Winter Seed Sowing! The Least Expensive Way to Grow Seeds! 🌱🙌🤑 // Garden Answer

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  • Опубликовано: 3 окт 2024
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Комментарии • 613

  • @debbiejacks2085
    @debbiejacks2085 9 месяцев назад +313

    I have done winter sowing for the past three years with hit or miss success. I am in zone 5b (or 6A now??) near Chicago. Believe it or not my big success last year were TOMATOES AND PEPPERS! I started them in the milk jugs the very beginning of April. We can usually plant just after Mother’s Day and I had so many seedlings that I gave a bunch away. I thought they were almost too small to plant but I had nothing to lose so I did. The plants did so well! They were huge and I got a great harvest of jalepenos, sweet peppers, banana peppers, cherry tomatoes and a couple varieties of heirloom tomatoes. Don’t be afraid to try!

    • @robinbeck8422
      @robinbeck8422 9 месяцев назад

      Im in your area, no luck with perennials?

    • @arnorrian1
      @arnorrian1 9 месяцев назад

      A big problem with perennials is letting the soil dry out.

    • @debbiejacks2085
      @debbiejacks2085 9 месяцев назад +2

      @@robinbeck8422 I have tried to winter sow echinacea every year and it never works for me. That’s the only perennial I have tried. I have had great success with herbs, onions, broccoli, lettuce, spinach and kale.

    • @jeanniedavison9337
      @jeanniedavison9337 9 месяцев назад

      When do you plant? I think I am now 5b.

    • @debbiejacks2085
      @debbiejacks2085 9 месяцев назад +3

      @@jeanniedavison9337 our last frost date is usually at the end of April, but in our area you never know. People usually use Mother’s Day as the safe time to plant tender plants. I watch the forecast and play it by ear.

  • @jodimurphy6831
    @jodimurphy6831 9 месяцев назад +95

    Hi Laura! If you'd really like to label your jugs on top, may I suggest this method to you; I use to work in a library and had to do this often when stamping books. Write directly on top of the jug wherever you wish and then cover the writing with clear tape. The tape protects the writing. I use this same method when labeling food dishes and utensils that I'd bring to family/friend holidays or gatherings. Works like a charm! Happy gardening!

    • @cynthiag3065
      @cynthiag3065 9 месяцев назад +25

      Who doesn’t love a librarian 😊

    • @Sun-Soul
      @Sun-Soul 9 месяцев назад

      @@cynthiag3065 💞

    • @teresafarrell1411
      @teresafarrell1411 8 месяцев назад +6

      This is going to be my first time to ever try and start plants by seed. I bought my first ones from Andrew seeds❤ Please say a prayer for me that I get some plants out of this. So excited and so scared.

    • @aimeeelliott7608
      @aimeeelliott7608 7 месяцев назад +2

      May I just add, that there are some pens that I have found that work MUCH better than sharpies, they are called IdentiPens. They are harder to find, I had to order mine on the internet. But they don't wash off, and they are still readable at the end of the grow season. Just a random FYI

    • @xwilliams5135
      @xwilliams5135 7 месяцев назад +1

      You can also write it on the bottom

  • @Mof3MB
    @Mof3MB 9 месяцев назад +61

    OMG it's happening guys, we are planting things again in anticipation of Spring! It feels like we just ended the growing season. Wasn't Laura just planting things outside a month ago? So exciting :)

  • @DarlaPitman
    @DarlaPitman 9 месяцев назад +12

    Thanks for sharing this wonderful technique with others. I love Winter Sowing!
    Two things I would like to share as a 4-year winter sower: I start all my seeds this way, including warm weather things. I just wait until early spring to do those things. My first year, I was skeptical about starting tomatoes, but then thought about all those volunteer tomatoes that pop up in all our gardens. The seeds have been out in all the winter weather, temp changes, etc. without any protection at all, but they still germinated when the conditions were right. And my tomato plants are so strong and healthy! I don't want people to think they absolutely can't use it for warm weather crops and miss out.
    Secondly, I figured out last year that if I placed the "hinge" on my jug opposite the handle, the top part stayed open better when planting and when transplanting. The weight of the handle helped to keep the top more open. While I wish I had figured that out sooner, at least it finally clicked, and we are constantly learning, aren't we?

  • @chrisrfan
    @chrisrfan 9 месяцев назад +63

    You were the one who introduced me to winter sowing a few years ago and I’ve had success with it every year! However, I do believe this is your best video yet with instructions on how to do it! Last year I grew yarrow and tomatoes! Please keep us posted throughout the winter as to how they are doing and especially when they germinate, when to take the domes off etc.
    I do hope Samantha is recovering well from her illness. ❤

  • @amybroxton3931
    @amybroxton3931 9 месяцев назад +76

    You’ve motivated me once again! 😊 One thing I came up with to keep my marker from fading from sun and weather exposure is to create a flap using a piece of duct tape folded over on itself leaving a strip of sticky part to adhere to the jug… kind of like a duct tape like post-it stuck over the plant name. It has kept my label from fading. A mini visor so to speak lol. Thanks again for all you do to inspire all dirt digging devotees like myself.

