Winter sowing is a fun and easy way to grow your seeds. In this quick-start guide, I cover everything from the benefits and when to begin, all the way through to maintenance and transplanting. Plus I’ll give you detailed step-by-step instructions to show you exactly how to do it.
What Is Winter Sowing?
Winter sowing is a method for starting seeds outside during the winter. You plant them in miniature greenhouses that you make out of recycled plastic containers, and then put them outside in the snow and freezing cold.
Once the weather starts to warm up in the spring, the seeds will germinate at their own pace, just as in nature.
Benefits Of Winter Seed Sowing
For me, the biggest benefit of this seed starting method is saving space. Since they go outside, they don’t take up any space in the house. That is HUGE! But there are lots of other BIG benefits of winter sowing too:
- You don’t need to buy any special equipment or grow lights.
- There’s no need to sterilize your seedling trays.
- There’s no risk of the seedlings damping off.
- You don’t have to harden off your seedlings, because they’re already outside.
- Winter sown seedlings are hardier, and more robust, which means they have a much higher survival rate.
- You can start planting your seeds much earlier.
When Can You Start?
One of the things I love the best about winter sowing is that there is no set schedule you need to worry about. You don’t have to think about your last frost dates, or time your plantings to avoid leggy seedlings.
You can work on it at your own convenience, and whenever you have time. The only rule you need to follow is to wait until freezing temperatures are here to stay. Learn exactly when to begin winter sowing here.
My Expert Tips For The Best Success
As I said above, this technique is very easy. But there are are couple of things you need to understand before you begin. So, first let’s talk about the three main things you’ll need: soil, containers, and seeds.
The Best Soil To Use
The best type of medium to use is an all-purpose potting soil. I’ve also used a seed starting potting mix, which works just fine. But those can be a little bit more expensive.
Just make sure you buy a quality potting mix. Cheap dirt is too heavy, and could be full of weed seeds.
Also, always use a fresh, sterile medium, and never, use garden soil in any of your containers. Read about the best soil to use for winter sowing (and which ones to avoid) here.
Choosing Containers
There are tons of different types of winter sowing containers you can use to make your mini greenhouses. The best part is that you make them out of items you throw out every day.
Things like milk jugs, 2 liter bottles, restaurant/deli/bakery food storage, ice cream buckets…etc. The shape and size doesn’t matter, but it must be made of transparent plastic.
It should also be deep enough to hold 3-4 inches of soil in the bottom, and tall enough to allow a few inches of headspace for the seedlings to grow.
Related Post: How To Clean Winter Sowing Containers For Reuse
Types Of Seeds To Plant
It’s important to use the correct types of seeds for winter sowing, because you can’t just use anything. The best ones are cold hardy annuals, herbs, and cold crop vegetables, or plants that are perennial in your zone.
If you’re unsure, check the seed packet. Look for terms like “self-sowing”, “direct sow outside in the fall”, “direct sow outside in early spring” or “cold stratification”.
How To Winter Your Sow Seeds
You don’t need any fancy equipment to get started, and you only need a few supplies. Gather everything ahead of time to speed up the process.
Supplies Needed:
- Containers
- Scissors
- Drill or old metal knife
- Potting soil
- Seeds
- Heavy duty tape or duct tape
- Plant tags (optional)
- Pencil, permanent marker or paint pen
Step-By-Step Instructions
Step 1: Choose your containers – Raid your recycling bin to find the perfect mini greenhouses, or ask your family and friends to save them for you.
It may take some time to build up a good selection, so be sure to start hunting for them a few weeks before you plan to begin winter sowing your seeds.
Step 2: Prepare the mini greenhouses – If you’re using a tall, narrow container, like a 2 liter bottle or milk jug, first cut it in half using a pair of scissors.
Then poke holes in the bottom for drainage, and also in the top for ventilation. Use a drill to make the holes, or a hot knife to melt them into the plastic. Learn exactly how to prepare winter sowing containers here.
Step 3: Add the soil – Fill the bottom of your mini greenhouse with 3-4 inches of potting soil or a seedling mix. If it’s really dry, you may want to wet it down a bit.
Step 4: Plant the seeds – The number of seeds you use is up to you. But I prefer to space them out to make it easier to transplant the seedlings later on. If they’re too crowded, it will be difficult to separate the seedlings.
Step 5: Label your winter sowing – When you sow your seeds in the dead of winter, you will forget what’s in the containers by spring – trust me on this one. So you’ll definitely want to label them.
There are a few ways you could do that. Some people write on masking or duct tape, and others write directly on the top of the container.
