Winter Sowing: Everyone Can Grow a Garden (2023) #1

[@rachelroyer6117]

Thank you for taking the time to teach us!

[@SusansInTheGarden]

My pleasure!

[@susanrieske4258]

Here's some tips I've learned from experience. If you use the party size ice cream buckets you don't have to do all that cutting and taping! For milk jugs, leave the uncut hinge on the opposite side of the handle, then it will stay open so you can add soil. When taping, first put a bit of tape vertically on the jug to hold it closed while you're taping around it. You're welcome!

[@dannysessler1140]

If you use the ice cream bucket do you keep the lid in while outside, with holes to allow water in when it rains?

[@susanrieske4258]

@Danny Sessler yes, I keep the lid on. I cut several holes to allow water to enter. It's so much easier than the jugs!

[@eileenstarr6607]

Thank you for another great video, Susan! Two tips I have learned are to use a hole punch near the border between the top and bottom, and then thread twine or wire to hold the jug closed. This saves from using tape. Also, placing a coffee filter over the bottom holes before filling the jug with soil will help to keep slugs out. Good luck with your seed starting!

[@SusansInTheGarden]

I'm glad you enjoyed the video, Eileen. Thanks so much for sharing these tips!

[@billdixon5438]

I've been doing winter sowing for several years and it works great in zone 7A. Lately I've been burying the jugs in the garden up to the top of the potting soil in the jug. This seems to help the seeds react more to the actual soil temperature versus just the temperature of the air around the jugs and the warming by any sunlight. This way, they are fully ready for transplanting. And, the jugs don't blow away!

[@SusansInTheGarden]

Great tip, Bill. Thank you!

[@curious8554]

Love your videos! Your very calming voice is always a pleasure to hear. Looking forward to the updates. Next, go find some gallon jugs

[@SusansInTheGarden]

Thank you. If you let your friends and neighbors know that you need milk jugs, you'll be amazed at how quickly you get some! We don't buy milk in that size so I mentioned my plans to my Master Gardener friends and had a bunch of jugs in short order!

[@jeffreyergen5725]

Good morning I watched your video on planting seeds in milk containers I am going to try pansies even though I am having a extremely difficult time believing this is going to work, but I will take your word for it and give it a shot

[@SusansInTheGarden]

Go for it, Jeffrey! I know it sounds crazy but it really works.

[@susanwhitington7966]

A band saw works great to cut the containers

[@joycearthur5244]

I hope you show them when they are ready to transplant.

[@SusansInTheGarden]

I will definitely do updates.

[@TheAdventuresofDrewandAmanda]

I have a huge problem with the squirrels digging up my seed in fall and winter months. Looking forward to try this method to hopefully keep the squirrels out!!

[@dollyperry3020]

Cover the area with some chicken wire or floating row cover and it will help deter them.

[@Herhighness211]

Get a squirrelinator and then drive them 10miles away from ur home. That thing is very effective and it’s my plan for spring/summer 2023.

[@joycearthur5244]

I did 4 winter sowing jugs yesterday and you make the taping look much easier than it is. Looking forward to see what I get.

[@SusansInTheGarden]

Well, if you want to know the truth: that was the 3rd jug I planted where the tape actually cooperated! So that means I had to reshoot that scene 3 times, ha ha. Yes, it's challenging if you try to do it without someone else's help.

[@tomcahill6981]

Susan, I live in South Central PA. I have used Winter Sowing for the past 8 years with pretty good results. The problem this year is the lack of coldness here with temperatures way above normal. I put out my early Spring seeds in their jugs a month ago, but due to the high temps, nothing yet. I am getting ready to put out my early summer stuff in a few weeks. I guess I'll just have to keep my fingers crossed for Mother Nature to cooperate.

[@SusansInTheGarden]

Wow, that is challenging! I hope all goes well for you.

[@saradu6979]

Great video. Thank you! Doing some winter sowing in zone 4b.

[@SusansInTheGarden]

Wonderful! Have fun, Sara.

[@joycedagostino8869]

Thanks so much. I have my jugs set aside to do the winter sowing so you've inspired me to get going!

[@rg-mi5hh]

We winter sowed in our breezeway last year. Watered them ever so often. Had a bright southwestern window. In May they were about four inches high. Zone 6.

[@donnamullins2089]

Can't wait to try this method. Thanks Susan.

[@samanthawilliams8611]

Great tips! I winter sowed for my first time this year and I'm so excited to see how it works.

