Winter Sowing Kickoff: Everything You Need to Know to Get Started Successfully | The Southern Daisy

[@jodyvollmer4125]

I found one of your videos last December as I was recuperating from surgery. I binged watched your videos and in late January was able to start my winter sowing for the first time. I grew everything from seed last year for my garden and flowerbeds. My neighbors thought I was crazy but by the end of the season, they were praising me and telling everyone how I grew everything from seed. Cannot wait to start soon! What a fun way to get through the winter! Also, the first time I grew cosmos ever and now I’m addicted!

[@maureenmanning1244]

This is so encouraging to see! Cosmos are on my list to try. I agree that planning and planting all of this helps get through the winter months for sure.

[@thesoutherndaisyllc]

This is phenomenal. What an honor. ❤ listen I am so grateful to have you here and so excited to hear the results we’re so positive. Cosmos are a top fav of mine. ❤️🌱😊

[@thesoutherndaisyllc]

@@maureenmanning1244cosmos are so fun and easy. They give you so many seeds to grow more and more ❤ you will be blown away and addicted too 😂❤

[@jodyvollmer4125]

@@maureenmanning1244 the best part about Cosmo are after they have four leaves you can pinch them off plant the section you pinched off in moist soil and a couple weeks later they will grow roots and you will have double the plants! I can’t believe after all these years, I finally tried cosmos

[@JamieSantos]

🙏💖

[@princesspamela1959]

OMG!!! Im so excited!!! Last year was my first time winter sowing and I was quite successful! Thanks for all your help! That is all except the Tithonia... but I'll try It again this year!😀 I started my grow list back in October! I'm in Portland Oregon Zone 9A... Used to be 8B... I like to call it 8 3/4... Im so excited, I've been stalking and hounding Costco for bare root fruit trees, and cruising the big box stores looking for seeds... Imagine all that dang Xmas stuff taking up "MY" seed space!!! I was there today and they only had last years old seeds tucked away in a dark corner---- not on sale!.... humph!!! Any way... Cheers!!! Here's to another Beautifully over grown, out of control, productive, charming, prolific, dream filled gardening season! ❤❤❤

[@thesoutherndaisyllc]

This whole comment from start to finish sounds like me. You and I should be besties 😂 I’m making you promise to try Tithonia again. It’s the best! Try the American seed brand from dollar tree and if you can’t get it in Oregon let me know, I will send you some seeds ❤ I LOVE 8 3/4 😂 so now I’ll refer to myself as 7 3/4. It’s not as abrasive for my soul 🤣 who even knew Costco had seeds. Now my husband is going to cut off my membership 🎉 so glad you’re here and can’t wait to hear how you do ❤❤❤

[@thesoutherndaisyllc]

Your last sentence made my day. Cheers 🎉

[@1215mdpc]

I also see people online (KZbin) talking about how to garden. And there gardens are always so pretty. But they never say the How to or When to. I asked God please send something that will start from the beginning ... And while on the phone I saw this ... I know I can play the clip any time BUT I had to get off the phone!!!!! I don't think say to you THANK YOU THANK THANK IS ENOUGH.... A garden is so important for me and my Family and I feel this journey this year finding you is going to an abundant BLESSING ... I had almost gave up but you have set the fire again THANK YOU!

[@thesoutherndaisyllc]

You are the reason! Im so glad you found me and I have you. So thank you! You made my day❤

[@thesoutherndaisyllc]

And please if I don’t cover something ask me! Just don’t give up! Promise?!?

[@1215mdpc]

@@thesoutherndaisyllc you have brought tears to my eyes thank you ...OOOOOO I called Starbucks explained to them I wanted the milk jugs for my garden that my Daughter (special needs) and they are giving me the milk jugs thank you for that tip already 😎

[@sherryporter8647]

I’ve tried winter sowing for two winters now and I love it. Your videos on it are by far my favorite. I think you’ve answered every question I had about it ! And I love your enthusiasm for it.

[@thesoutherndaisyllc]

That makes me so happy to hear! How sweet of you to say. Your comment is one I’m keeping for a bad day. Thsvk you for telling ne. Winter sowing is for me life changing. I imagine for you too. I can’t believe it’s possible to grown such nice seedlings in such a way. How fun! ❤😊

[@carmajo2500]

🎉woohoo January10th! I'll be on the lookout👍

[@thesoutherndaisyllc]

YES!!!!!!

