones we have used so far. Just thinking out of the box and reusing what we have. Love your very informative video

[@growitbuildit]

Thank you Karen - that is making great use of your resources. This year I've only had to make about 4-5 new jugs, as I've been able to reuse most of mine from the last couple years. Just need to scribble out the old names.

[@angiehomeschoolmom3269]

Very informative! Thanks!

[@growitbuildit]

Thank you Angie - good luck this Winter!

[@1brandymonica]

Thanks for the Great Info! I will try this asap!

[@growitbuildit]

You are very welcome Brandy - it works with anything that is cold hardy to your zone. Anything tender can be Winter Sown about a month earlier than you would normally plant it outside.

[@growityourown4208]

I just want to say thank you for making these great videos! learned a lot from watching you.

[@growitbuildit]

Thank you! I'm glad I can help you out.

[@fitztastico]

One thing I learned last year is not to use colored containers. Although colored plastic is less common, I learned the hard way that the different colors block various wavelengths of light that plants need for photosynthesis. The green lemon/lime soda bottles were the worst for my plants. Also keep in mind that frosted milk bottles will obscure some light, so if you have a mixture of frosted and clear, plants that require more light might benefit from being grown in the clear containers.

[@growitbuildit]

That is interesting with the colored soda bottles - I would not have thought of that. Good tip - thank you for commenting.

[@got2kittys]

All plants can barely use green light wavelengths. Some, not at all. The ones that can live under a forest canopy are not common. Thats why you never see a green light growlight.

[@halinapeltonen1777]

I used blue coloured jugs which were the easiest to find and they did not work very well. Although, Once I brought them into a greenhouse and took the lid off, the plants grew much better. I would put the lid back on to help keep the moisture from drying out from time to time.

[@fitztastico]

@@halinapeltonen1777 Yes, I think blue would block out red light which, if my memory is correct, is mainly utilized for vegetative growth in plants. Sorry to hear that you also experienced the same type of stunting of plant growth. But at least we know now for the future!

[@user-th7jw5pw7c]

So once temperature reach 65 degrees or above that's when I remove the milk carton lid? I'm confused🤷🏼‍♀️ Help please 🙏

[@kcoachconsult]

Wow! You and this video are amazing. Thanks for sharing!

[@growitbuildit]

Thank you Kimberly! I'm glad you enjoyed it!

[@fayprivate7975]

Great video! Thank you!

[@growitbuildit]

You are very welcome Fay - I'm happy you enjoyed it.

[@conniegriner1847]

Last winter was my first winter sowing experience, and I loved the process! Saving my milk jugs to expand the process this winter. Thanks for your informative video!

[@growitbuildit]

You are very welcome Connie. It is the best method for starting a lot of plants!

[@kat3910]

This was absolutely fascinating and informative. I had never heard of winter seed sowing until today, and this tutorial really helped it all make sense. I have now subscribed to your channel :) thank you!

[@growitbuildit]

Thank you Kat! I'm glad I could help you out. It really is the best way to start seeds.

[@debonail9927]

Thank you!!!! Looking forward to learning more!!!!

[@growitbuildit]

Very good. I'm glad you are enjoying my videos Deb

[@soniamarshall9293]

Thank you for being detailed ! Many thumbs up from me.

[@growitbuildit]

You are very welcome Sonia - glad you enjoyed it!

[@NCRoots2011]

Beginner of winter sowing. This year will be my first. For me you are an excellent communicator in both words and visuals. Thank you. Looking forward to your video on transplanting from the gallon jugs.

[@growitbuildit]

Thank you Dianne - good luck, And I will try to get that video out sometime in March.

[@flatsville1]

Thnx for the staight forward approach without a bunch of BS & yammering.

[@growitbuildit]

You are very welcome. I feel the same way about BS & yammering!

[@gardenEZ]

Brilliant tutorial. Thank you!

[@growitbuildit]

Thank you! Good luck this Winter.

