Winter Sowing: The Complete Guide to Seed Starting without Grow Lights

#Gardening #GrowingFlowers #CutFlowerGarden
Winter sowing is an easy way to start seeds. Winter sowing helps me start the garden every year. Hope you enjoy this detailed winter sowing video.
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I'm not an expert, I'm just some person with a garden. Thanks for visiting the Freshcutky organic gardening channel. This channel focuses on my journey, as I work to build my own cut flower farm. In the garden, I will answer some of the most common "gardening for beginners" type questions I get, including growing flowers from seed. Growing greens and planting beautiful organic food is something I'm really passionate about. Thank you for joining me as I learn to grow flowers, vegetables, and more.
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Many ornamental flowers and cut flowers are TOXIC. ALWAYS do your own research and take responsibility for the plants that you introduce around your kids, pets, and everyone else. Use common sense when handling plant materials: wear gloves, always wash hands, avoid contact with face, etc. NEVER consume any plant which has not been positively identified with complete certainty to be safe and edible. Before planting anything, research to determine whether specific flowers are considered invasive where you live or if there are laws that apply to their planting in your area.
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What is "@freshcutky"?
@freshcutky documents the pursuit of my goal of one day owning my own cut flower farm. Along the way, you'll see random projects, cooking, and of course - growing stuff. I'm not an expert, and would never claim to be. There's always more to learn - this is my journey. The purpose of my blog, and other social media accounts (including KZbin) is to share ideas. I do my best to offer information that is useful, but reliance on that information is strictly at your own risk and NOT a substitute for professional advice of any kind. I do not create sponsored content or use affiliate links unless they have been explicitly stated above.

[@Nationwithoutborders59]

You are in my opinion, one of the best instructors that I have heard on KZbin. Very easy going. easy to understand and friendly. Thanks I’ve learned a lot from you.

[@TONYAwiththeflowers]

Thank you for the very kind comment! 🌱🌱

[@christinacabrera4846]

Omg I died 🤣🤣🤣🤣 “good thing this health coach / realtor stumbled upon my page otherwise I would’ve been sucking down 250 bottles a month!” 🤣🤣🤣 omg I died. I love your channel

[@TONYAwiththeflowers]

Welcome to the channel! :)

[@kphillips4809]

I'm in Tn zone 6b, and this is how my grandmother taught me to sow my garden. Also you can direct sow in the garden and place a plastic bottle, with the bottom cut off, over the top. No transplanting that way. Anyway thanks for the video!

[@brittanythi3669]

Kphillips can I ask what potting soil you use? I am worried I’ll pick the wrong one!

[@kphillips4809]

I think any brand would be fine, I would avoid bag manure. I've read they can contain fungus spores ie mushrooms.

[@gardengatesopen]

@@brittanythi3669 for seeds, you don't want to get soil with fertilizer already added. Bcuz it can burn the newborns.

[@terriperry9434]

When do you winter sow peas?

[@rebeccazody1278]

I used Happy Frog last year, 125 jugs, all but 20, that were mostly flowers, germinated with no problem. No fertilizer burn at all. You can use anything that contains some nutrition.

[@lepidlover0557]

My first time winter sowing was abt 3 yrs ago when I got bored and impatient waiting for Spring to sow seeds. I found an old refrigerator basket laying around and the idea came to me. All else i used were clothing pins and a plastic tarp. I was so surprised and happy when it actually worked. Haven't stopped since then.😁

[@TONYAwiththeflowers]

That's fantastic! I just love how easy winter sowing makes starting the garden seeds. Happy growing! :)

[@dianehawn3841]

You can use hula hoops from Dollar store instead of bending metal..

[@harrymyhero]

we use a soldering iron to poke the holes

[@Stauffer-fs8kz]

This video is absolutely the best I have found on how to start without grow lights or a greenhouse!!! THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU from Zone 6!!! I am SOOOOOOO grateful for your information, since I don't have a proper set up for growing much inside, and no greenhouse!

[@TONYAwiththeflowers]

Winter sowing really did make such a huge difference in my garden. I love it!