[@Tina-w3j5z]

I did winter sowing last year when I came across your video. I couldn't find the certain seeds you shared you loved the most , but all the ones I found did excellent! So, I am excited this year and am getting more of your favorites, as well as, mine. I've got to get that sharpie paint pen before the 10th! All my writing washed off last year. Best of luck. I'm as excited as you!

[@thesoutherndaisyllc]

That’s wonderful! I’m so glad you had great success and that you’re already finding ones you love. I am excited to do this with you.

[@JamieSantos]

I tried it last winter and had astounding success! I wish they taught THIS in school! I have already started Aster, Artichoke, Dianthus and something else that I can’t remember. 🤔 It will be a pleasant surprise no matter what it is. I had so much success last year that I was overwhelmed with plants but they all found good homes. Will forever be sowing in Winter❤️

[@AmsNl2BcnEs]

Plant hardiness zone 9a in UK. Your videos always inspire and cheer me. Your enthusiasm is infectious. Thank you 😊

[@thesoutherndaisyllc]

Hello from across the pond! Thank you for sharing and I can imagine your beautiful accent as you say the message 😊 so have you tried winter sowing? I’m curious how it goes for you there?

[@AmsNl2BcnEs]

@@thesoutherndaisyllc I’ve tried a variation in large clear plastic boxes with lids on and where the seeds go in the ground so I don’t have to transplant them and I put a coke bottle with the bottom cut off on top. I then stake them down. It’s pros and cons - you grow much less seeds per bottle but when you finally pull off the bottles the seeds grow massively very rapidly. Do need to be a bit vigilant to slugs creeping in the top but I find the root development is better this way. I’d encourage you to also give that a go if you haven’t already :)

[@ingridscott91]

Hi Kim, the words you were looking for "DR" = Deer Resistant. I am very excited to follow you along. I am glad that you mentioned that you don't wait with planting certain things. I was wondering about that. Good to know that the seeds will be in stores Jan. 10th I already have some but I am curious what they have, and for that price, why not? I am looking forward to all of your videos! I will be planting containers on my patio. I am in Zone 8a :)

[@thesoutherndaisyllc]

Ahhhhh you are a modern day genius 🤦‍♀️🤣 duh! I could not think of it. ❤Thabk you for being here 😊

[@kathysinclair3011]

I cut up my yogurt containers in strips for my labels.so I get them for free and I can cut them as big as I want. I love winter sowing. This is my 3rd year. I grew a Mexican sun flower last year and now it is one of my favorites also. I live in Idaho zone 7a

[@thesoutherndaisyllc]

You’re genius! So proud of you. And yes isn’t it the most beautiful plant ever?

[@addieclark2026]

I love your excitement so much! You’re definitely the best resource for winter sowing ❤

[@thesoutherndaisyllc]

And I love you endlessly my beautiful Addie Lou ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ thank you for supporting your mom ❤️

[@sharonbrunotte3972]

Absolutely love winter sowing!! This is my 6th year!! So excited!!😊

[@thesoutherndaisyllc]

That is awesome! You are a pro at this! What are your favs to plant?

[@sharonbrunotte3972]

@ I got some Huckleberry seeds so I’m going to try them in the winter sowing, I’m also going to winter sow lavender and columbine. I’m not at home and I can’t remember what else!!😊

[@veleriasingletary3556]

This is my fourth year winter sowing, I am excited,can’t wait to get started. 7B

[@thesoutherndaisyllc]

I am excited for you and it sounds like you have mastered it! Can’t wait to hear how it goes for you

[@Bigdeezly911]

8b works. Starting watching you last year and tried it last season. Near Baton Rouge, La. Will do this every year from now on.

[@thesoutherndaisyllc]

I am so glad it worked for you! And thank you for telling me. So great to know and hear. My sister used to live in Baton Rouge ❤

[@ckenn1969]

I live in zone 9b and this will be my first time trying winter sowing. I can't wait to try this process to get a jump start on my spring garden. I love that the process eliminates having to harden off the seedlings. Thank you for your wonderful suggestions.

