Seeds That Need To Be Started NOW!

[@franziskafalk4470]

Happy about this video and to get a little fix for my gardening withdrawal. It kills me to have to wait until March/April to start seeds indoors. Last year I couldn’t wait anymore and started lemon cucumbers in the beginning of February and had 20 huge vines running through my kitchen by mid April so I couldn’t step anywhere anymore lol patience is so hard 😂

[@mneraasen224]

I have to start lettuce and herbs inside in January, I just can’t wait😂 the lettuce is more tender but it’s still 😋 yummy🙌🏻

[@AkSonya1010]

I am starting most of my perennial's, my onions and brassicas this week. The first week in January. I start a lot in February as well. I look at the dates on the package and count back from my last frost date which is May 15th.

[@lidip8700]

I eat fresh lettuce sakads daily from growing them in Hydroponics. Try it, you'll love it for the winter months especially... no bugs!!

[@franziskafalk4470]

@@lidip8700 I have 2 aerogardens on my kitchen counter and start microgreens in mason jars every week to hold me over until spring but it’s just not the same as outdoor gardening. Well, at least my house plants get a lot more love during the winter 😄 also propagating everything I can just to keep me busy 😂

[@weberhomestead4870]

Start growing microgreens. I grow lettuce, spinach and microgreens inside after my fall garden. It allows me to grow food all winter and it helps with the seasonal depression..zone 6a southwestern MI

[@TimeSurfer206]

Snip, snip. I do this trick. When I pull the bags out of the fridge, I just leave the seeds on the paper towel, and cut it into pieces, planting both seed and scrap of paper towel. And yes, it's time to go get some Peat Pots. This is also what I no doubt need to do to my Maple seeds. Can't believe I needed the reminder, thank you.

[@ddc2343d]

I love MI seeds, you can try a bunch of different stuff and not break the bank. $2 a pack is a great deal.

[@sydohbaby]

Great germination too in my experience!

[@Phethephoenix]

I love it too. And the best selection of heirloom tomatoes around.

[@lmp1575]

Winter sowing works great for all these seeds also.

[@clincoln9224]

Do you have a list of seeds that need to go through Cold Stratification?

[@nigl2807]

I was going to ask the same thing. I know blueberries,cherries and lavendar are the classic ones...

[@rusticgardenretreat4892]

Yep, I started some in the garden, but I am behind on getting the milk jugs going for Houston area of the country. It is so nice to be back in the dirt again. I missed it when I missed the fall planting due to Covid issues in my body. I am feeling better now and happy, happy, happy to be back in the garden this month!!!

[@alenneglock502]

All of your strawberry seeds are sold out. When will you have more? Appreciate your videos! I've learned a lot from your channel.

[@mikejarreau2974]

They have Alexandria & Yellow Wonder Strawberry seeds in stock .

[@Makete100]

I hope you do a demo like this for hot peppers. This video has got me excited for dirt and manure.

[@ddc2343d]

You don't need to stratify pepper seeds. Start your hot varieties of peppers now. They are slow-growing. I'm starting all my super hot ones this weekend. The rest in about 4 weeks.

[@rachelwar33]

This will be my 3rd year purchasing from y'all! I am a 100% satisfied customer and I have enjoyed all the knowledge you and your team have shared. Thank you and have a blessed new year!

[@darcysimental5299]

Thanks Luke! Every time i see someone starting seeds I can feel the stress bubbling up, I have to remind myself that we are in different zones, different lengths of growing seasons but I also should just go ahead and mark a calendar for start dates 👌🏽

[@desertedenblooms]

DONT concentrate on the zone...concentrate on YOUR LAST DAY OF FROST FOR YOUR AREA AND FIRST DAY OF FROST, BEFORE AND AFTER...THATS WHEN THE WARM SEEDS AND COLD SEEDS NEED TO BE PLANTED AND OR SEVERAL WEEKS BEFORE OR AFTER SEEDS ARE STARTED. I use to do the sameeeeeeeeee thing...no more zone ( which can change depending on the micro climate of your yard or neighborhood, but the frost dates are more dependant.

[@rhondagillespie6031]

Thank you Luke, I always put the whole pack in the fridge. Now I know the correct way. I also buy your seeds priced right and they are always viable.

[@karswan]

Next year I'm going to have to start ordering seeds from you early so I can buy from you. Thank you for your videos.