    • @ElderandOakFarm
      @ElderandOakFarm 9 месяцев назад +1

      Buy a "garden marker" they don't fade or wash off!

    • @donnanowik7955
      @donnanowik7955 9 месяцев назад

      I've had really good luck with a plain old pencil!

  • @SpruceRockAcres
    @SpruceRockAcres 9 месяцев назад +35

    Will you also be showing how you handle them when the time comes to plant them out? And progress reports on how they are doing afterward? I've not seen it be taken that far by anyone and I would love it if you could when the time comes. Thank you, as always, for a very informative video. I'm excited to try this year.

    • @mifecta
      @mifecta 8 месяцев назад +2

      Depends on how dense the seedlings are and how many you want, as well as how much you want the seedlings. I’ve heard of people individually separating out over 50 Cardinal flower seedlings from one bin. Some people utilize a “hunk of seedlings” method where you take a small chunk and just plant it, and allow the strong to survive. A fork can be useful to get them out too.

  • @be_you2023
    @be_you2023 9 месяцев назад +49

    Hi Laura,
    Basic gardener here 👋
    No matter how many times I’ve watched the winter planting method in water bottle containers, with each passage of time, it seems to build my knowledge, courage and willingness to have a go.
    This time I was thinking I hope she remembers the holes in the bottom - 🙌 which means I learnt something last time. It is all making sense the more I watched, even though you explained it so well the first time.
    I hope your little one is doing better now? 👧🏼

    • @mifecta
      @mifecta 8 месяцев назад

      It’s pretty no nonsense. I’m very inexperienced and had great success my first year. Plus it’s kinda fun. You can always start small. All the best to ya

  • @kaval1er
    @kaval1er 9 месяцев назад +20

    I like winter sowing, but last year tried doing it right into seed trays. Loved it even more! I used saved up flats and cell trays from previous years seedling buying, filled them with soil, planted each cell as you normally would, watered them all in, and then stacked the flats up in a protected spot. I unstacked them in the spring as they began to germinate. When they were ready to plant out, each seedling was in its own cell and so very easy to pop out and plant into my beds. It suited me.

    • @rosemarythyme6351
      @rosemarythyme6351 9 месяцев назад +5

      This is very interesting and convenient! It seems closer to nature's way of reseeding. May I ask your growing zone?

    • @D.Sue5071
      @D.Sue5071 9 месяцев назад +2

      I’m intrigued, but have questions: Do your flats allow for drainage? Do you place a dome over the top tray? Is your protected spot outside? Clever idea!

    • @kaval1er
      @kaval1er 9 месяцев назад

      6b, southeastern PA@@rosemarythyme6351

    • @kaval1er
      @kaval1er 9 месяцев назад

      You want a standard 1020 flat with an open web bottom. You can get matching plug trays to fit in them.
      @@D.Sue5071

    • @kaval1er
      @kaval1er 9 месяцев назад

      Outside under an evergreen, no dome, just another open flat weighed down with a brick.

  • @yvonnealexander3241
    @yvonnealexander3241 9 месяцев назад +16

    Laura in the sping can you please do a follow up and show us the process of when to remove the tops and what you do.
    No-one ever shows the end steps😢

    • @janettemassino9996
      @janettemassino9996 8 месяцев назад

      She did 2 years ago. I just found it.

    • @yvonnealexander3241
      @yvonnealexander3241 8 месяцев назад

      @@janettemassino9996 can you share it, the link please

    • @mifecta
      @mifecta 8 месяцев назад

      ruclips.net/video/5-BfrIyiUAY/видео.htmlsi=YBpZ4eEJPYBA3YjE

  • @christinelips3657
    @christinelips3657 9 месяцев назад +8

    I use the cap as a marker inside the jug then when I plant into garden place the cap as a marker near seedlings.

  • @barbaramccann7944
    @barbaramccann7944 9 месяцев назад +81

    Hints from northern west Michigan, zone 5/6: I am now using Tidy Cat litter containers as they are a little sturdier in our winter weather, as well as for reusing. Also, I put the containers in several kids’ plastic sleds or my Sno-Sled, which makes it easy to move them (if needed) as well as to add water from the bottom.

    • @mariankay6482
      @mariankay6482 9 месяцев назад +3

      Great idea!!!
      I have quite a few of these that have been hanging around a while. Cool! I live in the Texas panhandle. It's really windy and then weather is never "normal" here (whatever that is!😂).
      We use the free and clear type, too, so that smell isn't in them.

    • @kimberlyheibel8759
      @kimberlyheibel8759 9 месяцев назад +3

      I'm in Grand Rapids. I need to start doing this with the milk containers.

    • @barbaramccann7944
      @barbaramccann7944 9 месяцев назад +4

      @@kimberlyheibel8759 , I’m in Northport, 30 miles north of Traverse City, and grow about 20 variety of zinnia this way, I found I get an earlier bloom time. I’m going to try more “cool flower” seeds, too.