[@chaoscoordinator566]

Excellent video- exactly what I was looking for!! Thank you!

[@growitbuildit]

You are very welcome - good luck this Winter!

[@fitztastico]

12:54 I've had great success separating smaller plants like this by first pulling the dirt plug out and allowing it to sit in water (usually a disposable cup) to fully saturate the dirt, then taking the base of the seedling stems and dunking the dirt in a bowl of slightly soapy water. As the dirt falls away from the roots, you can slowly pull the plants apart with their own entire root structure intact. If you have stubborn roots that won't easily pull apart, allowing a slight stream of water fall on them from the faucet as you work the plants apart will help. Finally, I make sure to fan the roots slightly apart when I pot the seedlings up so they aren't all stuck together

[@growitbuildit]

Interesting - I may try your method. Thank you for sharing.

[@christiner168]

May I ask why you use slightly soapy water?

[@charmc4152]

@@christiner168 It may help to separate the roots by breaking the soil down a bit or helping the soil to slip off of them. It also doesn't necessarily hurt from an antifungal perspective, I would think. Ultimately, the slightly soapy water just cleans them off. 🙂

[@Rex73777]

@@charmc4152 You can use saponins as a wetting agent or castile soap. Dawn dish soap works as well. It will not harm plants.

[@beverlyhosmer6469]

I read how using colored containers block the light but I have a question about using the plastic 44oz cups you get from the convenience stores for soda. If I use these can I put a clear plastic wrap over the top and poke holes in it and get the same result? I have an over abundance of these cups along with sour cream containers that have sold color lids. I just wanted to recycle them. Any thoughts?

[@thirddaysoapsgarden]

Very thorough...I got introduced to WS in 2013. I love it! I skipped last year due to relocation. But, 2023 it's on ..

[@growitbuildit]

Thank you - Winter Sowing is the absolute best way to start your seeds.

[@sarahgracesings]

Going to try this, thanks!!

[@growitbuildit]

Sounds good Sarah - Wintersowing really is the best way to start seeds. Good luck!

[@corinthiawilson6474]

Excellent video!!!

[@growitbuildit]

Thank you Corinthia!

[@janmclellan8963]

This is just wonderful as I am in Canada on the BC coast and we have the longest winter , shortest growing season so this is not just a seed starter for me this is a major grow Thank you so much!

[@growitbuildit]

Hi Jan - that must be pretty cold! I'm glad I could help you out. You may want to watch my latest video on starting tomatoes - I grow them 12"/15 cm in about six weeks. It would probably work well for you up there. kzbin.info/www/bejne/oIWykIKNrJeFpKs

[@frankfencepost57]

Great video as always. Not sure the winter sowing would work for me as I live in Tampa Fl. Yet when I am ready to take seeds out of fridge I could still do the jug thing. I have hard time getting seedlings out of those tray. Now you have shown me a better way to get them out. Maybe I will have better luck this time. Thanks for everything Joe.

[@growitbuildit]

You are welcome Jeanie - the jugs should be easier for sure. Good luck!

[@trumpetingangel]

Yes excellent! So well organized and thorough.

[@growitbuildit]

Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed the video.

[@sexy10iris]

Great information!! Thank you for taking the time to share 😃

[@growitbuildit]

You are very welcome Irais!

[@HzFvr]

👍Thank you! I've got many empty water jugs saved, but felt unsure about how/when to go about this.👍 Just discovered you-Subbed +Thank you also for the written quick guide -Saved & shared all👍

[@growitbuildit]

You are very welcome Jennifer!

[@HzFvr]

@@growitbuildit 👍

[@ndbg46881]

Excellent job! I discovered winter sowing years ago and could not believe it wasn't more popular. My biggest challenge was finding a place to place my containers in my windy back yard. I settled on a long, wide (clear) storage container to corral my containers. Works like a charm. Thank you for producing this great educational video!