[@BNM-b7t]

Fantastic!! Can't wait till you post the winter sowing video's!!! It's my favorite method.

[@chickenpatti1362]

Hey Luke,thanks for the reminder!I checked my cherry,paw paw&peach seeds stratifying in the fridge while listening.3 peach sprouted out of 4,all 12 cherries sprouted but the paw paws did not.The paw paws have not been in there as long as the rest by 2 or 3 months so giving them more time.The others went in the fridge in August.My first sprouts of the new year!

[@Alyss93]

Pawpaws are notoriously slow to sprout too, so hang in there! I'm trying mine for the first time this year too, best of luck to everyone trying!

[@MIgardener]

Great job!

[@renel7303]

Stinging Nettle! The birds brought it here. I'm on eradication mode with that stuff.

[@callikohl5698]

I have 14 jugs planted and in their winter jug spot. I will be doing a few more. I want to plant some dinosaur kale.

[@ThePineFarm]

Thanks Luke, we love your videos and seeds.

[@Minnehaha64]

Thank you for explaining that! I didn't realize so many seeds needed cold stratification! For example, I grew butterfly milkweed last year without the cold-strat step, and now I think I understand why they took so long to grow! They did bloom and produce seeds, but maybe they would have done so sooner.

[@honestlee4532]

I've had no problems getting Milk Thistle started without bothering with cold stratification. Also, I highly recommend using a spray bottle to get the seeds moist.

[@The_Duck_Pond]

Now you’ve gotten me to consider strawberries from seed … once under the grow lamp, does one use a grow mat as well or is the light enough (does the soil have to be warm like tomatoes/peppers?). Oh … and I did (just) discover that MIGardner had a storefront (way cool setup and building) and in my own back yard so to speak. Drove over today and my daughter can’t stop talking about meeting her first “influencer” with over one million followers. Luke was gracious to take some time away from editing and answered my somewhat menial questions. You guys are crushing it and are definitely going places. Keep up the great work!

[@janetwestrup411]

I knew some seeds grow better and even need cold temps in their cycle, but didn’t know what it was called or how to chill them properly. Thank you for sharing. How do we know what seeds need chilling?

[@ifeelikedyeing]

I funking love cold stratification

[@tamararoberts9307]

O thank you Luke! I had totally forgotten about stratisfying some of my seeds 😮

[@timlist4173]

Starting a new garden in the spring. Walk me through it please. Currently just lawn.

[@vanessasmith883]

So glad I stumbled across your vids I’m branching out and trying more seeds this year and just made my first order with you - happy growing and thanks for the great info

[@lidip8700]

I've never tried this before! Well, time for me to send off an order to MIgardener for strawberry seeds!! I was shopping there last night, glad I saw this video today, before I sent in that order! Thanks again Luke, for another AWESOME video!! (I've got to buy a MIgardener merch, since I'm already a walking advertisement for yall!! Lol)

[@firequeen2194]

😮, I got a green stalk for Christmas (yay)! I’m feeling the strawberries!

[@bdmdbeka7826]

I’ll try this method. I’m a novice gardener, and I tried sprouting Icelandic poppies last year with no luck.

[@dalebailey754]

I started some lavender from seed last spring, and planted it in the ground during summer. Now that it’s cold and everything else died off, the lavender is experiencing a growth spurt. I didn’t use grow lights. My home has plenty of windows, so I just set the seeds in front of an east facing window and they germinate great.

[@SashasGarden38]

Thanks again Luke, I'll be doing this tonight 🌱☺️

[@donaladuke68]

Thanks Luke, great video.

[@shauneilscott]

I have spent a few weeks testing my first set of MI Gardener seeds at an east facing window sill. Not the best sunlight but with the grow light and the window sill I have noticed there is sufficient sunlight to grow these seeds. Unlike a lot of other brands, this one delivers. I will stick to your company's seeds and one other. I want to test one more company but will likely wait until I move to do that.

[@sonyasmith4577]

I have seeds out in milk jugs for winter sowing. It is going to get below zero here in Kansas. I’m hoping they will be ok!

[@SunshineGarden-9B]

Spring will be here before we know it! Thanks for sharing this great information, Luke!

[@kevindavis3841]

That clarifies a lot. Thank you Luke 🙏🏻

[@lindapetersen1800]

Want to start for summer planting Like cabbage broccoli onions to start them off as seeds !!! Maybe get 2 groups of those for myself this Year !!!