    • @jl58
      @jl58 9 месяцев назад +13

      We don’t buy the clear tidy cat box, so I can’t use that, however, last year I did take my kids sled and put I think it was 86 toilet paper rolls in there, filled those with dirt and then covered the sled and the filled/seeded rolls with cellophane…they turned out beautiful! Good luck in your gardening adventures!

    • @danitalock5857
      @danitalock5857 7 месяцев назад

      ​@@barbaramccann7944where to find all those different zinnias? I LOVE ZINNIAS too and would love to plant them ALL!😂😂

  • @zeniazenia2787
    @zeniazenia2787 9 месяцев назад +7

    From Connecticut… I used only potting soil the first year and now I give the seeds a little middle layer of starting mix and a top layer of vermiculite too.
    The seeds can get a start in the fluffy starting mix then grab the moisture out of potting soil with their beautiful roots right away.
    Vermiculite keeps the green mold from taking over. Big functional helps from each of the three important layers.

  • @SheenaHall16
    @SheenaHall16 9 месяцев назад +10

    I had a rough 2023 with a lot of family health issues and becoming a temporary caregiver. I become less focused on my gardening and even watching Garden Answer. Well it’s a new year and now I have tons of videos to binge and catch up on! Thank you for all you do and inspiring all of us to get our hands dirty!

  • @vynedvyne59
    @vynedvyne59 7 месяцев назад

    Our flower patch owes ya a thank you after being introduced to this method 😊many thanks

  • @Tracy-zj4sr
    @Tracy-zj4sr 9 месяцев назад +44

    I've been winter sowing forever and I write the name of the variety on the top of the jug in garden marker, then cover this with wide, clear packing tape. It protects it from wearing off.

    • @lindahilko7965
      @lindahilko7965 9 месяцев назад +4

      Great suggestion!

    • @sassyherbgardener7154
      @sassyherbgardener7154 9 месяцев назад +1

      Mine doesn't wear off, the sun bleaches it out until you can't read it.

    • @robyndudley9684
      @robyndudley9684 9 месяцев назад

      Great idea. I started using a Posca paint pen and it works great. Sold at Michael’s and Joann’s.

    • @mifecta
      @mifecta 8 месяцев назад

      Smart creative solution! Oil based pen and aluminum tags are other solutions too; I’m trying the aluminum this year.

  • @GrowCookPreserveWithKellyDawn
    @GrowCookPreserveWithKellyDawn 9 месяцев назад +19

    Winter sowing is SO helpful for native wildflower seeds, most of which require this type of treatment to germinate. I do this for seeds I've collected from my native prairie.

  • @suekrebs3497
    @suekrebs3497 9 месяцев назад +43

    This was your most thorough winter sowing video yet. I started this process after watching you 5 years ago. My empty water jugs are piling up in the garage, so I should start some later this week. Last year, I kind of overdid it and planted 57 jugs, and it's hard to find time to plant them all with the other seedlings that I grow under lights. Thanks for this winter sowing refresher!

    • @nittanychick6412
      @nittanychick6412 9 месяцев назад

      That’s MY problem too! I get so excited to start the seeds, overdo it, and somewhere along the line I run out of time to plant! Why would I learn my lesson the first three times!?

  • @lauravandien2363
    @lauravandien2363 9 месяцев назад +2

    This is a project even a beginner gardener can do-thanks for the info!

  • @SueSue_orchid_grower_quilter
    @SueSue_orchid_grower_quilter 9 месяцев назад +2

    I love to recycle and having them out where you can see them is essential. They are not unattractive....they are potential!!! How hopeful! Wonderful!

  • @schoolbeginsaftercoffee4759
    @schoolbeginsaftercoffee4759 8 месяцев назад +4

    I finally gave winter sowing a go last year. It was a total success. I am in Zone 5b, Northwest suburbs of Chicago. I successfully winter sowed lettuce, broccoli, calendula, COSMOS, marigolds, cilantro, nasturtium, alyssum, and snapdragons. I had my doubts, but I'll be doing this every year from now on. I will say, surprisingly, my lavender and beebalm did not germinate. Maybe it was my seeds?

  • @genevapriest6190
    @genevapriest6190 9 месяцев назад +2

    Laura, my friend, the smartest hort. lady in our county, I think I remember her starting her listiantis in December. She owned a Mom-&-pop Nursery. I think I also think I remember her saying she started her listiantis in the dark initially.

  • @kfowler193
    @kfowler193 9 месяцев назад +2

    Hey from Et. TN. I use my old black nursery pots and cover with clear shower caps from the $ Tree that I've poked holes in. Had decent success with them last year.

  • @krisbaker9427
    @krisbaker9427 9 месяцев назад +6

    I have used a grease pencil for this marking and it doesn’t fade away in the sun. Might find it called a China marker or China grease pencil. Walmart, Home Depot, big box stores all have these.