[@SusansInTheGarden]

That's awesome, Samantha!

[@greenthumbelina7331]

Hi Susan! I have all of my water jugs prepared to start my winter Sowing, but I need to wait a couple of weeks before starting mine in zone 5a. I prepare the jugs a bit differently; I add a hole about 1/2 inch up from the bottom of each jug (on the sides) in addition to the bottom holes, but I don't add extra holes in the top. My thinking is that if we get a deluge of moisture the seed/seedlings won't sit in water. I don't think it matters how differently everyone starts seeds; the important thing is that we just start them! The thing I'm having trouble finding is potting soil (in larger bags) that isn't frozen solid, we have about a 1/2 to an inch of ice on everything around here. I don't want to bring frozen bags of soil into my house to thaw, and my garage is just as cold as outside. I'm worried that my poor trees and shrubs are going to have damage once the ice melts.

[@clb50]

Are you using actual potting soil and not seed starting mix?

[@greenthumbelina7331]

@@clb50 I use organic potting soil for my winter sowing.

[@1wholovestrees]

I did this last March and got the best lettuce and spinach crop! I could never grow spinach in my garden before. I’m in zone 5a/4b😊

[@skada3242]

So did you transplant the spinach seedlings?

[@SusansInTheGarden]

Great to hear, Beth!

[@1wholovestrees]

@@skada3242 yes and they all survived

[@lambylambcurly]

Did you start them in winter or in March itself? Thanks

[@1wholovestrees]

@@skada3242Yes.

[@Cursed_cass]

I really want to try this to get a headstart. I'm in 5B in Iowa. I don't have a lot of room so I'm trying to plan. Plus I have early arthritis and fibromyalgia

[@SusansInTheGarden]

I'm so sorry to hear that. You've got a lot to deal with. I hope you'll enjoy the winter sowing method.

[@cargold7597]

Love learning from you!

[@SusansInTheGarden]

Thank you so much!

[@Herhighness211]

I’m in zone 7 & it’s been extremely warm! It’s weird. I have lots of native plants to winter sow & im anxious to get started. Hopefully there will be colder weather next week.

[@maryalgar8779]

Great idea. Milk jugs not very common in my area, but I think a vinegar jug or distilled water jug would work. Look forward to your future video on transplanting them.

[@akerudawn]

Ooh, thank you. I was just wondering what I could use instead and the vinegar jugs will do.

[@annewines2892]

Fantastic, this is going to help me a great deal with additional planting this season. I just watched you on an episode of growing a greener world and was super excited to see someone from the greater local area staring. Thank you so much for your gardening experience.

[@SusansInTheGarden]

Glad you enjoyed this video and our episode, Anne!

[@ingridscott91]

Great video! Can you tell me exactly the kind of Potting soil that you use? A brand or a link? All I can find has something in it that you had mentioned not to have. TIA! :)

[@SusansInTheGarden]

Hi, Ingrid. I believe I was using some regular Pro-Mix potting soil. A germination mix or seed-starting mix would work well, too.

[@ingridscott91]

@@SusansInTheGarden Thank you, Susan! :)

[@gratefulMOMent]

I’m in zone 6, am I too late to the winter sewing game? Can I sew tomatoes now? Or just early spring stuff like lettuce? I’m a new subscriber and I’ll binge watch you tonight to see if I can figure this all out. Thank you!!

[@SusansInTheGarden]

Hi there. I tend not to recommend trying to start tomato seeds with the winter sowing method. For one thing, they need to good head start (about 6 weeks) under ideal conditions. Also, while researching for my new book, The Vegetable Garden Problem Solver Handbook, I discovered there are frustrating disorders that can afflict tomato plants and their fruits if they've been exposed to temperatures under 55 degrees F. So I think it's better to start tomatoes indoors. But as you could see with all of the things I started in the jugs, I planted a wide variety of things. Thank you for subscribing, by the way!

[@hmartin751]

I am in Maine 5B when shoild i start winter sowing? Is today January too early?

[@SusansInTheGarden]

Hi there. As long as your temperatures are chilly, you can start winter-sowing.

[@vickibloesser1813]

Hi susan. I see you put holes in the top of the jugs. Do you do this if you are in a dryer area to get more moisture in or is it to vent the jugs more. I am in central KS. My winter tend to be dry. Thx

[@SusansInTheGarden]

Hi, Vicki. Those holes are primarily to allow moisture to get in, but also for air circulation. You'll want to check on yours from time to time, to make sure the soil hasn't completely dried out.