[@stacylee8919]

Thank you❤

[@angeliquereed463]

Thank you for sharing your expertise

[@barjrfarmandranch6002]

Great video with awesome information. However, I couldn’t take my eyes off of that wall! It’s extraordinary to say the least!!

[@rachelgalus]

This was really helpful. I failed at cold stratification last year. Too much water, too long, and all my baggies got pink mold. Trying again this year. I really want lavender.

[@scrappinggrammychristine7508]

Thank you for sharing.

[@zinaj0814]

Thank you for this video it help alot to get start and know what to start and when plus I can share this video with friends and family who think can grow. Keep it up.

[@annadreamsart9756]

Thanks!

[@_modvault]

Good little trick if you've had problems with mold during cold stratification is to sprinkle some cinnamon on your moist paper towel & seeds. The cinnamon will prevent mold for long enough that you can complete the stratification period, then plant your seeds.

[@gardeningjunkie2267]

You can cold stratify dry in the packets and then transfer to winter sowing in jugs outdoors with a little potting soil. This way you don't have to handle the fragile seeds until they've put on some size. I have successfully done this with butterfly weed, salvia, poppies, lavender, stone fruit, verbascum, etc.

[@FloraM44]

I was thinking about how it'd be easier just to winter sow the teeny seeds, but I like your idea too!

[@jSheapullen]

So, I'm guessing it doesn't count as cold stratification if I leave seeds in packets in a cold garage? I have all my seeds in a file cabinet in the cold garage.

[@gardeningjunkie2267]

@@jSheapullen I think if it's really cold, it probably would. Maybe compare with a refrigerator thermometer

[@lunatuna79]

What do you mean “cold stratify dry in the packets…”? Can you elaborate? I have all of my seeds in a garage fridge. Is that what you mean?

[@gardeningjunkie2267]

@@lunatuna79 Yes, meaning not in wet paper towels or even soil for the first few weeks. After keeping in a cold place like the fridge, they can be transferred to outdoors in a method called winter sowing.

[@regtlives4698]

I am excited about this milk jug video! I have 14 saved! And was scared to start!

[@reneejmj]

Do you have a list of seeds that like cold stratification?

[@amyschultz8058]

That's pretty cool. I can't wait to see the milk jug video.

[@IsabellaGraceCosmetics]

I like the painting in that room

[@ebradley2306]

Going to give this a try. I garden all year and am just starting to harvest some broccoli. Now I will be ready to go with spring plants when the time comes.

[@SusanDaschner]

Any tips on broccoli 🥦?

[@ebradley2306]

@@SusanDaschner My big take away for broccoli: I live in SE Texas where temperatures are erratic in the fall. To prevent the broccoli from bolting prematurely I will shade the plants if the temps approach the 70's or more. Oh and I keep broccoli-loving pups out of the garden. 🙂

[@WS-by5cl]

After harvesting the initial large head of broccoli, the stem continues to produce smaller shoots as long as temps are right.

[@SusanDaschner]

@@ebradley2306 thanks!

[@benh3427]

I just put it into the ground every other week until I think I have enough for my needs here in zone 11b, just not getting it too much water in rainy weather days.

[@jamiescountryliving]

Thank you very much.

[@susanhenley8240]

When ready for soil, what about just cutting/tearing off a piece of the paper towel to transport the sprouted seeds?

[@gblyndensrandomreviews]

Hmmm I may have to do this with some of my lavender seeds. I live in Zone 8A and it looks like we will finally get lows of 20 degrees in the next week. It has been warm for this time of year so far.

[@chatolandia75]

I ordered package of seeds from you guys, I’m on zone 7 and I already started, strawberries, Brussels Sprouts, Brocoli, Onions and Radicchio, thanks for sharing all this info and tips 😎

[@capecodcottagegarden]

Just purchased a bunch of MIgardener seeds for the first time so looking forward to planting. Also, this video was so helpful. Last year I tried to cold stratify a bunch of stuff including butterfly weed. I only got two to grow and now I know why...I didn't leave them in the fridge long enough so I will try again this year! Thank you!

[@mabelmbah5738]

Happy newyear!

[@nanablue3748]

Whoop 🙌 whoop seed time !!!

