Figuring out when to start winter sowing your seeds is a struggle for newbies, and it can be tough to get the timing right. So in this post, I will tell you how to figure out exactly when to begin, how to know if it’s too late, and also when to stop winter sowing.
One of the things I love the most about the winter sowing seeds method is that you can take your time with it, and work on it all winter long. There’s no rush to get them done like there is when you plant them indoors or direct sow them.
But it’s still very important to get the timing right. If you begin too early, the seeds could germinate prematurely and die before spring. And if you start too late, they might not grow at all.
So, how do you figure out the best time to start winter sowing, and when to stop? Don’t worry, I will break it all down so it’s super easy for you to get it right.
When Should I Start Winter Sowing?
The main rule of thumb to go by is… don’t start winter sowing until after freezing temperatures are here to stay. That means that it is below freezing outside, and will stay that way until spring.
Many avid winter sowers make it a ritual to begin on the winter solstice (the first official day of winter), which is sometime around December 21st here in the Northern Hemisphere.
That’s a good start date to use as a gauge. However, December can still be too warm in many places. So that date is not going to work for everyone.
When Is It Too Late To Start?
To determine if it’s too late to start winter sowing begins with the type of seeds you want to use. The best way to figure it out is whether they need cold stratification or not.
- Seeds that require cold stratification – If any of your seeds need a period of cold dormancy to germinate, then you must start those when it’s freezing outside. If you winter sow them too late, they may not grow. Put these outside at least 4-5 weeks before it gets above freezing outside.
- Seeds that don’t need the cold – For all others, you don’t have to worry as much about starting too late. I winter sow well into April here in MN zone 4b. I’ve even used this method in the summer to start my fall crops.
When To Stop Winter Sowing
There’s no rule saying when you have to stop. As I mentioned above, I keep going through the spring, and even into the summer.
Just be sure you start winter sowing early enough so the seedlings have plenty of time to mature before you transplant them into the garden.
The average is about 6-8 weeks before transplanting, but check the seeds packets to know for sure.
Honestly though, it will get to the point where you begin to wonder why you didn’t just sow your seeds directly into your garden, rather than planting them in the containers.
But, there really is no limit to how long you can go. So, I’m going to leave this one up to you to decide!
What Can I Do If It’s Too Early To Start?
If you’re antsy, but it’s too early to start winter sowing, there are a few things you can do to prepare…
- Collect your containers – You’re going to want to build up a nice stash of the right types of winter sowing containers so you have plenty on hand once you get started. So get going on this right away.
- Get your containers ready – It takes some time to prepare your winter sowing containers for use, and this is the perfect activity to work on while you’re waiting to get started.
- Sort and organize your seeds – If you don’t have any yet, choose from my list of the best seeds for winter sowing. Then sort them into piles and organize them into the order you plan to sow them. Here’s the order that I use…
- Seeds that need cold stratification
- Perennials and native plants
- Cold hardy annuals, herbs, and veggies
- Warm weather vegetables, herbs, and annuals (wait until early spring to sow these)
Unfortunately, there is no exact set date or schedule for when to start winter sowing that will work for everyone. But, as you gain more experience, you will know exactly when the time is right for you and your gardening zone.
If you want to learn exactly how to winter sow, then my Winter Sowing eBook is just what you need! It has everything you need to know to start winter sowing! Download your copy today!
Otherwise, if you want to learn how to grow any type of seed you want for your garden, then you should take my Seed Starting Course. It is a detailed online course that will show you how to grow any type of seed you want using a mix of the three most common seed starting methods (including winter sowing!). Enroll and get started now!
More Posts About Winter Sowing
- Choosing The Best Soil For Winter Sowing
- Winter Sowing Questions & Answers (FAQs)
- How To Clean Winter Sowing Containers For Reuse
- Tips For Starting Your Seeds Indoors
When do you start winter sowing? Tell us in the comments below.
Carol butera says
Do the plants that are winter sowed need to be hardened off before transplanted in the garden?
Amy Andrychowicz says
Nope, that is one of the biggest benefits of winter sowing! Since you start them outside, they are already hardened off, so you can plant them directly into the garden with no worries. 🙂
Lisa says
I am new to winter sowing, and have big plans for this year, but haven’t planted a single container yet! Yikes! Is it too late to start (March 5th)?