[@dawnaadams7807]

So glad you made this video! It’s helped me so much! Especially the list of flower seeds 😍

[@TONYAwiththeflowers]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@JeriLandersofHopalongHollow]

I also dislike soil blockers, grow lights and heat pads; what a pain they are. I've always loved your "straight to the point" videos. I'm doing a winter sowing video in mini greenhouses, but I'm sending my viewers to this video to get the best details, you are such a knowledgeable gardener .You've definitely talked me into a low tunnel.

[@TONYAwiththeflowers]

Thank you so much for your kind comment and support. I just love how easy the winter sowing method is. I can't wait until it's time to start planting again!

[@yussef18]

Great...just started getting my milk jugs ready last night.

[@GardeningWise]

awesome 👍

[@kaylavillalobos1779]

You are smart and frugal 👍👏👌 thanks for sharing your wisdom/advice!

[@Coop0920]

This was a great video! I was trying to figure out how to get my seeds started without taking up my whole laundry room or spending a lot on a grow light. Thanks for the info and a solution to my problem here in southern Indiana.

[@TONYAwiththeflowers]

I'm so glad that it was helpful! I've been winter sowing about 5 years now, and it's made such a big difference! :)

[@liseanthony6002]

Great video. I get my jugs and soda bottles from the recycle bins in our building. Thank you so much for the info!

[@rebecaorsi554]

My husband just builded garden beds with hoops . What a great idea . Thanks for this tip. It is my first spring season gardening. I did great in my fall gardening but fist trying winter sowing

[@stickclan6415]

That was really helpful, thank you. I have not had success with winter sowing and after watching this, I think I see the mistakes I am making.

[@Junzar56]

What a great overview/recap on winter sowing! Are there any flowers or crops that haven’t worked for you with this method? You are a natural teacher. Keep up the good work!

[@TONYAwiththeflowers]

That's a great question. The only flower that has failed with this method is growing lisianthus. I still havent figured out how to grow them without grow lights.

[@rai55]

Wow, your video is soooo informative & helpful - THANK YOU!! I hope to winter sow for the first time this upcoming winter 🙏🏾🌱❤️ This method is a great alternative to the "grow lights" craze, which I agree is a privilege in some ways. Thanks again!

[@TONYAwiththeflowers]

I'm so glad it helped! Winter sowing has really been a great tool in my garden. Good luck! 🌱🌱🌱

[@nicolegardens1049]

Excellent guide, love your drawings!

[@pattyg4866]

Thanks for sharing, I've done the grow lights 2 years and it works great for me, but the room that it takes is not good. Love the way you have explained everything. I've been wanting to try this method but didn't really know much. I'm going to try it this winter, thanks to how well you explained it. Can't wait!! Keep sharing

[@daniellegrows2498]

This helps soooo much! THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!!

[@Thankful_.]

Hello Keto i agree! Thank you! 🌱👏🏽

[@drenewt]

Best winter sowing video be ever seen! You’re amazing!

[@TONYAwiththeflowers]

Thanks for watching!

[@moriahhilburn2577]

I’m in Zone 6b and am so glad I found you! I’m very limited on space in my house and money as well. Thanks SO much for sharing all these helpful videos.

[@TONYAwiththeflowers]

Welcome to the channel! 🌱🌱🎉🎉

[@Chalovski]

How do you find your zone?

[@marysurbanchickengarden]

I usually start sowing for Spring around the 1st of March. My greens are already being eaten and seeded for a permanent blend of greens. I will start my tomatoes, squash etc around March 1st and can plant them out by the end of March. Good tutorial!

[@GardeningWise]

Yes I start most of my plants around march but this year I want to try sowing a bit earlier in my green house which I am so excited to set up these days.

[@marysurbanchickengarden]

@@GardeningWise I don't have a green house but I'm always interested in those who are growing food in them. I'm so limited in space I don't have the room for one. Happy gardening 😁

[@LifesAProject]

Hello! From a fellow Kentuckian!🙂 Great video. ❤ Thanks for sharing.