[@growitbuildit]

Thank you Beth! It is my absolute preferred way to sow seed each year. No question about it.

[@christophertaylor9826]

Very informative video, I thank you.

[@growitbuildit]

Thank you Christopher! Glad you found it helpful.

[@mattiecopeland8741]

Thank you for a wonderful video. Very educational.

[@growitbuildit]

Thank you Mattie!

[@kelseykautzman8575]

Thank you! I‘ve been collecting jugs for a couple months and I’m about to prep them for planting. I’d read about the process on a few different websites but your video really helped me answer some questions I still had, and some I hadn’t thought to ask. I feel ready now!

[@growitbuildit]

Excellent Kelsey - good luck!

[@anitakervin8799]

Can the milk jugs be the milk ones?

[@growitbuildit]

The main requirement is that they need to be translucent

[@hobbitlady7568]

I need to watch this. Just reading through. I’m a 100% believer in winter sowing. It works! I got so many perennial clumps last year of dianthus, Shasta daisy, chives, even blue fescue grass and annual coleus. What I think makes a difference too is that animals, etc. don’t disturb the seeds before they can take off. Also it is so helpful that many biennials will bloom first year with this method, my hollyhocks did for example.

[@growitbuildit]

I agree with your comment that Winter Sowing protects the seeds from any bird/animal disturbance. That is one of the biggest pitfalls of direct sowing. One year I scattered a ton of pumpkin seeds on a hillside that was recently cleared of Bush Honeysuckle. The very next day I saw a squirrel having a party back there. Almost nothing survived.

[@theurbanthirdhomestead]

@@growitbuildit I direct sowed hundreds of sunflowers last year. Saw the squirrels back there the very next day. I ended up only getting one sunflower. 🌻

[@growitbuildit]

@urban homestead that is so frustrating!

[@toniviudez6371]

Great video with easy and practical information. Thanks for sharing.

[@growitbuildit]

Thank you Toni - I'm glad you found it helpful!

[@JDP33]

Very cool I think and will try. Thanks

[@growitbuildit]

You are welcome James

[@karynlee9632]

I do believe you have giving me an answer to a prayer. I can't start blueberry seeds to save myself. But NOW I do! Thank you so much. Outstanding video.

[@growitbuildit]

You are very welcome!

[@goatkidmom]

@@growitbuildit I had German Breadseed Poppies that didn't germinate because I didn't know they needed stratified. I will try this method and see if I can get them to grow. Thank you.

[@growitbuildit]

You are welcome! Good luck with your poppies.

[@jcking6785]

Great info! I winter sowed for the first time last year with mixed results. Today, I spent hours perusing websites and making my seed purchases - going to give it another try. I’m not a milk drinker so I use water jugs; saves me a lot of time not having to wash all those milk jugs. Looking forward to the update video on how to separate densely sown seedlings.

[@growitbuildit]

Glad you enjoyed it JC. Keep at it - you will come to love it. I think I will have that video out in March.

[@mollygardens6646]

This is very informative. Thanks!

[@growitbuildit]

Thank you Molly!

[@MK-wm6gu]

All of your videos are chock full of useful information. Thanks so much!

[@growitbuildit]

Thank you MK!

[@jin8339]

You always do excellent videos and very detailed plus your website too. I followed your cold stratification in the fridge. It works for a first timer. I was so happy ! 🤠 Thank you ! P. S I used chop stick to separate my seedlings which makes it easier since I am a newbie trying not to rip those roots. 🌹🌸🌻

[@growitbuildit]

Thank you Jin! And I'm glad to hear that the fridge stratification worked well for you. I can see a chopstick working well for loosening roots. The smaller diameter would also allow you to be precise. I often use a plastic fork, screwdriver, or pencil.

[@porthuronhistory]

.

[@charmc4152]

Chopsticks are also great for spacing of your seeds! I bought some fiberglass ones from Amazon since I didn't have any wooden ones already and wanted something that would last.