[@thesoutherndaisyllc]

Ok few things. Tell me your name and will you report back so I can know how well it does for you? I am so excited to hear you are in 9b. I’ve wondered how it would work with the weather.

[@blaqfish]

I like this video. I live in a duplex and I would like to have some plants in my small space but I don’t have all the room like a homeowner does. It looks like a great thing to do. I’m retired now and never spent any time on myself just working so now I’m watching videos in hopes of learning what I can do on a fixed income. Thank you for this and I appreciate your advice 😊

[@tumbleweed-z5l]

What an excellent video. Thanks so much. I am in Zone 7 in the UK so I presume your gardening hardiness is the same as out here in the Midlands in Britain. Looking forward to watching more of your videos

[@RaiderMom2008]

I’m so excited, too!! I agree with another comment, your enthusiasm is infectious!! I hope you will cover in future videos which vegetables are perfect for winter sowing and which are better to start indoors. I have my jugs! Just need to get a paint pen. I found a regular ol Sharpie fades very quickly when outside! I’m so glad you’re back! I know your life is busy, but glad you decided to find the time to come back and share with us! See you in the next video!!❤️ ~~Lisa

[@thesoutherndaisyllc]

I'm so happy you're excited to get started! I am too! ❤😊🎉 I agree about the Sharpie paint pen. So great. I will cover veggies. Thank you for the request. It’s helpful. 😊

[@rlcoop1]

I'm starting tomorrow. I can't wait.

[@thesoutherndaisyllc]

Oh wow that’s great

[@SylvieZ]

You are too sweet! Thanks you so much for giving us the 411 on 1/10 seed drop!

[@thesoutherndaisyllc]

You're very welcome! It's a really fun way to start the garden year. And i love the inside scoop 😊

[@SylvieZ]

@ I just checked my dollar tree yesterday (ne Ohio) and the seeds were out already! 😍

[@linakhoury6623]

Hi Kim 🌺 . I planted delphinium seeds and another seeds and they grow well and now I will plant more seeds and I can't wait to see you planting in your garden. I wish you a happy new year for you and your family .♥️🌟🎄🌟🎄🌟♥️

[@thesoutherndaisyllc]

Thank you Lina❤ I’ve never grown those and would love to try them! I can’t wait to hear how yours works this year ❤️ happy new year

[@andreah.8320]

JANUARY TENTH OMG 🎉🎉🎉 I'll apply for my second mortgage now then 😂 I can't wait to do this again with you this year. You changed my gardening LIFE, Kim! ❤

[@thesoutherndaisyllc]

Ahhhhh 😂😂😂 you’re my kindred spirit indeed. Second mortgage is a great idea. I can’t wait to do this again either. Glad you’re here ❤

[@thesoutherndaisyllc]

And changed your garden life is such an honor!!!! Thank YOU

[@marbethduffy8760]

Cannot wait to get started along with you.

[@jenniferthurman]

I love your enthusiasm Kim!! I found your channel last year and was too late to sow anything, but this year I'm ready!! I've collected 152 jugs and containers, and a few days ago I started some perennials that need some stratification time, so I've officially begun the process!! Thanks for all the info you share with us!! I always love seeing your garden!! Jennifer from Central Indiana

[@thesoutherndaisyllc]

Ok YOU ARE A ROCKSTAR!!!!! 152 jugs! WOWWWWW! To say you’re ready is an understatement. Keep me posted on how it goes.

[@thesoutherndaisyllc]

Ok YOU ARE A ROCKSTAR!!!!! 152 jugs! WOWWWWW! To say you’re ready is an understatement. Keep me posted on how it goes. By the way the whole process stratifies them so you’re good there with any and all.

[@dianehoffman3508]

Yay!! Thank you for starting this!

[@thesoutherndaisyllc]

I'm so glad you're here with me.