[@TONYAwiththeflowers]

Thanks so much for watching! 🌱🌱🌱

[@itsteganyay]

This was very helpful, thank you! Planting calendars never mention when to start sowing in a greenhouse for transplanting after the last frost date, so I wasn't sure if I should wait until mid february instead, or if I needed to buy a greenhouse heater. Nice to know I can start with what I have in January and get a jump on the season :)

[@TONYAwiththeflowers]

The winter sowing method is a great way to get an early start, I just make sure to pay very close attention to temperature and to the frost tolerance of each type of plant. Good luck! Happy gardening!

[@lisabyrum2382]

I just found your channel. First of all, you are in KY which is a neighboring state to me. Most of the gardening channels are in very cold zones! Your videos are easy to understand and very informative. I have done the winter sowing in milk jugs and in bags of soil for salad greens etc. They work very well for eating as micro greens. I love your method of seed starting in the ground ! Would love to try it. Thanks for sharing.

[@TONYAwiththeflowers]

Welcome to the channel! Thanks so much for watching!

[@jessicainhofe703]

First video, me: 'That looks complicated and I have a little grow corner with lights; it's tight but I make it work.' 5 videos later, also me: 'Well I just turned the brush/compost pile- eyesore into a cut-flower bed. Time to cut these jugs!' lol

[@TONYAwiththeflowers]

🎉🎉🎉 Welcome to the channel! 🌱🌱🌱

[@candiwallace6605]

MORNING cheers beautiful ❤❤💨💨☕☕👍👍planning time again 😜😜

[@jennybaez-cepeda4919]

Omg I love your accent!! Awesome video

[@TONYAwiththeflowers]

Thanks so much for watching! 🌱🌱🌱

[@dirkz.149]

Great video. Thank you so much for sharing. Thank you for improving the winter sowing method. Most other winter-sowing videos are all the same.

[@suzycowan5072]

I am definitely going to go through your channel and watch more of your videos. I learned so much from this video, thank you. I am new to this area (Central-Eastern Ohio) and had a very difficult time with our garden last year (first garden at this new home). I couldn't get any of our peppers to even grow at all and it was our best crop along with tomatoes and tomatillos in North-Eastern Colorado, I was so disappointed, not to mention discouraged. But I am very determined to make it work so I am watching as many videos as I can find. Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge.

[@TONYAwiththeflowers]

Welcome to the channel! 🌱🌱🌱

[@duasnehil72]

Thank you so much for a very informative video. I love the clarity, logic behind everything, and a no-nonsense approach. I can easily use this information confidently to make decisions for my Zone 3 winter sowing. This will be my first time winter sowing, and I am very excited. Thank you!

[@TONYAwiththeflowers]

Thanks for watching! 🌱🌱

[@patriciadavis7444]

GREAT INFORMATION MY DEAR,,, THANKS SO MUCH

[@TONYAwiththeflowers]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@thecrabbies3]

Thank you for this video!!!!!

[@acerpalmatum6446]

I'm in the rainy PNW... I think this method will work well for me. Thanks for posting!

[@TONYAwiththeflowers]

Thanks so much for watching! :)

[@jjod4858]

Great job! I'm going to give winter sowing a try. Thank you!

[@TONYAwiththeflowers]

Thanks so much for watching! Good luck! 🌱🌱🌱

[@joannesmith1287]

Really enjoyed your take and commentary on winter sowing. Everything you said about bottles is so true. A few bottles fine - but for going big and planting many plants the tunnel is the way to go. For gardeners that don't want to DIY . I purchased a mini grow tunnel $40.00 on eBay. Sturdy, vents, good material looks neat. I place it the length of my car on the grass. Does not look unsightly I did some jugs but I really should have used my tunnel. The remaining of my seed starts will be using the tunnel. Keep sharing. Thanks. New Hot 10'X31''X18'' Tunnel Mini Greenhouse Outdoor Plant Gardening Green House Brand New

[@TONYAwiththeflowers]

That sounds perfect! Hope it works great!

[@karenm5681]

Well explained!

[@elliestell2696]

Thank you for such good information I really enjoy your videos I am a new gardener so I need all the info but I can get

[@DisforDuck]

Such helpful information

[@lindarichardson1115]

Great video! Can’t wait to give winter sowing a try! Thank you!

[@TONYAwiththeflowers]

Thanks for watching!

[@bigfootbuildings2777]

Great information! Thank you so much for sharing!!