[@jin8339]

@@charmc4152 Nice ! I used my own since I have 4 pairs but why waste such masterpiece so I got freebies from Chinese store when I order food. I am cheap but kept my collection 🙂🌸🌻🌹

[@marymcandrew7667]

Excellent video! I have found over many years, that when I have things in pots, trays etc, they do much better if not on a patio but on earth, even if there's grass. They don't dry out much at all during the cold months and seem to benefit from the interaction with the garden soil, worms come in too. I'm going to try what you said for some things, might be late now but my cheap greenhouse blew over so maybe I'll try trays but keep them out of sun. Thanks!

[@growitbuildit]

Hi Mary - it is not too late at all. Most perennials need around 30 days (species dependent). I've winter sowed Black Eyed Susans as late as April.

[@CharlotteFairchild]

I planted in jugs and in buckets using compost from something called Soil3. I put 50 of my 70 buckets under trees on grass in a spiral shape. Now I have some on the patio on concrete. I can’t afford domes so I use shower curtains that are food grade. Google food grade shower curtains!

[@charmc4152]

@@CharlotteFairchild Good tip! Who would have thought there were food grade shower curtains?!

[@sandralobato7725]

Thank you for this comprehensive guide!

[@growitbuildit]

You are very welcome

[@MK-wm6gu]

I just love your videos. They are always full of useful information!

[@growitbuildit]

Thank you MK! I really appreciate it and am happy you find them useful.

[@bellarosa009]

This is such a great video on winter sowing!! I’ve been doing it for years and I’ve had good years and bad years!! I like the idea of using the 6 pack seed trays as I usually have some left over from the previous year that I didn’t use. One thing that might work to speed up the watering in the 6 packs is to drill a hole above each cell on the plastic dome - just use a marker to mark the area. I usually use a watering can with a tiny holes to water my seeds when we have a dry winter.

[@growitbuildit]

Thanks for sharing Bella - I try to use an extra tray now for watering, just fill the extra tray with water then set the other inside. Leave it for 30 min or so, and via osmosis it all gets absorbed. But in years past I haven't always had an extra one. But that is a good idea you shared though.

[@charmc4152]

@@growitbuildit This seems like it would be the easiest way to water the trays.

[@growitbuildit]

It is

[@j.reneewhite915]

I use a soldering iron to make the holes in the plastic. It's less dangerous as long as you remember to turn it off. I think the biggest mistake I make with winter sowing is not fertilizing with a liquid fertilizer when the seedlings have emerged. I like starting my onions with this method because it leaves more space on the heat mats and grow lights for other stuff. I also love that I don't have to harden off the plants. There are some chores that I don't enjoy and hardening off is one of them. One suggestion to your viewers don't start your warm season plants to early. Your seeds will rot and the plants will over grow their space before time to put them in the garden. In my climate (Aurora, Oregon. zone 8b, 45th parallel N.) cold loving plants (and those that need stratification) can be started Dec-Feb. Heat loving plants are first of March. I have some old see through plastic totes that I've put holes in and then place the jugs in to keep the wind from blowing them over it makes it easier to move them when needed.

[@growitbuildit]

A soldering iron would work well - not sure how many people have them, but that is a good idea. I don't fertilize any of my seedlings - I find that they grow just fine in most potting soils.

[@garyroberts2563]

Thanks for the local info, Rogue Valley here. Also you can heat a tent stake or such on a stove and poke holes in the plastic.

[@janetbaden8926]

I have 2 soldering irons I got from harbor freight a couple years ago. They were like $4. Probably more now but they do a good job.

[@anitajoe4737]

Thank you!

[@growitbuildit]

You are welcome Anita

[@Rmarsavis327]

I will try this thank you

[@growitbuildit]

You are very welcome Savis - you're going to love winter sowing. It really is the best way to start seeds.