  • @kristinlong9604
    @kristinlong9604 9 месяцев назад +11

    I truly appreciate you leaving the work sounds in. It helps me know what to expect if I do the same thing. Sometimes if something “doesn’t sound right” I think I’m doing it wrong. 😂

  • @RobbieAndGaryGardeningEasy
    @RobbieAndGaryGardeningEasy 9 месяцев назад

    We also start seeds in a similar fashion, need to do an update soon, thanks😊

  • @lauramccoy1195
    @lauramccoy1195 9 месяцев назад +4

    One honorable mention about winter sowing is cost savings! So much less expensive than buying perennials as plant especially if you have a large area to fill! And, it satisfies the need to get your hands in the soil when we are all past the holidays and cheering on Spring’s return. 😊

  • @laurelcomeaux4723
    @laurelcomeaux4723 9 месяцев назад +22

    Did this last year with foxglove and salvia; it was a huge success. Can’t wait to see all those foxglove bloom this year; the salvia was a rock star in out hottest, driest summer on record.

    • @tifflet818
      @tifflet818 9 месяцев назад

      Are you in Texas?

  • @rosealvarado264
    @rosealvarado264 9 месяцев назад +3

    Good morning all have a safe and blessed day ❤️

  • @tamidickison1330
    @tamidickison1330 9 месяцев назад +3

    I've been winter sowing for yrs. Love it, I first learned from Trudy D on The internet in early 2000s. There is a huge fb page too, winter sowing. Your videos are so good on this, well, on everything you do ❤. I use duck tape on the bottom of the jug to label as a back up to the marker inside. I'm chomping at the bit to get my hands dirty. But alas, I must get xmas done. Thank you Laura🌻

  • @lyndastevens9726
    @lyndastevens9726 7 месяцев назад

    Thanks so much! I've never done this type of planting and now I can't wait to start!💞

  • @okiejes55
    @okiejes55 9 месяцев назад +9

    My first time winter sowing last year. Only 4 jugs and all were successful! I just cut over 40 plastic jugs yesterday and have a few more to do! Winter sowing shall commence. NW Indiana zone 5b-6

  • @mal1090
    @mal1090 9 месяцев назад +8

    I started gardening in 2020 and in 2021-2023 I started all my seeds via winter sowing. It’s so easy, it’s pretty fool proof and affordable! And I learned all about it from Laura. This year I have my first indoor seed starting set up including lights, heat mats, domes and seed starting calendar, again all thanks to Laura! So excited to start seeds both indoors and outdoors this year. I sure love winter sowing and Garden Answer! ❤

  • @dixiemcfeely8923
    @dixiemcfeely8923 9 месяцев назад +9

    I did this a few years ago and it worked great!21 out of 23 did very well. Also labeled the jugs inside and numbered them outside then wrote down in a tablet what they were.

  • @arielmcgillacuddy6640
    @arielmcgillacuddy6640 8 месяцев назад

    I love it! I did it for the first time last year and my garden really took off. It’s great for folks without a lot of space or money.

  • @rosebarton2016
    @rosebarton2016 9 месяцев назад +7

    This is a great way to start milkweed. I love how easy this is😊

  • @MissCorgi315
    @MissCorgi315 9 месяцев назад +4

    Thanks for showing me something I can afford to do in my own garden. What a great idea.

  • @Burrmajesty
    @Burrmajesty 8 месяцев назад

    Just did this today with my kids following your video ❤

  • @mireillewilson5911
    @mireillewilson5911 9 месяцев назад +7

    I've never started seeds this way. This may be the year I try it. Thanks Laura

  • @stephaniewarren9285
    @stephaniewarren9285 9 месяцев назад +1

    What a surprise to wake up to this. I just did all mine the night before your video.
    I use a hot screwdriver to poke holes (sooooo fast!) Then I make a slit in the milk jug to get scissors through (cuts in no time, and more evenly in fact. )
    I also put a piece of clear tap over the writing. Saves on using my labels (always running out!)
    With winter sowing, I'm always on the fence, but I always end up doing it! What can I say, I'm a sucker! 🤷‍♀️

  • @debbybrown5961
    @debbybrown5961 9 месяцев назад

    I was so excited to see this video today. It reminded me that I need to ask my class parents to save jugs so my class can do our winter sowing, so we have plants to plant in our school garden this spring. The kids are so amazed by this process. They can't believe that we can pant seeds and put them out in the snow. You should see their faces when we open them up in the spring and there are plants growing.

  • @sandyg8794
    @sandyg8794 9 месяцев назад

    Hi Laura! Thank you so much for sharing!

  • @lanamolczyk5139
    @lanamolczyk5139 9 месяцев назад +5

    I place ours on the deck. Great light and moisture chances, but they do get blown around. Then I started zip tying the individual handles to the individual deck balusters. Problem solved.

  • @jennifershray4962
    @jennifershray4962 9 месяцев назад +3

    A couple things that are helpful are punching holes in the top of the jug too and southern sun exposure. I have wintersowed 2 winters now, this is my third. Last year, I think really helped with germination was putting my jugs on in the backyard with southern sun exposure and against the brick exterior of my home. There was no wind exposure to dry them out too fast as well. The extra sunlight and radiate heat really helped. The previous year, I had them on west side of the house and it seemed to take forever to get going. I had some many seedlings, I had some to give away.