[@Lastman737]

Would you be willing to do a video about how to sell flowers? I'm wondering how to get customers and how to start relationships with the flower farm in kind. I love your videos. Your country accent puts me at ease and reminds me of my family. ✌🌷🌻

[@TONYAwiththeflowers]

Hahha. I get so many mean comments about my accent. Lol! Anyway, I've just been donating all the flowers each season. The yard is too small to sustain consistent sales. I might attend one market this year. I'll be certain to make a video if I do. Thanks for watching!

[@surusgarden5136]

Why oh why did I miss this video of yours🙄 I personally hate the concept of making soil blocks... cannot water them twice a day. I know it's late in the season, but I am going to put out some trays in my low tunnel tomorrow 😁

[@Jamiek485]

I’m in Sadieville, KY, love the video.

[@kelleyrn27]

For the holes, my favorite is my drill, but a glue gun works in a pinch too. 😁

[@hobbitlady7568]

Are we related? Our sense of humor is so similar! Love.

[@laurenwalnut199]

Wahhh. Your January is my May!

[@TONYAwiththeflowers]

I don't know, January sure is icy and miserable here! Lol! I can't imagine living somewhere further north!

[@Midwestmama612]

@@TONYAwiththeflowers up here in MN, we haven't even reached our coldest month (February) or snowiest month (March) yet 😭 great video...Can't wait to start this method this growing season!

[@garykellogg2758]

Never heard of a low tunnel bender until just now

[@Kate98755]

You could put small pieces of flannel in each cell, if you want to use cells

[@paulineewert7492]

Do you mean to separate the plants?

[@gardengatesopen]

Your older videos keep showing up in my regular feed now!!! Now - as in ever since you've been getting more comments in the new videos! I figured I may as well pop in a comment here too! Ha! Good going 👍👍👍

[@TONYAwiththeflowers]

I've actually had quite a few people tell me the same thing. Isn't it so weird how KZbin decides which videos to promote! 🎉🎉🎉

[@gardengatesopen]

@@TONYAwiththeflowers Right... So, it's NOT all about the views, the # of comments gets you more traction. Good thing you're asking viewers for comments! I never would've known about that part if you hadn't. And I never would've starting leaving 6 comments per video either!! Sorry I have to make a lot of them silly, it just starts happening that way automatically!! Hey! Speaking of silly comments! Did you ever see that dumb song I wrote in the comments about Cleome?!! It's SOOOOO DUMB that it just cracks me up!!! But then, I'm easily amused...🥴 And now every time I see the word Cleome, it starts playing in my head! Ack!!! (Maybe you SHOULDN'T look at it! It might haunt you too!!) Anyway, it's in the comments of one of your really old Cleome videos. I think maybe from 4 years ago? I didn't even notice it was a 4 year old video until after I had posted the comment!!

[@maryb-h980]

Just found you and so glad 😀 Fab video intend to try in 2021. Zone 7 England mx

[@hobbitlady7568]

Excellent content. Thank you! I'm all in this year winter sowing for my first time. Way behind, I know! I have been seriously gardening for just a few years. I am all DIY though. I have perennials, cut flowers, and vegetables planned for winter sowing. Now if I could just grow some patience! HA. Like a foot of snow out there right now.

[@TONYAwiththeflowers]

Our weather is still cold here, too. I'm so eager for spring! 🌱🌱🌱

[@katherinecornette5315]

Thank you for this! I have 2 large raised beds and would love to create low tunnel for winter sowing.

[@TONYAwiththeflowers]

Thank you so much for watching! :)

[@juliaburdine9632]

You had me cracking up! 😂 Great info here though, thank you!

[@TONYAwiththeflowers]

Thanks for watching! 🌱🌱🌱

[@KaliHuntArt]

Thank you

[@kendrabowers6586]

I hate soil blockers too! I think I’ll do the cheap low tunnel as well. I’m over having lots of bottles all over the place.

[@TONYAwiththeflowers]

Soil blockers just weren't ideal for me. Luckily, I've had really good results using this method. Thanks so much for watching! 🌱

[@bwolf0003]

Great video -- I have a new greenhouse, also here in 6B (Lexington) and I planted Ranunculus in my greenhouse in large pots...all is going well except for when the greenhouse gets up to 95 degrees. Today is is 37 degrees outside, but the greenhouse got up to 95 degrees before I could get out there to vent it. Do you suggest I move these potted plants out to more of a low-tunnel for protection and not over heating?