[@joanp105]

As usual, you give complete and knowledgeable information. I will share this video with gardening friends. This will be my first year trying this method and have begun collecting my supplies👍

[@growitbuildit]

Thank you Joan! You will probably be doing this every year from now on then, as it really is an absolutely easy way to start your seeds.

[@mattmccallum2007]

I tried this in Seattle, which is very mild during the winter. So the soil and seeds are prone to molds and fungi. Still, most species I tried worked well and had great germination rates. I did make sure to find a seedling mix that was LOW in nutrients as to not encourage fungus.

[@growitbuildit]

That is a perspective I hadn't thought of Matt - the mild winter. I was focused on where I live/lived, so it always gets very cold which stops any mold/fungi. That plus the airflow the lids seems to work just fine. One time I prepared some pots with moist soil in my basement, but didn't sow them for several days. The pots all got the fuzzy white fungus. But I did find the cure/prevention - just enough airflow and a small bit of sunlight.

[@gilamonsta5123]

true as we experience this in the Houston area, even in the winter as the temp fluctuation isnt helpful for this project. BUT what I have been doing is using the coolest, driest areas, researching the seeds carefully and measuring the humidity of a room being used with a dehumidifier. Dehumidifiers are cheap, on Amazon and bonus, the collected water can be used for the plants already up and going. Cheers!

[@katethinksaboutit7813]

Thank you

[@growitbuildit]

You are welcome Kate.

[@ilkmove]

Thank you so much for creating and sharing this wonderful information- looking forward to trying this winter !

[@growitbuildit]

You are very welcome Kris - I'm glad you found it helpful. You will love Winter Sowing - definitely the easiest way to start all of your seeds.

[@mikefeddersen2476]

Great job on this video! You covered pretty much everything, the only thing I would add is darn near any container works; all kinds of plastic bottles, even smaller water bottles. I even used styrofoam cups inside a cheap plastic tote. I live in West Virginia on the western side so I start my plants in March, as there is too many warm days if I started earlier. Congratulations on a great channel.

[@growitbuildit]

Thank you Mike! And you are completely right - any plastic container that is translucent will work as long as it can accommodate the seedlings.

[@dustyflats3832]

I agree with starting in March. I’m well north and I don’t see a benefit to starting in December or January. Seeds that need stratification wouldn’t need that many hours of cold anyway. I had great luck with March 23rd date and will start tender annuals beginning April.

[@forevergoeswherever356]

Dunno if anyone's asked yet, but have you tried adding any Vermiculite or sand on the top of the soil to help retain moisture on the seed trays? I've read that a couple of times now from other sources. Really like the way your video is laid out and how concise you are. Definitely giving it a like!

[@growitbuildit]

Hi - thank you for the like. I've not added those on top, but I do have pearlite within the mix. It is really only an issue on the trays. And, if you have a spare tray without drain holes, you can fill it with water and water from the bottom. I generally only need to do it one or two times in a season. But that may very well work well, I've not tried it though. A lot of what I winter sow is surface sown, and I guess that would still be ok to have seed on top, mixed w/ vermiculite.

[@dustyflats3832]

@@growitbuildit I think the idea of vermiculite came into play with indoor sowing to prevent mold. Sand wouldn’t hold moisture and not sure if it would do anything.

[@lorilenz7006]

Great ideas! You've inspired me!

[@growitbuildit]

You're going to love winter sowing Lori. I'm far from the first person to do this, but it really is about the easiest way to germinate almost any seed.

[@elizabethogilvie650]

Wonderful. Full set of details. Thank you.

[@growitbuildit]

Thank you Elizabeth - good luck this Winter!

[@NCRoots2011]

Happy New Year from Zone 7b. Beginner of winter sowing quite frankly I may be too late this year 50-65 degree days 30-45 degree nights. You are a great communicator and speak with all senses. By that I mean I could close my eyes and listen to your voice and visualize what you are doing. Very rare in a teacher. Thank you for passing along your knowledge.❄☃

[@growitbuildit]

Thank you so much Dianne - that is one heck of a compliment. Thank you. I have to say that I'm in Zone six, but very close to zone 7. You've got plenty of time to Winter Sow. If you get cool nights down to the 30's, you are good to go for cold stratification / Winter Sowing. I've done some seeds as late as April.