[@beckymiddleton1922]

Super excited to winter sow very soon from zone 8a.🌸 You are such an inspiration…thank you! Can’t wait to wet my plants…🤣

[@PattyB.Gardening]

YES!!!! I LOVE WINTER SOWING! WOOHOO!🎉 💚

[@maureenmanning1244]

Going to try winter sowing for the first time for my container garden flowers that I put on my patio!! Very excited!! I saved many seeds from last summer’s plants. I live in zone 5b in Massachusetts. Thanks Kim for your videos, guidance and inspiration!! 🌸 😊

[@thesoutherndaisyllc]

That's fantastic! Zone 5B is a great zone for winter sowing, you'll be set! I love this. Let me know if you need any help or guidance. You’re already on the right track. ❤

[@maureenmanning1244]

❤ So excited to get started and I may convince my sister to join in on the fun for her garden!!!😊

[@moonchildgarcia8999]

I'm in 8a as well. I have 12 jugs and I'm starting today! I can't wait to see my results. I'm very excited. I tried WS for the first time when I live in PA and had good results. I'm using my own potting mix, we'll see!

[@thesoutherndaisyllc]

That is awesome! I’m excited for you! And so fun to experiment! Please share the results!!!!❤

[@moonchildgarcia8999]

@thesoutherndaisyllc I sure will and thank you!

[@joinmeinthedirt5186]

Woot woot!!!!!!🥬💮

[@Iamshortstorylong]

Zone 2, Stockholm, Sweden. I love your enthusiasm! I've been wintersewing on my balcony but plan to do a lot on my allotment aswell. We don't get milk in jugs and those jugs are costy to buy, so I'll do it in pots in plastic boxes, or directly in containers with plastic tarp (is that the word?) tailored as "hats" for the containers... It's a constant buzz in my head with all the planning, when I should be sleeping... but it's such a pleasurable problem! :)

[@AmsNl2BcnEs]

Wow that’s very very cold 😮

[@thesoutherndaisyllc]

Ahhhh! How amazing from Sweden ❤ I know your work around will be great. Sounds like a good plan although I’m unsure what it is you’re using. Sounds like you’ve spent time thinking on this. Who needs sleep 😂 it’s underrated ❤

[@sarastokes6300]

Last year was my first time winter sowing, and your videos were so helpful in getting me started! Thank you! I prepped my jugs today and plan to start sowing tomorrow. Thank you for the info about when seeds will drop in stores! Looking forward to growing with you this year!

[@taracreatestoo6388]

zone 8A upstate SC. Yes I have used the milk containers to start plants. I will be be filling containers for spring flowers rest of week.

[@thesoutherndaisyllc]

That's awesome, let's grow some beautiful blooms!

[@alee973]

Love your spirit!

[@henriettasimon8813]

I am 8a also. looking forward to my second year winter sowing and following along with you. Happy days!

[@thesoutherndaisyllc]

Oh that’s so great. I’m excited to have you along with me. Yay us! ❤

[@thesoutherndaisyllc]

It is going to be an amazing year for winter sowing. 😊

[@twrigh23]

I’m going to try winter sowing for the first time this year

[@sherhamon692]

I started winter sowing last year because of you and let me just say i had a beautiful garden !!! I can not wait to get started again this year. So excited for your up and coming video's. Happy New Year Kim and thank you ❤️

[@thesoutherndaisyllc]

That makes my heart so happy. I'm so glad my videos helped! What a kind thing to say. And your garden! How fun! What did you grow? I’m so happy for you. Yay you!

[@sherhamon692]

@thesoutherndaisyllc Thank you so much. I grew zinnias, cosmo's, marygolds, asters, Batchelor buttons sunflowers, babies breath snapdragons it was awesome. This year I'm throwing in veggies too. I hope you touch on veggies that are great for winter sowing ..... so excited for a new growing season and new videos 🩷🌷🪻🥕🫑🍅

[@barbarabrown-ld4ei]

Love your videos. This will be my first year winter sowing and I have 60 milk jugs. I am in zone 9a, south Alabama. Question: where to place the jugs, full sun, partial shade, morning sun only?

[@thesoutherndaisyllc]

I’m making a video on that today. Stay tuned!

[@lynnclendenin2988]

I just found your channel! I’ve seen Laura on Garden Answer do this and wondered about it then. I’m excited now! I have a Starbucks just down the street; I’m heading there tomorrow to ask about milk jugs. I’m just a family of one and don’t buy milk in gallon jugs!

