As the season approaches to start seeds indoors for the upcoming growing season, it’s time to consider a different approach. Instead of crowding your kitchen counter and spare bedroom with seedlings for weeks, why not try starting some seeds outdoors?
Winter sowing is a simple and effective method that involves planting seeds in DIY mini greenhouses made from recycled materials. This technique mimics nature’s processes and may even yield better results than traditional indoor methods.
To get started, all you need are suitable containers, potting mix, and seeds. Plastic jugs, takeout containers, or clamshell salad packages can be repurposed into makeshift greenhouses. Poke drainage holes in the bottom of containers and add a few holes in the lids for ventilation.
Fill the containers with moistened seed-starting mix and plant your seeds at the recommended depth. Label each container with the type of seed sown to avoid confusion. Place the containers in a sunny, sheltered spot and let nature take its course.
Certain plants are more suitable for winter sowing, such as cold-tolerant herbs, cool-season vegetables, hardy perennials, and tough annuals. These plants can withstand the fluctuating temperatures and conditions of outdoor germination.
As the seeds germinate and seedlings grow, gradually expose them to outdoor conditions by removing container lids during the day and covering them at night. This acclimation process prepares the plants for transplanting into the garden when the time is right. With winter sowing, you can kickstart your spring growth in an environmentally-friendly and efficient way.
Once the threat of frost has dissipated in your specific horticultural region, it will be time to safely transplant your seedlings from their indoor containers into the outdoor garden beds or pots. Due to their exposure to varied weather conditions during the hardening-off process, these seedlings will possess a greater resilience and energy compared to those that were solely nurtured indoors.
Jessica Damiano, a regular contributor of insightful gardening articles for the AP, shares her expertise through the renowned Weekly Dirt Newsletter, which has garnered acclaim. To receive a wealth of gardening tips and guidance on a weekly basis, you can easily subscribe to this newsletter by visiting the provided link.
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