[@debbieholst3720]

New subscriber here. Love your videos but have a question. In one of your resent videos you mentioned fertilizing after second set of leaves. I am in zone 8a and I have a lot of winter sowing already to this stage. Do I need to fertilize them in the jugs? I just stared watching your channel and you did a seed starting and went over this in that video. Thought I would ask..thanks for sharing your knowledge

[@SusansInTheGarden]

Hi, Debbie. Thanks for subscribing to my channel. Wow, your winter-sown seedlings are moving right along! Of course, we're in zone 5b so ours are still just thinking about germinating. I haven't faced the issue of the plants having so many true leaves before it's time for me to transplant them out of the jugs. However, I did some quick research and everything I'm finding says to wait until the plants have a few sets of mature leaves before giving them some fertilizer. And when you do fertilize them, I'd give them half-strength liquid nitrogen fertilizer so it's not too strong for them.

[@debbieholst3720]

@@SusansInTheGarden thank you so much! Zone 8a has been a little crazy. Feels like summer today. I will wait a few more weeks and fertilize at transplant. Love your channel and thanks for sharing you knowledge

[@amandahines5078]

I’m going to try it. I missed what zone your in?

[@SusansInTheGarden]

Hi, Amanda. We're in zone 5b, but this works for all but the warmest locales.

[@tessamoland797]

Would the same process work for Russell Lupines as you did with the Pixie Lupines?

[@SusansInTheGarden]

I believe so, although I not very many Pixie lupines germinated. Frustrating.

[@tessamoland797]

@SusansInTheGarden Thank you for the info. I still plan to try winter sowing with the Russell's. I will try about 3 seeds per jug, then also try a few indoor planters. That way, I hope at least one method will give me successful results.

[@SusansInTheGarden]

@@tessamoland797 Sounds like a good plan to me!

[@kimberlykendall7302]

Hi Susan, thanks for another great video! Question for you, do you still do your bulb onions this way or did you go back to under the lights? Thx!

[@SusansInTheGarden]

We're doing a combination. I thickly planted onion seeds in one of the milk jugs and Bill is going to start some other types indoors.

[@kimberlykendall7302]

Thanks!

[@karenw9996]

I tried winter sowing for the first time last year (I'd never heard of it before!); for the little bit of growth I got, I'd rather just wait & direct sow. I may try it again sometime, but not this year.

[@SusansInTheGarden]

And that is totally OK!

[@clb50]

Do you have to remove new snow from covering the jugs?

[@SusansInTheGarden]

Nope! You just let things happen naturally. That's why I like this method.

[@dollyperry3020]

Susan, Do you spray horitcultural oil? I want to do my roses this year and am wondering about timing.

[@SusansInTheGarden]

Hi, Dolly. Horticultural oil should be sprayed before the plants' new leaves emerge. What are you trying to control on your roses?

[@dustyflats3832]

This year is Really strange weather. I am Z5a WI and we are having extremely warm weather for January 30-40s/day and 20s/night. We even had 50s And Rain.😮. I’ve never remembered this warm of weather in January ever. I looked at Accuweather and they predict these temps all month with one night at the end of month of -3. My question is placement and timing of jugs. If I set them out on the sunny side outside greenhouse I’m concerned they will sprout too soon and then freeze. Most of the snow was melted and just getting an inch now. The other question is when to set them out. If the weather stays below freezing I’m fine, but I think these warm days may rot the seeds. It’s a dilemma as I know another gardener in Scotland and WS doesn’t work for them and I think it’s because they get too warm next to ocean and yet freezing at night. I’m thinking of setting the jugs out in February in hopes the weather gets colder. I would Love to do WS now as the Cabin Fever has set in😂. I listened to A Greener World podcast on WS and other videos, but the unusual weather wasn’t mentioned. Love your videos, thank you! So what do you think Susan-should I go for it now or wait, set them in more shade?

[@sbffsbrarbrr]

That's an interesting question. I am in northeast Illinois (5B) with the same issue. My instinct is to think that you don't need to be below freezing. Most seeds won't germinate until the soil temps are much warmer. When seeds are cold stratified, they are placed in the fridge, not the freezer. And as far as light, this should only be an issue with seeds that are surface sown and/or need light to germinate. Seeds that are covered with soil won't notice one way or the other until they are ready to germinate. Kind of like when you start seedlings indoors. Most don't need light until they sprout. Looking forward to seeing what Susan has to say 😊

[@SusansInTheGarden]

Hi there. Wow, you are definitely having warm weather! This winter is definitely a challenging one for all of us. I wish I had a crystal ball so I would know what to expect for the rest of the winter. I think you might want to wait a bit (February sounds good) and see if your temperatures stabilize back to something that is more normal for your area. I hope this helps.