Amy Andrychowicz says
It depends on where you live. For us here in MN, March 5th is not too late to start winter sowing. It’s still freezing cold and pretty snowy during March (most years anyway). If you’re in a warmer zone, then you can still do some winter sowing this year. But it might be too late for seeds that require cold stratification, if your temps are already above freezing.
kevin Anderson says
this is my first time trying to sow winter seeding out doors. we’re not big milk drinkers, so I may have to think of something else to use.
maybe a small wooden box with drain hole and a clear plastic top with a few holes in it for the rain and some air. any suggestions? can I start my Georgia Collards or cabbage? I’m in zone 6b Connecticut.
Amy Andrychowicz says
Your idea should work, as long as the lid is clear. Here’s a list of other good options… Winter Sowing Containers: What Works & What Doesn’t. Yes, collards and cabbage should both work great. Here’s a list of others you can try… How To Choose The Best Seeds For Winter Sowing. Have fun!
Sasha Dreamer says
I live in DC and unfortunately the temperatures fluctuate like crazy here, it doesn’t stay below freezing for any extended period of time. It’s January 26th now, should I wait to start my winter sowing?
Amy Andrychowicz says
I think you should be ok to start winter sowing now. All the winter sowers in zones 6 & 7 have been doing it for several weeks now. If you’re worried about premature germination, then you can keep them in the shade during warm spells. Good luck!
Sasha Dreamer says
Thanks for the advice, I’ll let you know what ends up happening!
Amy Andrychowicz says
You bet, hope it works out!
Red Sarah says
I’m excited about this. I’ve read several blog/articles on this. Yours is the most thorough. Here’s where I’m confused: we’ve had a weird winter. It get down in the negatives, and then a week later for a day or two is up in the 40’s. Then it drops again. I had planned to start all my seeds now, indoors, but as you say, space is limited, esp. with 2 mischievous kittens, 2 dogs, and a 6 month old giant puppy, as well as a bathroom remodel… Did I bite of more than I can chew? Too late now…
so back to helping me, do I just put them outside, monitor them, and hope for the best? Is there a technique for crazy winters that are like a yo-yo? I moved from Southern Cali where weather is the same everyday until complete boredom, to something, different. And now, I jam having to completely rethink my gardening techniques. Thanks.
Amy Andrychowicz says
Awesome, glad you’ve found my winter sowing article helpful! 🙂 Don’t take the seeds you’ve already planted inside and put them outside. That’s not going to work. You’ll need to go through the steps above to winter sow new seeds. Yes, there are some techniques you can use during weird winters, here’s a post all about that… Tips For Winter Sowing During A Mild Winter. Have fun and good luck!
Simne says
This is my first year winter sowing, and so far I have 19 containers. I’m in Denver, CO, which is zone 5. I started right away on Winter Solstice, and I’m thinking positively and hoping that it wasn’t too early to start some hardy perennials. We’ll see come spring!
Amy Andrychowicz says
I’m excited to hear that you’re trying winter sowing for the first time, good for you! Wow, 19 containers, that’s great! Hopefully everything will grow great for you, good luck!
Chris says
Haven’t tried sowing seeds outside in the winter, but start mine inside march 1st. Love doing this and getting my plants started early. So going to try to winter sow, been saving my containers, my kids love helping with the garden from the beginning!
Amy Andrychowicz says
Awesome! Now you will be able to start planting seeds way earlier than March 1st! Have fun winter sowing! 🙂
pwetzel228 says
Haven’t done winter sowing yet, but have started collecting all my containers & gathering seeds to get my spring babies going!! 🙂 cannot wait to start my dirt therapy… winter is just too long!
Amy Andrychowicz says
Yes, yes it is! That’s probably why I love winter sowing so much! I can start my “dirt therapy” way earlier than I could otherwise. <3
Karen says
Hi Amy,
I have a question for you, and that is how do you know when is the right time to wintersow which seeds? I’m in zone 5b, and I’m itching to wintersow, but most of the plants I have were suggested to be wintersown in March.