[@andielynne2008]

I’m in zone 7b too and I was wondering if I could do this. I know we usually aren’t done yet with a good freeze or 3 but our warm days in Nashville during the winters way out number our cold. This week it’s 60-65 days 45-55 nights then back to 40-65 days & 37-24 nights. I feel like I’ll be outside taking the covers off of everything during the days& putting them back on at night… and doing more work with it than I would during the spring and summer lol i also have nowhere to put them outdoors without sun. I LOVE this idea though so I’m going to think on it and see if I can adapt it

[@NCRoots2011]

@@growitbuildit Thank you so much.

[@Sablebella]

Love this video! I started my milk jug veggies 2 weeks ago in my house and they’ve started sprouting. Cabbage, carrots, squash, kale and spinach. The only thing not sprouting is the spinach. I’m in zone 8A. Should I keep them in the cozy house or put them outside. It’s in the 20’s and 30’s at night right now here. Any advice is appreciated! 🪴🪴🪴

[@growitbuildit]

Hi BZ - I get nervous when the temperature gets around 20. But 30's should probably be ok for those veggies in jugs as long as they get sun during the day, as the 'milkjug greenhouse' should retain a decent amount of heat. I personally don't put anything into the sun until it gets closer to when I would like them to germinate.

[@Sablebella]

@@growitbuildit thanks so much. I will probably take a chance since the temps should be a little warmer this week. Appreciate it!

[@aneesahnuman9922]

Thank you! This was easy to follow and very helpful

[@growitbuildit]

You are very welcome Aneesah - glad you found it helpful!

[@raphaelahons3479]

Very interesting procedure !

[@growitbuildit]

It is my preferred way to start seeds

[@amyknight850]

Thanks for a great video! I’m trying to figure out what seeds I can winter sow and what I can’t.. can you do tomatoes and peppers? Or just cold season veggies? I have a pretty short growing season with first frost as early as September 15!

[@growitbuildit]

Hi Amy - as a general rule, anything cold hardy to your area or native to your area can be Winter Sowed in the dead of Winter. For cold season veggies, you can get a jump-start on those by Winter Sowing a few weeks before you would normally sow the seed in ground. For tomatoes and peppers, I do something a bit different. Roughly six weeks before I want to transplant them, I germinate the seeds on a paper towel (takes 24-48 hr). I transplant the sprouts to 4" pots in a tray with a tall vented dome. I then keep that dome in direct sunlight and monitor the temp, targeting 100F or more. This is because tomatoes and peppers won't grow much unless the soil is very hot. At night, I bring the tray inside. Generally, within 6 weeks, I have plants that are 6-8" tall.

[@deb5700]

I'm thinking about your tall vented dome. Do you make your own? Or do you buy this somewhere?

[@growitbuildit]

@deb I bought it from Greenhouse Megastore

[@megsmith8333]

Great video. I’ve been winter sowing with mixed results for a couple of years-did not know about keeping containers out of direct sunlight until early spring. I’m going to try that this year. Question- can I use seed starting mix in my container? Or is potting mix preferred? I don’t really know the difference between the two. Thanks again for the great video!

[@growitbuildit]

Hi Meg - you can use seed starting mix or potting soil. Seed starting mix is just sterile moist medium - it works great for germination, as there is very low chance for fungus or disease. But there is no food for the plant other than the sunlight that hits it. I like potting soil, as I can leave my plants in the jugs or containers for longer without issue.

[@fawn1785]

Subscribed! 😇

[@LC-dk9kf]

Are we talking zero sunlight?

[@growitbuildit]

My containers are outside, but on the North side of my house. They don't see much direct sun, if any.