[@TONYAwiththeflowers]

Yes, I would definitely move them. With ranunculus, I can't help but feel like it's better to error on the cold side. I usually don't even worry about damage unless temperatures are below 28F. They're surprisingly tough. Good luck!

[@bwolf0003]

@@TONYAwiththeflowers thank you so much for the reply. I’ve enjoyed watching your videos this year.

[@jcking6785]

@@bwolf0003 Hello from another Lexington gardener!

[@freakykate9620]

Have you ever dealt with issues of your seedling jugs/containers being blown over?

[@sharonjennings1282]

Have you found any flower seeds that can't be ws? I love this method and am expanding my flower garden this year. I just dont want to waste any seeds if there are some that can't be ws. Thanks!

[@TONYAwiththeflowers]

Most seeds do well with the exception of plants that dont like their roots disturbed. Also, lisianthus does not work at all. I've tried, lol! 🌱🌱🌱

[@PopleBackyardFarm]

This was interesting thank you :) New friend Ruthie :)

[@DragonflyArtz1]

Don't you know how bad for you it is to listen to meatheads in the comments section? Well, except me. LOL Thank you. I learned a lot.

[@theasianwitch]

This was a very helpful video, thank you for making it! I was wondering if anyone puts multiple pots in a tray and them sticks that under the low tunnels to avoid the problem of them drying out. Maybe watering those trays once in awhile. Or maybe starting them in an unheated greenhouse?

[@harrymyhero]

I have a question. I do have a homemade glass greenhouse made with shelves in it. Could I put trays of seeds on those shelves, or do they need to be on the ground? Have you ever heard of “Earthing”? I think maybe that is why the plants grow stronger.

[@Jamiek485]

Earthing is good for everything! But I think the main reason they are on the ground is so it can rain on them and also harden them. Just guessing...

[@jennaogilvie5548]

Hey there! Thank you for all the great info on wintersowing. One question I had was, in your low tunnels, your white 6mil plastic did not look see through... it doesn't look like sunlight would get through? Was it actually clear, just the video didn't make it look that way? Also, do you have to cut the holes in the top of the plastic to let rain come through? Would you need quite a lot of holes? Thank you for your help!

[@TONYAwiththeflowers]

Hi there! The plastic is opaque, kind of like a milk jug. So it's not clear, but light easily passes through it. The tunnel is a little different in that I do have to water it with the garden hose as needed. Mainly the holes are for ventilation to make sure that it doesnt overheat or get too insanely humid. I hope that helps! :)

[@MimiB15]

How often do you have to water with the low tunnels? Can this also be done in an unheated greenhouse too?

[@pharmgirl1955]

At what temp do you start opening the top so your seedlings don't fry? I am going to try this in 2020 zone 6a(I think they are wrong really cold here until June). Would I be starting my hardy annuals a few weeks later than you? I have learned much from your videos, thank you.

[@GardeningWise]

I am in zone 8b and it is really cold and wet here up until june. So I mostly keep my plants in greenhouse. Only get them out when the temps start rising upto 60F and there is no rain.

[@TONYAwiththeflowers]

You can winter sow hardy annuals any time after January 21st. The seeds will just sit in the bottles until it's time for them to grow. It seems really weird the first time, lol. The bottle caps should always be off. For hardy annuals, I open the hinges any time its above 50f. For frost tender I usually open them when temps are above 60f. Good luck!

[@valjalava1951]

Can I just put these trays in my un heated green house it doesn’t get light till about noon

[@amandakelly8793]

Ok, so I cover a low tunnel with plastic. So if it gets down to 20 degrees is that plastic enough? When do I use the frost cloth? Thanks for your help. My first year trying this!

[@valjalava1951]

Can I start my seeds under light and once there up put them in Gerry house

[@countryboyhomestead2394]

Is it possible to use trays for winter sowing without a little w tunnel ? Could you just tape on a cover for the tray ?