[@lindapelton1516]

I did winter sowing a couple years ago! It did work! However the Sharpie Permanent Marker vanished! I had a lot of fun figuring out what the plants were. I love the joy of gardening and can start soon. In Alaska, Wasilla. Moved from Westen Washington where I Winter sowed.

[@SylviaFlores-ld8ww]

Blinds … great idea

[@thesoutherndaisyllc]

Right? I thought so too. 🎉

[@janegallman9597]

I have never done winter sowing, but I am so excited to try this with you . Plants are so expensive to buy and this would save a lot of money. Can't wait to get started .

[@lisakruger5289]

This will be my 4th season of winter sowing and I just love it! It is truly the easiest and least expensive way to grow from seed, and it really does work so well! I have also had a lot of luck with Dollar Tree seeds. I was a little skeptical since the prices were so low - but they work as good or better than the more expensive ones! Thanks for sharing the winter sowing joy! :)

[@Jill-d6w]

Just moved to NC from Florida and want to give this a try

[@dianesgardeninspiration]

I’m I zone 9B and a couple years ago I did a round of winter sowing. It did work! I just kept them protected out of full sun. I forgot about this, thanks for the reminder and now I’m going to find a couple milk jugs! ❤

[@sandradepew3817]

I tried Winter sowing last year and plan on doing it again this year! I’m in zone 5b (Northern Michigan)…I was able to grow daisies, coneflowers, lavender as well as lots of veggies including tomatoes with this method!

[@legauxmc]

Going to try next week when I get back from vacation. It to will be my first time From NW Florida zone 9A

[@thesoutherndaisyllc]

Love this. I’m getting ready to film a video that will speak to you and placing the jugs in Florida.

[@Ms.SheriT]

Is this the first time Dollar Tree will have the seeds out so early? I remember waiting waiting and waiting for them to have seeds out when I started my first garden earlier this year.

[@thesoutherndaisyllc]

I don’t know and I’m imagining it will be varying based off of when they get time per store to put the seeds out.

[@moriahlee4055]

Hey Kim! I bet your circled “DR” is actually an OR, for organic? That’s what I’m placing my bet on lol can’t wait to start winter sowing soon, it’ll be my very first year (thanks to your channel!) and I cannot wait to see Tithonia LIVE in person when it blooms!

[@melissadykman1145]

I am going to try this in Michigan this year

[@kathleenchurch8147]

Oh my gosh Kim, thank you so much for finding out when the Dollar Tree is putting out their seeds. I have been wanting and wishing there was a way to find out. I’ll also be getting their rubber coated wire. When do you plan to start your seeds? I’m in Greensboro NC. 💜

[@thesoutherndaisyllc]

Hello my next door neighbor. I work in Greensboro! I’m starting mine this month. Probably mid month. Looks like we are in for a lot of cold weather which is phenomenal for the winter sowing!

[@kathleenchurch8147]

@ ha. I don’t envy your commute. Greensboro has a couple of lovely arboretums close to Friendly Shopping Center.

[@margaretwest3588]

They had seeds at my Dollar Tree today. Dayton TN. Had lots of gardening stuff.

[@LillyReads450]

I’m game.🤗😊

[@thesoutherndaisyllc]

YESSSSSSS! Best news ever! Start collecting your jugs! 🎉

[@sharonthehuman5954]

How do you decide which seeds you winter sow vs indoors in seed starting pots?

[@thesoutherndaisyllc]

I don’t! I do some of everything in both. 😂 see where i have a problem with my obsession. 🤦‍♀️

[@lindaborn2336]

I actually use wide width painter's tape due to joint issues in my hands, it is much easier to remove without tearing up my container.

[@thesoutherndaisyllc]

That’s so smart. I’m going to share that and experiment with it too ❤

[@emkn1479]

It hasn’t worked well for me in the past but I want to try again.

[@thesoutherndaisyllc]

Ok let’s work to figure out why. Tell me more about your zone and what you tried. I’ll help you get that success. ❤

[@emkn1479]

@ zone 6, used to be A now B I think. SW Pa. I’ve tried jugs and also seed trays. I’m pretty sure they froze solid and not much came of it. Maybe I kept them in too sunny a spot and they germinated too fast and then froze? They were on my deck. Winter weather is very unpredictable anymore. I love the idea and want it to work but it’s pretty messy and a bit of work and I’d really like it to be worth it. I tried mostly native plants I think.