[@catnhat1117]

What a coincidence! I have some caper seeds (capparis), which supposedly grow well in my hot-summer "zone 9" climate. I've never grown this plant before, which has hard little seeds that require some soaking and time in the fridge. I think I'll try some on a paper towel, and others cold-started outside. This year it seems the weather conditions will duplicate what the seeds will need to start, but ya never know. Great informative video!

[@wandawheeler5331]

Thank you

[@tonyastadt6110]

Interesting information on starting seeds from the fridge to grow lights but I don't have all that so what else can I do to start seeds to make them germinate just right before Spring??

[@wizpig64]

beautiful mural!

[@ellenclayton5955]

This explains why I have never had luck with strawberry seeds. I have just planted them.

[@Sheenasalesthriftytreasures]

Fantastic information!

[@RachelTsTime]

Great timing I was just on your site browsing what I should buy. I’m in 8b so I still have some time

[@TheCassenator]

To move a little seeds around, you can just tear off pieces of the paper towel and then scrape them off or just let them sprout and grow through it

[@amygriffith3598]

I’ve always seen this done by folding the paper towel over the seeds, but this will be so much easier to see when the seeds have germinated without having to unfold it.

[@pollinatefarmgardensupply2708]

Hi Luke, for things like strawberries (or for any of the cold stratification seeds you put in the ziploc bag), would it be okay to just plant the paper towel in soil, then once they germinate and are a little bit bigger you can either pot them up or place them in rows in the growing bed, etc? I'm trying to grow a stinging nettle patch and I really don't care how close the plants are at this point, and I'm thinking I can just plant the moist paper towel. It would insure less disturbance to the seeds. Your thoughts are appreciated!

[@amandacorrea2764]

This is what I came to say! It sounds like a good idea!

[@seadoo413]

How long would you keep mint seeds in the fridge?

[@Aiisshhaaa]

This didn’t work for me. My napkin molded after a month so glad I checked it- had to transfer to a new paper towel not wet. Hopefully they weren’t damaged.

[@matthewlobban6236]

If the tiny seeds have rooted a lot, I like to just cut out the area of paper towel each seed is sitting on.

[@NatureZone101]

Thanks for this tip! With so many different things, how do we know what needs to be cold stratified? Is there a place with a list?

[@tylersherrill4366]

You got me back into gardening back in 2020 and I have loved watching the channel grow! Do you guys sell those long sleeves on your site?? I want one!!

[@gardenboydon]

Check out any seed swap events in your local cities. It's a fantastic way to meet other gardeners, get seeds for free and even donate seeds to your community

[@tammieholmes520]

I have a question about storing seeds and when they expire. I have seeds we purchased in 2016 that are in a mylar bag and have been in the fridge for storage- they have never been opened. Are these seeds still good or should I consider replenishing my seeds? We purchased some seeds for emergency storage but I am thinking these won't keep well as years go by. What seeds can we store for longer periods so we have back up seeds when you can't get ahold of garden seeds? Thanks for your help. Love your videos and all your valuable information - THANK. YOU!

[@essentialcomforts2166]

I'd love to see a close up video on how remove them and plant into the dirt..like how much dirt to put on them and how much water. When I tried this, they didnt come up. Maybe they dried out or went into shock, IDK. I do love the jug method and have done it for several years now. Some people will put the jug in the fridge if they are in a place that doesnt stay consistently cold. Others will just sow into seedling trays and put the tray outside.

[@sblaine3529]

Hi Luke. What if you don't have grow lights?

[@AlexAnder-rv1gu]

What do you do about the little black dots of mould that start to grow on your paper towel? Do you switch the paper towel or just leave it there?

[@rg-mi5hh]

Winter sowing is so fun, saves space, easy to grow. We have grown ours in our breezeway where it gets strong afternoon sun. Tomatoes and peppers are ready to go earlier. We start ours usually around April 1.

[@gerardkiff2026]

Hey Luke , love the sweat shirt. Do you sell them ?

[@sherriianiro747]

I have had no luck with winter sowing - did broccoli and never formed heads after moving to the garden. I will give this a try with steawberries hecause they are cheap and see what happens. Thanks!