[@lindagillies2561]

Do you start your onions this way? I don’t have seed compost could I add sand, grit & perlite to ordinary purchased compost?

[@SusansInTheGarden]

Hello, Linda. Yes, I have started onions using this method in the past, and have done so this year as well. I don't think you would need to add anything special to the compost, if you are referring to a basic seed-starting mix. (I know in the U.K., they refer to that as a "compost," so I think that might be what you're referring to) It doesn't need to be anything fancy.

[@clb50]

You use potting soil and not a seed starting mix?

[@SusansInTheGarden]

No, it's not necessary. Regular, sterile potting soil is considered the best to use.

[@akerudawn]

If I get a lot of snow in my area, do I worry about keeping them uncovered? They would be under 2-4 feet at times.

[@SusansInTheGarden]

Hi, Dawn, I haven't had to do that over the years, but I think it wouldn't hurt to raise them up from time to time! But the seeds won't germinate until the time is right so they should be OK. (that's a lot of snow, by the way!)

[@akerudawn]

@@SusansInTheGarden Thank you! I'm in Montreal, also zone 5b. It's great to watch a channel from someone with the same winters. :D

[@SusansInTheGarden]

@@akerudawn Nice to meet you, Dawn!

[@buickinvicta288]

Susan I have a question. I got sweet pea (flowers) seeds from Baker Creek. They took so long to finally germinate late last season. So I put them in a deep pot and brought them in November. Hoping to save them. They seem ok in a sunny window. I'm in N.E. can I use the method you describe here? Thanks.

[@SusansInTheGarden]

Hi there. I haven't started sweet pea seeds with the winter sowing method but since they are frost-tolerant, they would be a good candidate for this. But it sounds like you're referring to putting sweet pea PLANTS out into the garden now. If that's the case, I would wait to transplant them outdoors in early spring. Sorry for the confusion!

[@buickinvicta288]

@@SusansInTheGarden No, I brought them inside as the frost hit trying to save them. Very hard to germinate, so late in the season. Took forever. So, OK, I will try this method also. I had perennial sweet peas that grew like weeds on last property. I transplanted to my lamp post. I am trying to duplicate here. Thanks so much. Just trying to save what germinated last fall. It's an experiment.

[@buickinvicta288]

@@SusansInTheGarden The old place had a very established garden. Planted with love. I had the little cottage, so I went around and dug things up for the cottage. Banks of lily of valley, bleeding hearts, hostas, astilbe, peonies, hydrangea, spirea, many conifers. So I created my cottage garden. I added perennials.

[@kolafoltin]

Our winter temperatures fluctuate drastically. It can be -10 over night and 50 during the day. We are at 5000 feet, as well, so the light is intense with very little cloud cover. Our snow comes and goes with the most coming in March. Will all these conditions cause the seeds to sprout too early?

[@SusansInTheGarden]

Wow, you definitely have some temperature fluctuations! It's hard to know for sure what will happen. You could always experiment by planting a single container this winter and seeing how it goes. Just a thought.

[@tannenbaumgirl3100]

Transplanting Lupines with this method is not recommended....Lupines do not like to be transplanted, this method requires disturbing the soil quite a bit. Best to plant lupines in vessels that where the entire clump can be removed.

[@verygoodlygarden864]

I have done lupines this way with great success for the last 3 years.

[@dianepuskas6362]

I haven't tried to winter sow lupines, but generally you can scoop a section of seedlings out in a clump and transplant without disturbing young roots. We'll see how Susan's turn out.

[@tannenbaumgirl3100]

@@dianepuskas6362 Generally, but I learned the hard way with Lupines.

[@dustyflats3832]

I’ve read the same about Butterfly Weed and I’ve moved it in my garden and they were fine. I even broke some of the tuberous roots and they grew. 😅the only thing about Lupines for me is I just can’t seem to grow them and peonies.

[@SusansInTheGarden]

That's what I thought but I've been seeing lupines on winter sowing lists so I felt it was worth a try. We shall see! And I can easily remove the entire clump from the container so that won't be a problem.