  • @wonderwonder30
    @wonderwonder30 9 месяцев назад

    3:18 Russell is thinking “what ever the light touches…. is my kingdom.” He’s so cute!

  • @cynthiagustafson2541
    @cynthiagustafson2541 9 месяцев назад +10

    I have done winter sowing for the past 2 winters. I had no faith that it would work where I live because we have fairly harsh winters in Maine. but I was pleasantly surprised!! This gives me a little bit of gardening therapy when there is no gardening to be done! I've been trying to save up my jugs (if I can keep my husband from throwing them away!)

    • @mynewjourney6803
      @mynewjourney6803 8 месяцев назад

      Hi When do you start in your zone?

    • @cynthiagustafson2541
      @cynthiagustafson2541 8 месяцев назад

      I'm Zone 4B and am starting now. I could have started sooner but I've been away.@@mynewjourney6803

    • @scarlethunder1761
      @scarlethunder1761 7 месяцев назад

      Why not prep and load one as soon as you get it empty or fill it to set out? Perhaps you can hide the jug under the sink?

    • @cynthiagustafson2541
      @cynthiagustafson2541 7 месяцев назад

      Hi, I thought I answered this but my reply isn't showing up. Anyway, I could start in January but have been out of town a lot so I'm planning to start this weekend. I have 6 jugs saved up (yaaaa!)@@mynewjourney6803

    • @cynthiagustafson2541
      @cynthiagustafson2541 7 месяцев назад

      That's a good idea to do one at a time. He doesn't bother them once they're on the deck.@@scarlethunder1761

  • @Amy1437
    @Amy1437 9 месяцев назад +1

    Winter sowing is the only method I use because I dont have space for seed trays, and its so easy! The only thing I do differently than you is, instead of 1 long strip of tape around the jug, I do a vertical strip on each side of the jug. Where I live in the late winter/early spring, it can get up to the mid 60s during the day then back down to the 30s at night. This makes it easier to open the jug during the day & close it back up securely at night.

  • @catherineshiddengarden2596
    @catherineshiddengarden2596 9 месяцев назад +6

    Sew in your garden & then place the top of the milk jug on top. Then no transplanting. Just make sure the top is secured with a stake.

    • @dianequist835
      @dianequist835 9 месяцев назад +2

      And this method works really well!

    • @margies5906
      @margies5906 9 месяцев назад

      Good idea! Does it matter the zone you are in?

    • @dianequist835
      @dianequist835 9 месяцев назад

      @@margies5906 I'm in zone 7b

    • @michellescountrygardens
      @michellescountrygardens 9 месяцев назад

      The thing is you will have lots of seedlings in a milk jug size area. What I like about winter sowing is I can but some here and some there.

    • @dianequist835
      @dianequist835 9 месяцев назад +1

      @@michellescountrygardens True, but when I did the method as the original post stated, I didn't put a lot of seeds on the ground. However, by late summer, I was able to do a little bit of thinning and transplanting, which was similar to what happens when I buy potted perennials in the spring.

  • @myvideos6195
    @myvideos6195 9 месяцев назад +1

    look at you, always working so hard, you are awesome.

  • @CMH642
    @CMH642 8 месяцев назад

    Can you do a follow up video in the spring of separating starts and planting them?

  • @maxhunter7036
    @maxhunter7036 9 месяцев назад

    Wow never seen this before. Can't wait to try this!

  • @latonyae8162
    @latonyae8162 9 месяцев назад +2

    So happy to see your winter sowing video and thank you for encouraging us to try it each season. I must admit I didn't do too well last time but I'm gonna try, try again! I also have some of the same perennial seed...so here we go! 😊

  • @tamaracraig3223
    @tamaracraig3223 8 месяцев назад

    Michigan agriculture extension had a winter sowing You Tube video that I thought was useful also. . .
    One comment that might be useful to you-
    They said if you check on your jugs and it doesn’t have condensation it probably needs water.
    Thank you! Enjoy all your information ❤

  • @albertmo1722
    @albertmo1722 8 месяцев назад

    Hi Laura, Great video! I have put out 2 milk jugs in my backyard. I will keep you posted on their status. Best, Albert, SF, CA

  • @payton8613
    @payton8613 9 месяцев назад +1

    Here in zone 9b, I simply use 10' x 20' black seedling trays/flats poked with a few drain holes and filled with potting soil. I sow into directly into them, then put the humidity dome in place. I tape the domes on so wind won't carry them off, a few holes in the dome, and presto, what I already had to use with my indoor grow light set up, now works for hundreds of seedlings outdoors. All my hardy annuals, perennials, and frost tolerant anything are now grown this way, giving me all that much more shelf space under the lights inside. I've also learned that my seeds germinate just fine in potting soil, inside or out, so never use seedling potting mix anymore. Saves having to pot up my seedlings, as they are already in soil that I can simply fertilize and keep the seedlings growing. So much less work and expense.