Amy Andrychowicz says
I usually begin winter sowing in January/Feb here in z4a. I start with the seeds that are self-sowing, perennials, cold weather vegetables, and hardy annuals first. As the weather starts to warm up a bit (usually in March here), I will start moving into the warm weather vegetables and annuals. I save the really tender ones for last, and sow those in late March/ early April.
Sometimes it’s just trial and error. If I’m not sure about a certain type of seed, I will save a few just in case winter sowing doesn’t work for them.
Karen says
Hi Amy,
That makes sense. This is my first year wintersowing, so I guess I’ll learn more as I get more experience. It sure is a nice way to still “garden” in the middle of winter.
Amy Andrychowicz says
Yes, it’s so nice to be able to start planting seeds in the dead of winter! I like that I can spread the chore out over several months, rather than stressing out trying to get them all started at once. Experimenting with winter sowing is the best way to see what seeds work for you, and in your zone. I always tell people to plan to start a batch of seeds with their usual method the first year, just until you get the hang of winter sowing.
FranksGreenGirl says
Amy because of you I am now an avid winter sower! My daughter and I have given up our fish tanks and gone for the empty milk jugs for pretty much everything. I’m tempted to start tomatoes in-doors but then when I check out your blog I’m like NAH!! The winter sowing really works and gives me such good results. It looks like we won’t be starting the winter sowing until February or March if this cold then warm again trend keeps going (it’s mid-January now). What do you think?
Amy Andrychowicz says
WOW, that is fantastic! I’m so happy to hear I was your inspiration, and that it’s been such a huge success for you! Yes, the weather has been too warm to start winter sowing here in MN too. I’m definitely waiting until Feb to start winter sowing this year.
Margis says
I keep reading about people using milk jugs. All our milk jugs in our area are not the see through kind of plastic. Can you still use them?
Amy Andrychowicz says
Unfortunately, you can’t use the opaque milk jugs. You have to use the see through ones so that light can get in. But there are tons of other types of clear containers you can use. Here’s a list to help you out… Winter Sowing Containers: What Works & What Doesn’t
Kirstie says
It’s January here in NY, and we’ve finally got winter! My milk jugs are piling up and I am getting ready to do some winter gardening in the next couple of weeks! Can’t wait to get started!
Amy Andrychowicz says
Haha, my milk jugs have been piling up in the garage as well! Time for me to get started too. Have fun!
Sissy says
Looking forward to learning more about winter sowing! Found you thru the GardenWeb post in the tomato forum!
Amy Andrychowicz says
Awesome! Here’s the best place to start learning all about it… Winter Sowing Seeds: A Quick-Start Guide
PlantPostings says
Amy: I think I just might try winter sowing this year. Thanks for the inspiration, and the tips for when to get started. Crossing my fingers for a short, mild winter. But you just never know. –Beth
Amy Andrychowicz says
You’re welcome. Have fun winter sowing! I hope all of your seeds will grow great for you.
Brandy says
We haven’t had a frost yet, so my winter sowing is usually direct seeded in the garden (I planted spinach seeds outside two days ago). Our last frost date is usually February 15th. I never seem to get any squash started early, and seeing yours (and some basil) growing there makes me want to consider starting my warm season seeds this way. I read your posts last year, but I didn’t manage to get any winter sowing done. I’ll have to try it!
Amy Andrychowicz says
Wow, you definitely live in a warmer climate than I do! Haha! Have fun, hope you get to try winter sowing this year!
Donna says
I have wanted to try winter sowing, so I will have to read up on your past posts and give it a little try.
Amy Andrychowicz says
Awesome, glad to hear you’re going to give it a try. Here’s the post I recommend starting with… Winter Sowing Seeds: A Quick-Start Guide
Alison says
I don't usually start winter sowing till some time in January. In a normal winter here in the PNW, we get a few warm temps before Christmas, which might prompt the seeds to sprout too early. I have big plans for this year's sowing, lots of seeds to start.
Amy Andrychowicz says
Thanks for letting us know when you start winter sowing in the Pacific NW. That’s great to know. Have fun sowing all of your seeds!