[@mclarenstables]

Thankyou for sharing. I know you found the soil blocks time consuming but have you actually used them? Do they still work? I would like to do the winter sowing method but was hoping to use blocks.

[@TONYAwiththeflowers]

I used soil blocks for two seasons. I've never tried the winter sowing method with soil blocks, but I can't think of any reason why it wouldn't work. Good luck!

[@helnyson4694]

Kindly advise plesse, what is a soil block?

[@munchkin5674]

Where do I find that little table that showed what to plant and when, please?

[@TONYAwiththeflowers]

I'm not sure I have it as a separate file, but I have a really detailed winter sowing file. You can get it free by clicking on our Facebook group link in the description. It's under the document section of the group page. Hope that helps!

[@marinasnetkova473]

@@TONYAwiththeflowers I was also looking for this file, but cannot find File section on your fb page

[@mom2zonabby]

Great video! Question. When do u open the container? When spring comes do you open at all or always keep the lid closed until ready to transplant?

[@TONYAwiththeflowers]

The bottle lid is always off. I started completely opening the hinge when temperatures to start to warm in the spring. This will help keep them from getting too hot or from drying out. Hope that helps :)

[@gulbinhealthyliving3656]

tHANK YOU FOR THIS INFORMATIVE VIDEO. i WS ALMOST GOING TO START GROWING SEEDS IN milk jugs, but then I think hoop & plastic option will be eaiser and more ey-pleasing than jug option. But how do you water the seedlinng in winter under the hoops though... Winter sowing is much easier in that aspect. So do I have to water them under the hoop? There are no air openings right> how about the condensation etc> Thank you

[@TONYAwiththeflowers]

I usually add a few small ventilation holes to keep things from overheating. I never water the trays any time the weather is below freezing. Trays don't usually need watering during cool spring days. It isn't until the temperatures really start to climb that trays might need water. By then, the tunnel may need to be opened on sunny days to prevent things from getting too hot. Hope that helps! Thanks so much for watching! 🌱

[@sharbanc3489]

I’ve been watching videos all day that’s gona encourage me to use hoops, no grow lights, no heaters.. and I finally find this! Now I can relax and plan for next yrs planting. This year is NOT very good.It rained and rained till last wk of July & even in August in our area.I used grow lights and transplanted plants outside, & the outcome is disappointing. I don’t wana build a shed because our backyard is small & we already have a shed & other clutter. So no to shed and hundreds of containers.. I’m excited to grow in low- hoops next season! But one problem is slugs.. Will think about how to do it.

[@TONYAwiththeflowers]

It takes a little bit of trial and error, but my entire garden has been started using this method for the past four years. It has worked very, very well for me. Good luck! 🌱🌱🌱

[@classicrocklover5615]

Beer traps are the best things to use against slugs

[@loveandgardening4242]

Great video! I just happened to come across your channel in a winter sowing Facebook group and I’m so glad I did!! I was just going to buy grow lights but I’m rethinking them and maybe trying this instead.. do you set your trays right on the dirt ground in your low tunnel or are they on something? I may have missed this but did you put holes in the plastic to still get moisture into the trays? I’m in zone 5b so Should I still go 4weeks from my last frost date for my tender annuals, like cut flower seeds?

[@loveandgardening4242]

Sorry another question.. is there any cut flower varieties that you wouldn’t do this way, that you’d start indoors instead? I’m just so excited lol I should probably just watch the rest of your videos!

[@TONYAwiththeflowers]

Yes, I put down a layer of plastic on the ground or else the weeds quickly take over. I did add vent holes to the plastic, but have to open it to water when needed. The trays can dry out quickly if you dont pay attention, other wise it worked great. Also, the only seeds that have failed with method were lisianthus and some others that are delicate and don't transplant well. Hope that helps!

[@Ann-Marielivingonabudget]

Could you do a video about how you transplant out of the seed flats? In chunks, individually or what? I have a bunch to transplant, but I'm not sure how to tackle them.

[@TONYAwiththeflowers]

I'll add that to my list. I usually just plant in chunks for small things and separate the larger seedlings.