    • @dustyflats3832
      @dustyflats3832 9 месяцев назад +1

      Great post! Yes, it’s not necessary to do all this work and expense. It basically is creating a bunch of mini cold frames. I think location has a lot to do with how successful different containers can work. Some need more babysitting and with the crazy temp swings it can be trying.

  • @PetitLac2015
    @PetitLac2015 9 месяцев назад +2

    Thank you for this video! My wheels and cogs are really spinning now. Happy New Year!

  • @laurieanne9712
    @laurieanne9712 9 месяцев назад +1

    Yay! I MUST plant!!! I've got a planting itch! Anyone else?

  • @4acrehobbytfarm
    @4acrehobbytfarm 9 месяцев назад +16

    Always inspiring!! I’ve had success with this, having saw this in your first video about it. Definitely will do the flowers this year like you have done, as we just finished a rock wall raised bed like you did for Monica. So exciting!!

  • @bethanysandgren7993
    @bethanysandgren7993 9 месяцев назад +3

    I’ve rewatched all your past winter sowing videos and I’ve been waiting for this! So exciting!! My first year growing any type of seed!

    • @Sun-Soul
      @Sun-Soul 9 месяцев назад

      You got this! ☺

  • @victorialasisi3238
    @victorialasisi3238 8 месяцев назад

    Beautiful winter start to spring! I love the perfect advance it brings to our short NW season. Much doing that even someone chair bound could easily participate in ❤.

  • @trinaroark6075
    @trinaroark6075 9 месяцев назад +1

    This method is "sow" easy! I'm starting my jugs today too!

  • @monet1055
    @monet1055 9 месяцев назад +4

    Always appreciate a learning video. You have tons of experience and new viewers daily so this is so nice for all of us. Learn something new each year. Thank you 😊

  • @christinawyckoff2164
    @christinawyckoff2164 9 месяцев назад +1

    Just want to say I truly appreciate and thank you for the education that we get by watching 👁️👁️ you you do amazing beautiful job regardless good or bad the result you tell it thank you so very much 👍💗💞

  • @juliafiore120
    @juliafiore120 9 месяцев назад +9

    Good morning, Laura ☕️ I sowed Lupines up here in Boston using the same method and it worked brilliantly 👏🏻🙌🏻 This will be my project Saturday with a snow ❄️ storm coming Sunday. Have a Blessed Day 😊🐈🐈

    • @budgetgardeningvita
      @budgetgardeningvita 9 месяцев назад +2

      I'll be doing the same thing during Sunday's snow storm up here in New Hampshire! 😊

    • @karenharrisonbinette
      @karenharrisonbinette 9 месяцев назад

      Hi! I’m in southern NH. Did your lupine bloom that year, due to the cold season head start, or was it the following year? Also, was this the perennial old fashioned lupine instead of the Russell’s hybrid? Sorry to grill you on this 😀

    • @lydiascott507
      @lydiascott507 9 месяцев назад +1

      @@karenharrisonbinetteI winter sowed lupines and it took them an entire year to bloom, but it was SO worth it!! I did the Russell hybrids seeds.

    • @juliafiore120
      @juliafiore120 9 месяцев назад +2

      @@karenharrisonbinette Hi, no worries! Yes, they bloomed profusely! I planted 5 seeds per gallon jug and they all grew huge! I should’ve thinned them but, I just planted the whole thing as one plant and they all formed beautiful flowers and a ton of seed pods. Best wishes!

    • @DanaBarbieri
      @DanaBarbieri 9 месяцев назад

      Thank you for sharing. I've never grown lupines or done any winter sowing. I'm in NY and was unsure when to even start winter sowing anything.

  • @claracorimao1024
    @claracorimao1024 9 месяцев назад +2

    good evening everyone!

  • @klcpca
    @klcpca 9 месяцев назад

    A couple of years ago I followed Laura's instructions and winter sowed Swamp Milkweed... they did beautifully and I now have a nice patch for the butterflies!!!!

  • @shellyroman1321
    @shellyroman1321 9 месяцев назад +3

    Every year, after watching your winter sowing videos, i think I am going to try this.... and every year, I forget. 😊 Maybe this will be the year. I do save the caps off the jugs though (especially when they are different colors) to make snowman kits. Blue caps for the eyes, brown caps for mouth and buttons, orange for a nose, etc. Kind of a fun idea.⛄️

  • @marilynbruckman3610
    @marilynbruckman3610 9 месяцев назад

    I may need to try this I'm sure my granddaughter would love it! She's a girl after my own heart and loves to garden and plant!

  • @karenbaker5485
    @karenbaker5485 9 месяцев назад +1

    I started winter sowing seeds after watching your first WS video. Getting ready to start my second round of winter sowing. I’m in zone 9b and most of my first round have already sprouted. I use painters tape instead of duct tape which is easier to remove & less messy. I also label my jugs on the outside with just a number that corresponds to my WS spreadsheet. I also include a label inside with the seed details. Great video. Thanks for sharing this info again.