However, if you use a permanent marker on top, the writing will fade in the sun, and could be unreadable by spring.
I recommend using a paint pen to write on the top. If you use tape, put it on the bottom of the container so the writing won’t fade.
My preferred method for labeling my containers is to use plastic plant markers, and writing on them with a pencil. Then I push the marker into the soil, and I have never had one of them fade.
Step 6: Water the soil – After you’re done planting the seeds, water the soil thoroughly, and allow it to drain before moving them outside.
I give mine a light shower with the sprayer in my kitchen sink because it won’t displace the seeds. If it is really dry, then water it a few times to make sure it’s evenly moist.
Step 7: Put the lids on – The details for this step depend on what type of container you used. If the lid snaps on and fits tight, then you’re done.
If you used something tall that you had to cut in half (i.e.: milk jug, 2 liter bottle… etc), then you can use duct tape (or other heavy duty tape) to attach the lid back on (but leave the caps off).
You can tape any of the lids on if they don’t fit tightly. Just make sure you don’t completely cover the transparent parts of the container, or the holes you made back in step 2.
Step 8: Move them outside – Move your winter sown containers outside to a spot where they are protected from heavy wind, but will get moisture and full sun.
If you have pets or children, put your containers on a table, or other spot where they will be out of reach.
Step 9: Forget about them until spring – Once you’ve moved them outside, you can pretty much forget about them until spring. Don’t worry, it’s OK if they’re completely covered by snow for a few months. Just leave them be.
How Long Do Winter Sown Seeds Take To Grow?
The seeds will start germinating at their own pace, and the timing can be different for each one.
Some may start sprouting before the snow even melts off the containers. While others won’t start growing until the weather gets warmer in the spring. On average, mine usually start popping up in early March… but I’m in Minneapolis zone 4b.
If you live in a warmer zone, you’ll start to see sprouts much earlier. Oh, and it can also vary year to year, depending on the weather.
The best thing to do is peek at them regularly for any signs of sprouts. Start checking them as the weather begins to warm up in the late winter/early spring. The hardiest seeds will germinate first.
Monitoring & Maintaining Your Containers
The only maintenance you have to do in the spring is to make sure your seedlings don’t overheat, and that the soil doesn’t dry out.
Those mini greenhouses can get pretty hot inside in the sun, so you may need to vent them more. You can vent them by cracking the lids open, or making the holes in the top larger.
Once the seedlings get tall enough and are touching the top of the inside of the container, it’s time to remove the lids.
The soil can dry out pretty quickly once you take the lids off, so check them at least once a day, and water if necessary.
Once the lids are off, keep an eye on the weather report. If there is a chance for freezing temperatures, cover your seedlings with a sheet or blanket to protect them overnight.
Planting Your Winter Sown Seedlings Into The Garden
Once your seedlings are tall enough, and have their first few sets of true leaves, it’s time to plant them into your garden.
There’s no need to harden them either, since they’re already growing outside. You can simply plant them directly into your garden as soon as the ground is workable in early spring.
Related Post: How To Harvest & Collect Seeds From Your Garden
Winter sowing is a great way to grow some of the seeds for your garden every year. You can do it at your own pace, and there’s minimal care involved.
If you want more help, grab a copy of my Winter Sowing eBook. It’ll be your essential guide that will walk you through every step of the process in detail. Download your copy today!
If you want to learn how to easily grow all of your plants from seeds, then my Online Seed Starting Course is perfect for you. It is an in-depth online training that will walk you through everything you need to know about growing all types of seeds, step-by-step. Enroll and get started right away!
More Posts About Winter Sowing
- Winter Sowing Questions & Answers (FAQs)
- Tips For Winter Sowing During A Mild Winter
- How To Grow Seeds: The Ultimate Seed Starting Guide
Have you tried winter sowing yet? Share your tips or experiences in the comments section below.
Sissy says
I did some of my containers today. First batch I did blew clean away within 30 minutes. Sheesh! The trials of a wintersower!
Amy Andrychowicz says
Oh no! What do you mean they blew away?? Was there a strong wind? That’s too bad! Is there a spot you could put them where they will be more protected from the wind? Good luck!
Jane says
Newbie to wintersowing! New to gardening, too, so making all sorts of mistakes! I have 32 containers but I think some of the stuff won’t make it because it was too early.