[@annasophia7977]

Do you think the 1020 trays are too shallow? How deep are the trays you’re using? Love your videos by the way!!! :)

[@edwinmartin5365]

Thanks for the details on low tunnels. Two questions: 1) where do the hoops come from? I read somewhere you could just cut and use cheap black plastic water pipe that comes in rolls like 3/4" x 100ft, no need for a bender tool. Might not work with snow but I'm in South AL with little chance of that. I had my early fall lettuce and cauliflower, (flowers later) in the open garden and only plan to cover it temporarily when temp drops below 28 or less. I already did it one night without the hoops and just hoeing dirt on each side and end. 2) you show filling you seedling trays just like I do, mine mostly 7 x 14 cell inserts inside the trays with drain holes, but I didn't understand what you mean buy open mesh bottom when mine only have a little hole or slit in bottom of each cell? I have some trays with open mesh bottom too that also fit the cell inserts, but I water mine as they are moved from inside the garage in cold or hard rain to outside in sun every morning.

[@TONYAwiththeflowers]

Hopefully I'll be making a more detailed video sometime next week. Happy gardening!

[@Littlebitesofjoy]

Have you switched completely to using large trays over the plastic jugs? And also (just to make sure I have it right), you can do any seedling this way? I always think tomatoes and cucumbers need a lot of care and heat, and wondered if you had success with them this way? Thank you!

[@TONYAwiththeflowers]

Yes, I only use the trays now. It's just easier for bigger plantings. As long as I pay attention to what type of plant and the temperature, I've had really good results. There have been a few exceptions. For example, I've never had success with lisianthus using this method. Hope that helps! 🌱🌱🌱

[@Littlebitesofjoy]

@@TONYAwiththeflowers thank you :) Have you tried sweet peas this way? I'm going to experiment keeping them outside under the low tunnel this year, but wondered if you also had?

[@flowerpixel]

Hi I'm in zone 8a and a complete newbie. Would it be practical for me to copy your sowing timeline and just subtract like a week or two (earlier)? You inspired me to get a bunch of water jugs and seeds.

[@TONYAwiththeflowers]

Your zone probably warms up much earlier than mine. I think it would be best to sort the seeds and sow the types with cold tolerance first. Make sure to find out your last frost date where you live, too. That can be really helpful. Good luck!

[@hudsonfleming1122]

Hi! Thank you for this video. Would this work with just a frost cloth clamped to the hoops instead of the 6 mil plastic?

[@TONYAwiththeflowers]

I've never tried it with just the frost cloth. I imagine that the plastic contributes a lot to maintaining humidity. Let me know if you try it, I'd love to know if it works. Thanks so much for watching. Happy gardening!

[@haleyanderson398]

Hi neighbor! Fellow 6b Kentucky gardener here! I have a question about winter sowing the seeds that I should have sown in January/February, like lettuce, spinach, brocc, cabbage, etc. Is it too late to winter sow those now? I'd love to save space in my grow tent if I'm able to! Thanks so much for all of your content and help!

[@TONYAwiththeflowers]

It's definitely not too late to plant. However, you may not even need the winter sowing method. I imagine things like kale and lettuce would germinate just fine with the nice weather we've been having. Good luck! 🌱🌱🌱

[@haleyanderson398]

@@TONYAwiththeflowers thank you so much!

[@kaylavillalobos1779]

So there’s about two feet of snow outside where I live.. I’m assuming the low tunnel should have been prepared before the snow. Am I too late? Thank you in advance. (Zone 6a)

[@TONYAwiththeflowers]

That's a good question. I've never put up a tunnel in the snow before. I'm honestly not sure how to proceed, other than setting out the jugs in the snow. Good luck!

[@Ann-Marielivingonabudget]

I noticed in a video you had cut holes in the plastic of your low tunnel. Is that to mimic the holes in the milk jugs? I am thinking of setting up one to try for myself. It seems like it really would be easier for large amounts of seeds. Also, did you say that you pt tomatoes and peppers in the low tunnel as well? I tried milk jugs one year, and my tomatoes were all stunted. Never grew very big or produced very well.

[@TONYAwiththeflowers]

Yes, I had really good luck with the tomatoes and peppers. The initial transplants were somewhat small, but they quickly caught up without trouble. The latest low tunnel video shows the holes I put in to let heat escape. Hope that helps!