  • @daver2028
    @daver2028 9 месяцев назад

    much thanks i always appreciate your no nonsense thoughts.. much thanks keep up the great posts :)

  • @BettyWhiteJr
    @BettyWhiteJr 9 месяцев назад +9

    I’m growing the blue grama grass seeds you showed and it sprouted beautifully! There are sooooo many seeds in the packet, and you sow about 20 seeds per cell. They came up super quick and they are growing beautifully under a grow light in my garage right now. Can’t wait to use them along my driveway, I have purple Loropetalum there already and I think the blue grass will complement them nicely 😊

    • @lizmiller8084
      @lizmiller8084 9 месяцев назад

      Hi there, where did you purchase the blonde ambition seeds? I would love to try growing from seed? Thank you!

    • @BettyWhiteJr
      @BettyWhiteJr 9 месяцев назад +2

      @@lizmiller8084 they’re not labeled blonde ambition, they’re just blue grama grass and I got them from botanical interests. If you zoom in on her video you’ll see the packet. They were so easy, they’re up and growing really good. 🙂

  • @TracyCotterman
    @TracyCotterman 9 месяцев назад +3

    Winter sowing is my go-to for all of my herbs, perennials, and most especially onions. So easy and no mess. Please attach a link for your mister/watering battle? Or better yet, add it to your store.❤😂

  • @ZeroWasteFamily
    @ZeroWasteFamily 8 месяцев назад

    I just moved from sunny San Diego to cold Sweden and assumed my gardening days would not start for another months so you totally inspired me to get begin growing again.

  • @lesleyat
    @lesleyat 9 месяцев назад +13

    This is my 4th year using winter sowing for seed starting. I have ferrets that would destroy any seed starting in my home. Some things that I have learned over the past few years are 1. patience is the key and the hardest part of winter sowing. 2. seedlings will be smaller than those that are started indoors but will take off once planted out and catch up or surpass those started indoors. 3. Plant the seedlings out while they are small. This will give their roots a better chance to get established. I have WS heat loving plants such as tomatoes, peppers, green beans, and watermelons successfully. I put plant tags in the containers and I label the outside of very jug with a number and record that number in my garden journal with the type of seeds sowed. I can refer back to the journal in case the tags wear off. I use a sharpie and have not had a problem with things wearing off. Here in CO we usually have pretty dry and windy winters so I do have to water more often than most.

  • @amysgardenstead2879
    @amysgardenstead2879 9 месяцев назад +7

    It is easier to leave the top on to give some pressure when putting in drain holes. I’m impressed how easily you cut a straight line. This is the only way I have gotten larkspur to grow. The hardest part is not forgetting about them in the spring. Has anybody ever used them as a cloche and planted in the soil with the jug on top? Would t have to transplant that way. Just wondering.

    • @seeta5409
      @seeta5409 9 месяцев назад

      I tried kale last year and it worked

    • @jenniferkessener1111
      @jenniferkessener1111 9 месяцев назад +1

      I have had larkspur sprout with WS, they are such a tender little start so last year I tried the method of sowing on top of the snow, they came up well! Much easier. They bloomed in June and July

    • @dustyflats3832
      @dustyflats3832 9 месяцев назад

      Yes, Luke at MI Gardener has a video I think last year where he planted in the raised bed and covered with a tote covering them.

  • @saraw8503
    @saraw8503 9 месяцев назад +1

    I have used winter sowing the past 3-4 years. I have a lot of successes and fewer fails here in my zone 8a (coastal nc). Nigella has never performed. No lupine for me. They germinated and grew well but our summer came in hit and fast. Never got a bloom. But I have tremendous luck with foxgloves, hollyhocks, larkspur, alyssum, and others. I did learn in previous years that they do better sown more thinly.

  • @belindamasters2667
    @belindamasters2667 9 месяцев назад +1

    Tried my best last year. Followed so many directions closely…horrible germination on good, fresh seeds for my Snapdragons and Stock … wanted to get a jump start in zone 6b since our Springs or sooo short it gets hot so fast the flowers never last. Best germination I had was for nasturtiums and peas. Won’t be doing it again this year as I now have a new greenhouse and have a place to start seeds to get a quick start. I know loads of people have great luck…but not me.

    • @dustyflats3832
      @dustyflats3832 9 месяцев назад

      The temperatures are swinging too much and didn’t work well last year in Z5a, WI either.
      Plan on waiting to heat the GH and start all seeds in GH this year. Keep the mess outside. Many plants won’t grow until it’s time anyways.

  • @christinewarnaar-bates3494
    @christinewarnaar-bates3494 9 месяцев назад +4

    Are you going to follow up with them this year? It would be very interesting to do a side-by-side comparison between winter sowing vs under lights (for those that have space inside)

  • @maestra3947
    @maestra3947 9 месяцев назад +2

    I get a ton of inspiring ideas just by watching your videos, Thanks for sharing!

  • @sf55514
    @sf55514 9 месяцев назад

    It will never cease to amaze me those teeny tiny seed grow those beautiful flowers. GOD'S creation wonderful.