[@Ms.SheriT]

I did my winter sowing yesterday while it was nice outside. Some may have been too early.. I will just have to take note for next time if there is an issue. I just had to take advantage of the pretty day since temps are dropping now.

[@thesoutherndaisyllc]

I am so glad you were able to get out and do some winter sowing! It’s always a gamble but you never know unless you try! ❤ what zone are you in

[@Ms.SheriT]

@@thesoutherndaisyllc I'm in 7B/8A

[@mizzmary861]

Thank you for sharing, I LOVE flowers and will be trying winter sowing this yr. I do have a question about veggies, do you still start them in MG potting soil or does it have to be organic soil? Also, any ideas for a flower to plant along a long stretch of fence line in front of my home? Color is a plus I just don't want it to grow higher than the fence 4ft😂

[@rbthegardennannyllc4219]

I’ve never really had great success with ws but your enthusiasm kept me watching. Here’s to a great 2025!!! I’ve watched to the end. I will commit to two containers. What do you would be the best seeds to start with? I live in 6b and I don’t want to start early and they fill up the container and my soil isn’t able to house them until May. To the point they get leggy and don’t do well. I think that is my dilemma in the past. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.

[@yasandrarivera]

I went straight to Dollar Tree after watching your video, and I hit the jackpot. They were just putting out the new seeds. They went up to 4 for 1.25 but still a bargain.

[@margolyn8291]

❤seeds are in my dollar tree..since dec..😮😅

[@margolyn8291]

❤zone 6..n.y..near niagara falls..tried last year..was so pleased..??whats best date??

[@pieranneliese]

I’m brand new to winter sowing and wanted to know if I can still do this in my cold frame greenhouse if I water them myself? 😊

[@gladyspitts4908]

HI, like what you are doing, question. Do you grow Luffa, if so, when do you plant them?

[@karenschrantz2307]

3rd year WS! I will do about 20-25 jugs. What about annual vinca seeds? Will they germinate? The colorful one.

[@kaygarbett7857]

Hello I'm excited this year for Winter Sowing. It's January 1st and I live in zone 6a -6b it's not cold outside. I saw on FB someone said you have to make sure it's going to be constant cold. What's your thoughts? Love your videos!!!

[@angelakading8497]

Last yr was my first time and some jugs had slugs and rolly pollies inside. I’m using coffee filters this yr. Hopefully this helps!

[@zathras2010]

DR = Deer Resistant maybe? 😊

[@thesoutherndaisyllc]

Winner winner chicken dinner. 🎉

[@AmsNl2BcnEs]

Tip - wood burning or soldering tools should always be used outside as the plastic fumes are carcinogenic and should not be breathed in. 😊

[@thesoutherndaisyllc]

Yes yes yes!!!! I’ll share that when I start that process ❤

[@985lelik]

I see you have a green house. How do you use it?how it is different from your method?

[@Ms.SheriT]

I got window blinds from the side of the road. I always see them, but what I have should last a lifetime … especially since they can be reused.

[@beckyporter9091]

If you start now want the plants be to big by the time you need to put them in the grown?

[@angelasmith2140]

I'm gonna retry this method

[@angelasmith2140]

Last year was a failure

[@donnajoy6951]

What 🎉🎉🎉 Jan 10th. I am new… I’m in North Texas zone 8B

[@fionafresh8435]

DR = Deer Resistant if I remember correctly.

[@_downtoearth]

I tried it last year but my seedlings were so leggy and spindly that they were falling over. What could be the reason?

[@Ms.SheriT]

Did you have them in a shady area? Find a spot with more sun exposure.

[@melissaj4626]

Do you still winter sow seeds where the roots don’t like to be disturbed from transplanting according to the seed packet?

[@Ms.SheriT]

Is it something that will grow well in a clump? If you can take it out of the container as a clump and transplant as a clump, there will be less root disturbance.

[@melissaj4626]

@ that’s a great tip, thank you!