[@SecondComingTwice]

Thanks. I learned something

[@growitbuildit]

You are very welcome - good luck starting your seeds!

[@scottpegggoldenberg9736]

Thank you for a great video! I'm excited to try this.

[@growitbuildit]

Excellent - you're going to love this method of starting seeds.

[@corihaveson2691]

I loved this video and will definitely follow your recommendations. Have been planning to start winter sowing since last year. Any chance you could do a version with the species annotated? I really wanted to know what each and every one was while watching!

[@growitbuildit]

Oh boy - that would take me a while. There are sooooo many species in this video. A few items... 4:01 - Black Eyed Susan 4:20 - River Oats 10:57 - Silky Aster 11:12 - Self-Heal 11:15 - Self-Heal 11:18 - Jack in the Pulpit 11:22 - New Jersey Tea 11:43 and 12:33 - Plains Coreopsis 12:59 - garden phlox 15:02 - Shooting Star 15:11 - Carolina Bushpea 17:08 - Hollow Joe Pye Weed 17:16 - Prairie Dropseed or Pennsylvania Sedge 17:44 - two different species of phlox 17:56 - round pots = swamp milkweed 18:06 - Prairie Smoke 18:08 - Verbena Hastata 18:09 - Prairies Dropseed 18:10 - Virginia Bluebells 18:14 - Top Right, Showy Goldenrod 19:00 - Pin Oak 19:30 - 19:54 - 17:26 Spice Bush 20:05 - Pawpaw (I think)

[@corihaveson2691]

@@growitbuildit Thank you. That was really kind of you to respond so quickly to satisfy my curiosity!

[@scarrgo7110]

@@growitbuildit Thanks for your list! I was trying to read your labels but it went by so quickly. I was gifted 3 Paw Paw seeds and I wasn’t sure what to do with them.

[@graylagran7443]

i've been collecting milk jugs this year -- so i'm definitely give it a try -- i like the idea of not starting inside since i don't have the warming pad(s) or grow lights -- and all that stuff adds up, and i don't have the space for it either. what do you recommend for potting mix?

[@growitbuildit]

Hi -I just use a regular potting soil. If you live somewhere with a mild winter, you may want to choose more of a seed starting mix, as that would be less food for mold/fungus. But I've never had a real issue, and I just use regular potting soil most of the time. But if you want to go high-end, go with ProMix. It is the absolute best potting soil I've ever used. But can be hard to find, and a bit more expensive.

[@josanders1428]

@@growitbuildit Is that only peat moss ?

[@growitbuildit]

I am not sure. Just bought a new bale. I'll try to remember to check tomorrow

[@josanders1428]

@@growitbuildit Didyou find out if ProMix is just peat moss? The potting mix I’ve found is full of sticks and junk.I got it from Walmart.it’s Miracle grow.

[@growitbuildit]

Hi Jo - just checked the label. It is 75-85% sphagnum peat moss per the label. The other ingredients are perlite, vermiculite, limestone & dolomite, wetting agent and mycorrhizae. It's the second bale I've purchased. I bought the first one for winter sowing last year. I found a nice way to get it too - Ace Hardware sells it for about $42. And if you are a rewards member, or even if not, sometimes you get 25% off coupons. So, I just use one of those and get it for just over $30. I do buy the 'walmart' cheap stuff for filling larger planters and pots. And I even mix potting soil with topsoil, as it will drain just fine.

[@charmc4152]

Very informative and well-presented. This was completely new information! Thanks so much!

[@growitbuildit]

Thank you Charm - I'm glad you found it helpful. Good luck!

[@rogehnimunoz4327]

Most comprehensive video ever!!! Thank you.

[@growitbuildit]

You are very welcome Rogehni! Good luck!

[@trumpmech]

Outstanding overview of winter sowing! Thank you!

[@growitbuildit]

You are very welcome! I am very happy you found it helpful!

[@catfunksfabulousfinds]

Thank you from Oregon!