  • @maryferguson6586
    @maryferguson6586 9 месяцев назад

    I have not had good luck with winter sowing. I have tried it for two years with little success. I will try again.🤞🏻

  • @iartistdotme
    @iartistdotme 9 месяцев назад +1

    Awesome way to recycle, get new plants, teach kids about gardening! I think I'll try to collect enough and set up a seed growing party at the local elementary school that does have a gardening program. THANK YOU for the inspiration.

  • @colinburke3758
    @colinburke3758 9 месяцев назад

    Douglas is so cute and so is Russell. Great info for planting in the winter season.

  • @barbarafegley5566
    @barbarafegley5566 9 месяцев назад +1

    I have 20 jugs going right now.
    I use 1/2 gallon milk jugs. Have a small urban garden so i don't need lots of one plant. My trick is to have them on the back deck so it is easy for me to step out and spray them with water if they need it.
    6b here was sucessful with phlox varieties last year.

  • @lcostantino7931
    @lcostantino7931 8 месяцев назад

    nice job,hit all the most important things

  • @cindielbrecht557
    @cindielbrecht557 9 месяцев назад

    And you can peak through the opening to check the sprouting! Fun project to do with kids

  • @dianebateman6808
    @dianebateman6808 9 месяцев назад

    LOVE THIS METHOD!

  • @susanmason3432
    @susanmason3432 9 месяцев назад +3

    Laura, Thank you for this refresher course on winter sowing. I've actually had more success with winter sowing than seed starting trays. NW Florida Zone 9a

    • @nancyprovost1878
      @nancyprovost1878 9 месяцев назад

      I’m in the new 8a zone. When do you put your jugs out so they don’t overheat?

    • @nancyprovost1878
      @nancyprovost1878 9 месяцев назад

      Sorry zone 9a

    • @susanmason3432
      @susanmason3432 9 месяцев назад

      @@nancyprovost1878 December, last year the plants were ready for my flower beds in mid February.

  • @practicalconservation5017
    @practicalconservation5017 8 месяцев назад

    I've been doing this since I saw you talking about it years ago and it's been a huge success! We've been increasing how many milk jugs I use each year and we're going to use 12 milk jugs this year! Favorites have been lettuces, kale, and chamomile.

  • @Aneelinka
    @Aneelinka 9 месяцев назад +1

    I am glad you showed us your way to do winter sowing, even though you did not plan to do it. Thank you :)

  • @graffic13
    @graffic13 9 месяцев назад +1

    When Laura told us about soil holding water and making a ball I felt like I was watching Emily from snake discovery explaining incubator vermiculite 😅😅😅😅
    Wonder which volunteers will be under this table in a few weeks😅😅😅😅😅

  • @sltal53
    @sltal53 9 месяцев назад +2

    Get a $10 soldering iron and you can melt neat round drainage holes in the bottom of the milk container in a couple of seconds. Using a box cutter and twisting is brutal and creates an unpredictable slice.

    • @michellescountrygardens
      @michellescountrygardens 9 месяцев назад

      Careful of those toxic fumes. I prefer a drill.

    • @sltal53
      @sltal53 9 месяцев назад +1

      @@michellescountrygardens I agree about the fumes. Do this outside or in the garage with ventilation

    • @dustyflats3832
      @dustyflats3832 9 месяцев назад

      😂I was waiting to see if she had all her fingers at the end.

  • @maryalicehuffstetler3026
    @maryalicehuffstetler3026 9 месяцев назад +3

    I can't wait to see how this turns out!

  • @Justus11167
    @Justus11167 8 месяцев назад

    I’ve done winter sowing for several years here in zone9B and works great.

  • @idalissesandoval6170
    @idalissesandoval6170 9 месяцев назад

    Will you be doing a video on what you do in spring with these?

  • @kittenpawsbb
    @kittenpawsbb 9 месяцев назад

    Really appreciate you showing the prepping of the potting soil. Never even thought to do it this way. No wonder even when I water when it’s done, it just drains out immediately, and the soil just feels dry. Thank you 🤗🌱

  • @absolutelyyouhomeandgarden
    @absolutelyyouhomeandgarden 9 месяцев назад

    Thanks for the very informative video, I can't wait to try this❤

  • @jeannet9592
    @jeannet9592 9 месяцев назад +1

    So glad to see this video, as I have winter sowing in my to do list today!!

  • @donnastrader9812
    @donnastrader9812 9 месяцев назад +1

    Thank you, thank you, thank you!!! I have been watching for a couple of years and this will be my first year winter sowing. Watching you makes me think I can actually do it!
    You are the best!!!!

  • @mifecta
    @mifecta 8 месяцев назад

    Few additional tips:
    - additional WS benefits are protection from animals & wind, as well as controlled (more dependable) moisture.
    - I prefer aluminum labels although many use oil based pens as well.
    - Promix is probably the most popular “soil” in the WS community although many potting soils are used.
    - Some folks use coffee filters on the bottom to reduce soil loss.
    - You can winter sow nearly anything as long as it’s not a tropical plant.