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.
Paula Doll says
Hi, I live in Central Jersey and this winter has been warm not really freezing and hardly any snow at all. I am new to all this as my sister-in-law has been doing this for years and she’s an expert. I have my containers I have seeds, but I’m not sure if it’s too late to start now it’s now March 3. Please let me know if I’m wasting my time.
Amy Andrychowicz says
If your freezing temps are pretty much gone for the year, then you’re not really going to be “winter sowing” technically. But you could certainly use the same technique to start other types of seeds this late in the season (ones that don’t require cold stratification). It’s still a good method to use if you don’t want to start them indoors, but still want to get a headstart on the growing season.
Kerry L Sanders says
I live in mid West Michigan, 5b/6a. Our temps can be freezing one week with 8″ of snow and 45 and completely melted the following week. How do you plan for that nonsense shift? I’ve never winter sowed before and would very much like to try it. I’ve already gathered my containers, soil & some seeds. But I’m to chicken try it! LOL
Amy Andrychowicz says
As long as you use the right types of seeds, they are smart enough to know when to germinate, even with the wild weather swings, that’s the beauty of the winter sowing method. However, there are things you can do to prevent premature germination if you end up having a longer period of unseasonably warm weather. Here’s my guide for how to winter sow during a mild winter.
Cindy says
Amy, I live in wisconsin, zone 4b to 5a. I usually stick to zone 4 or below plants to be on the safe side. I’m wondering if you have a chart of plants you winter sow in January- March? If so would you be willing to share that? Happy new year and happy gardening. Cindy
Amy Andrychowicz says
Hi Cindy. Yes, here’s a list for you to start with, have fun!… Best Seeds For Winter Sowing & How To Choose The Right Ones.