[@growitbuildit]

You are VERY welcome Cat!

[@jogindersingh-prem7793]

Excellent Video

[@growitbuildit]

Thank you Joginder!

[@MuckmouseFollies]

Great video! Well explained, to the point and very helpful.😊 Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge.

[@growitbuildit]

I'm glad you found it helpful - good luck this Winter!

[@trinht8763]

I love this video! so much information and thorough. Thank you so much!

[@growitbuildit]

Thank you Trinh!

[@pgfputtinggodfirstbrand6711]

I like this video! great idea!

[@growitbuildit]

It will change how you sow seeds!

[@fergusdangerfield156]

Excellent video my friend, thanx for posting x.

[@growitbuildit]

Thank you Fergus - glad you enjoyed it!

[@mariafields8823]

Great video !! Thank you and I will start doing this today

[@growitbuildit]

Thank you Maria - good luck this Spring!

[@oleaedwards8555]

Great info.

[@growitbuildit]

Thank you Olea. I'm very glad yu found it helpful

[@maebee562]

I had not heard of this technique before but it sounds wonderful!!!! Definitely going to try this. Thanks so much for the detailed video and visual cues. 👍🏻

[@growitbuildit]

You are very welcome Mae! I'm very happy you found it helpful. Good luck!

[@anniegaddis5240]

Excellent! Sharing this on MeWe!

[@growitbuildit]

Thank you Annie! Glad you liked it.

[@jamesscales4661]

Very Helpful thanks

[@growitbuildit]

You are welcome James!

[@debmarlowe1204]

Very good information. Thanks

[@growitbuildit]

Thank you Deb - good luck this Spring!

[@ThatBritishHomestead]

Love this! I’m trying to sow more seeds this winter

[@growitbuildit]

You are very welcome! Good luck, you're going to love winter sowing.

[@TheTrock121]

This is the first I've heard of this. I just got row covers last year and am overwintering some of my Fall Plantings. I may try Winter Planting directly in a bed this year. Actually some of my Fall planting was pretty late and hasn't come up yet, so I guess I already did.

[@asiajo1010]

one of my favorite videos and i’ve watched MANY lately as this is my first season . Liked and Subscribed! 👍🏽

[@growitbuildit]

Thank you!

[@micheleriehl4516]

Thanks, you have explained the process so well. I think I can do this. Great job. M

[@growitbuildit]

You are welcome Michele - best of luck!

[@andreawhisenant2718]

Great idea!

[@growitbuildit]

It's the best method Andrea

[@wyodutch7992]

I liked this Thank You

[@growitbuildit]

You are very welcome - Good Luck

[@tracycouture3955]

Wow, new subscriber! Looking forward to learning, I'm heading to the playlist 😎🌱

[@growitbuildit]

Thank you Tracy! Hope you enjoy it

[@mancelafleche745]

Best video thank you now I'm ready

[@growitbuildit]

Excellent - I'm glad I could help you Mance

[@chanelprincess6061]

WOW! This is the best video on this👍😊

[@growitbuildit]

Thank you!

[@Thankful_.]

Very informative! Thank you, from a fellow winter-sower! 🙂🌱

[@growitbuildit]

Thank you V! I'm glad you enjoyed it.

[@spiritofluv3]

This is by far the most thorough winter sowing video I've ever come across. Thsnk you.

[@growitbuildit]

Thank you!

[@incognitoriaanonymousita172]

Very informative.

[@growitbuildit]

Thank you!

[@adelebueno3683]

Amazing!!!!

[@growitbuildit]

Thank you Adele! Hope you found it helpful. Good luck this Winter.

[@heidigilman1941]

Great information! Live in MN, I’m going to try this , it makes such good sense

[@growitbuildit]

Excellent - good luck Heidi!

[@berthapardave]

Wow so well explained thank you so much for sharing all your experiences!!! God bless u

[@growitbuildit]

Thank you!