[@rebeccaburns7446]

Don’t you drink all that soda ,next thing we know ,you’ll be smoking 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@rebeccaburns7446]

Love your channel 🤣

[@cbac9955]

How do the seeds get watered in the hoop tunnels? I thought I saw holes in the plastic over the hoops but I don’t recall you mentioning anything about them. And when you use the mesh trays do you put anything first to keep the soil from going through?

[@TONYAwiththeflowers]

Yes, I always add a sheet of recycling paper at the bottom of the tray before adding soil. As for watering, the tunnel usually doesn't need any additional water while the weather is still cool. However, once spring starts to warm up and the days get sunnier, I simply remove the cover and water them with the garden hose if the trays start looking dry. The holes in my plastic were just for venting excess humidity. The temperature inside the tunnel can vary greatly depending on weather, so I just make sure to keep a close eye on it. I hope that helps! Thanks for watching.

[@cbac9955]

Thank you

[@sandyconover2096]

Have you ever grown leeks?

[@janethill2411]

Are most beans considered tender to frost i.e. like pumpkin seed or are they an earlier sowed seed like lettuce?

[@TONYAwiththeflowers]

Beans are tender, peas like cool weather though. :)

[@janethill2411]

@@TONYAwiththeflowers Thx for this! building my low tunnel this week and cutting plastic bottles almost in half as per your instructions

[@terigelbmann6420]

Im in Western Washington. What is the reason for putting the lid on, or sowing under a row cover? Do the seeds need to be warmer or to keep too much rain from drowning them? I'm just a little confused why you started with bottles and then was like, no, I'm going to go straight into the ground.

[@TONYAwiththeflowers]

This video discusses two winter sowing methods - in bottles and with a low tunnel. Both work well. The only plants being planted into the ground are those which had already been started using the winter sowing method. This method protects seeds from harsh weather and provides ideal germination conditions with ideal warmth and humidity for many seeds. It's especially fool-proof for beginners. Hope that helps!

[@younglee3285]

Quick questions - does it take longer for flowers to bloom winter sown vs. started indoors and transplanted outside? I have indoor lights, heat mat etc so I'm trying to figure out if I should start indoors or winter sow where there is the option to do so.

[@younglee3285]

I forgot to mention I have low tunnels as well that I can put the winter sown trays into

[@TONYAwiththeflowers]

I honestly don't know. Aside from lisianthus, I never start any seeds using grow lights - just the winter sowing method.

[@younglee3285]

@@TONYAwiththeflowers Thx!

[@homebound-g3o]

How many weeks before planting should I sow tomatoes?

[@TONYAwiththeflowers]

I winter sow tomato seeds about 4-6 weeks before my last frost date. I think I have a video in the playlists specifically about winter sowing tomatoes. I hope it helps. Thanks for watching! 🌱🌱🌱

[@dollyperry3020]

Can anyone tell me about winter sowing Geum, English daisies, Asters and Portulacca? Are any of these no no's?

[@TONYAwiththeflowers]

I've winter sowed all of those with success.

[@dollyperry3020]

@@TONYAwiththeflowers Thank you so much! I remember seeing a schedule you wrote out of when you plant varieties. But now I'm not sure which video it was. Will you tell me please? I'll adjust it for my 6a zone.

[@annaf997]

❤️

[@jessicamoran8962]

The the jug sowing the plants are receiving water from the cap being off and them being exposed to the elements. How do the plants receive water from the low tunnel? Do you have to water them? Thanks!

[@TONYAwiththeflowers]

It's very, very seldom - but I do water the trays when conditions get dry. This is especially troublesome in spring when it starts warming up.

[@judithjohnson2111]

I really got a lot from yr video. Very helpful for the basics. T.Y. for sharing. I subS. Be cking out yr other videos. 😳

[@TONYAwiththeflowers]

Thank you for watching!

[@voramai6286]

Do you put the caps back on?

[@TONYAwiththeflowers]

No, I just throw the caps away. It's important to leave the caps off.

[@gardengatesopen]

👍

[@janmacdonald9645]

Moist!!! :D

[@TONYAwiththeflowers]

😁😂🤣

[@yussef18]

@gardenaddictz