[@nk-dw2hm]

I was frustrated my strawberry seeds hadn't sprout with my other indoor garden plants, the packet didn't mention cold stratification but I'll give that a go if my current batch all fail

[@gg-gn3re]

There are seed tweezers with silicone tips and also other ones with cups to not damage seeds. one brand is called "Huggers" (never used them, but their objective is obvious)

[@iakkatz128]

Hi Luke. First happy new year to you and youurs.. where can you get the info of how long or short to refrigerate?

[@helenmcclellan452]

Would it be possible for you to put a list of short and long of different veggies and flowers that you sell? I would like to grow perrenial flowers this year and could use a list of which nerd stratification.

[@Javaman92]

SO MIgardner IS you! I was going to check out your seeds the other day but I couldn't get your page to work. Regardless of what I clicked on it popped up asparagus.

[@summermucha5207]

I like the painted wall in the background. 🌟

[@ilprepper272]

would like to get some of them yellow wonder strawberry seeds if you have them . But do not see them for sale on your site.

[@dcrosco1458]

I never do the cold weather stuff to the seeds I buy from you. I keep them in a dresser and then pull them out and put the seeds I get from you and plant them. I have at least a 85% rate of growth. I blame the other 15% on the birds.

[@marykeffalas3700]

Luke, I live in northern Pennsylvania. Is it to early to cold stratify vegetables for example lettuce, sugar snap peas, beets, green beans, or carrots?

[@jujube2407]

I'm going to be winter sowing alot this year for sure! But I love cold stratifying in the fridge too!!! 😮 I think I have some of those wonder strawberry seeds somewhere... do they fruit on year one?

[@FrozEnbyWolf150]

Any strawberry plants started from seed will not fruit until the second year, and the berries will be small. In the third year they will fruit at full size.

[@jujube2407]

@@FrozEnbyWolf150 that's what I thought :( we move every three years... makes stuff like this incredibly hard on military families trying to grow :(

[@FrozEnbyWolf150]

@@jujube2407 Strawberries can grow well in containers. That might be something to consider.

[@sweetbuns1018]

Wow thank you for this video . Imagine a Thai person who lives in canada and trying to grow strawberry and apple from seed without going to school about it. For first few years strawberry and apple didn’t sprout but when I grow lemon or fruits from Thailand it worked! First I blamed myself I have a hot green thumb not cold green thumb!😂😂😂

[@CraftEccentricity]

Which zones are you referring to?

[@jSheapullen]

Sooo...youre saying cold stratification doest work unless seeds are dampened? Then , of course, looking for germination. What about does CS count on seeds if left dry in a cold garage? Tnx!

[@traceydysert6096]

Good to know. With the smaller seeds, You could just put the paper towel with the seeds in a pot and cover them. That way there's no messing around with tweezers.

[@pamkaruhn]

Do you do this with all seeds like peppers, watermelon etc

[@floridaprepper598]

That just seems like a lot of work I've never had a problem direct planting them at the beginning of spring My strawberries from last year are still growing all over the place I've already got okra black beans and tomatoes growing😊

[@Murlockingqc]

Strawberries can germinate without stratification, but they will have better germination if you do. There's cases for other plants that you absolutely need to stratify them or the germination rate is under 10%.

[@hoosierpioneer]

Really want winter sowing help. Last year was a big fail. Only kale worked. No surprize, it survives everything.

[@nk-dw2hm]

​@@MurlockingqcI recently did a big variety of seedlings for an indoor garden and the strawberries were the only group with 0% germination. I added a few extra but will toss some in the fridge also since it does seem like they aren't happy without it. Mine are alpine strawberries so they might be extra cold loving

[@firequeen2194]

Good for you! I’m jealous. Strawberries are the one thing I adore but struggle with growing. Glad for the new tips!

[@llovebleach6530]

​@@nk-dw2hmmy alpines need lots of light to get sprouting

[@Jstblondie]

I didn’t know it suppose to be on a wet paper towel. I just put the packet in. I guess I’ll be doing it the right way.

[@plronson]

How do you know if the crop is short or long term for cold stratification? Usually the back of the packet does not say. Is there a guide somewhere? Or do I just search crop by crop?

[@PippiLong1]

I just harvest the Mammoth basil that I grew in my hydroponic container. The leaves were 10" by at least 3" wide. I took pictures. My family and friends were shocked by the size.

[@melissagoodwin2602]

I live in the Caribbean. Would i have success with this process?. I want to purchace seeds but im wondering how they will do in my climate.