Amy Andrychowicz says
Yeah!! Good for you for giving winter sowing a try! I learn by doing, and I still make mistakes all the time, even though I’ve been gardening most of my life! Experimenting is part of the fun. 🙂
Sasha Dreamer says
I’m just getting started, and looking forward to joining in on the winter sowing craze! I will admit to being apprehensive though. I’m not sure my neighbors will appreciate motley containers sitting out on my balcony all winter. Maybe if I make it look more cohesive, I’ll be able to get away with it.
Amy Andrychowicz says
LOL, I know what you mean! The first year I started winter sowing, I was so worried the neighbors would wonder why I had garbage sitting out on my deck all winter! As it turns out, one of my neighbors (who has a bird’s eye view of our deck where all of my containers sit) was super excited to learn about winter sowing, and now she’s doing it too!! HA!
Sasha Dreamer says
Haha! Thanks for your story, it makes me feel better!
Amy Andrychowicz says
You’re welcome! Glad I could make you feel better. 🙂
Tamazon says
Hi Amy,
I’m new to this, found you while researching wsing. I winter sowed 6 containers yesterday, my first ever. I’m not sure I can count this as “winter” as your photos have snow. I am in zone 9, Northern California. We are having heavy rains today. Good thing they have lids or it’d have washed all my seeds away. 🙂 Planted poppies, sweet alyssum, hollyhocks and candytuft.
Amy Andrychowicz says
It’s so exciting that you’re trying winter sowing for the first time! You don’t need to have snow in order to winter sow. Just be sure to keep the containers out of the hot afternoon sun, since it’s much warmer where you live.
Jim says
Hi, just found your site yesterday, but heard of winter sowing over a year ago and did it last year for the first time. I had a ball! It really helped with spring fever since I went to a garden center for seeds and could get my hands in the dirt! I probably had 20 containers last year. Not all worked, but like all gardening, it’s a learning process. I kept track of what worked and what I liked. I have been saving containers and will begin tomorrow preparing some (just in time for another Minnesota snowstorm). Thanks for making this project even more fun with your blog!
Amy Andrychowicz says
I’m right there with you on the feeling of spring fever! It feels so good to get my hands in the dirt and winter sow some seeds! A great snowy day project.
Dan says
I always struggle at growing starter plants from seeds in the house. I think the winter sowing is more interesting and it looks like more fun too. I am going to start collecting containers for that process. For many years we have battled with seeds and end up buying plants.
Amy Andrychowicz says
It’s definitely worth giving the winter sowing method if you struggle with growing seeds indoors. Have fun!
Rosie says
I live in zone 9a. It rarely freezes here. Does it make sense for me to winter sow? I’m thinking it could still be a beneficial way to start seeds outdoors without the drawbacks of indoor seed starting. If so, when should I start (i.e. what conditions)?
Amy Andrychowicz says
Yes, you certainly can still use the winter sowing method to start your seeds outside rather than taking up space in the house. You won’t get the benefit of cold stratification for your seeds though, so you’d still have to do that for seeds the require it. As for when to start… I would plan to winter sow your seeds at the same time as you would start them indoors. Since it rarely gets below freezing where you live, you won’t have to worry about them being started too early. The containers will protect the seedlings from frost.
lucy says
Hi Amy,
I may have missed something in your post – I was thinking of starting seedlings indoors in small pots and transplant outside after the threat of frost/snow is over. Is there a reason you would not start indoors?
Tk you!
Amy Andrychowicz says
Winter sowing is just an alternative method of starting seeds, and works great for certain types of seeds. I still start many other seeds indoors under lights, it depends on the type of seed. Here’s a list of seeds that work great with the winter sowing method… How To Choose The Best Seeds For Winter Sowing. And here’s some info to get you started with growing seeds indoors… Tips For Growing Seeds Indoors For Beginners.
juli says
Amy,
I just started winter sowing. Yesterday, I planted cherry tomatoes, beef tomatoes, basil, beetroot and daisies. I’m not quite sure if this is going to work. My husband laughs at me and says I can not plant anything when there is snow. Finding your website gives me hope. Do I have to take them in when snow comes or leave them out?
Amy Andrychowicz says
Haha, don’t listen to him! People laugh at me when I tell them about winter sowing too. 😀 But it works! No, you don’t need to bring your containers inside at all. Just leave them out, and they will be fine even if they’re completely covered by snow! However, the winter sowing method doesn’t work for all types of seeds… so, a few of the ones you planted may not grow (but please don’t feel bad!!). Here’s a list of great seeds to use for winter sowing to help you out.
Sophie says
Can I also sow echeveria and sepervivum seeds in the same way?
Amy Andrychowicz says
If they are cold hardy plants, then the winter sowing method could work for them. I’ve never tried it using those seeds before. I would definitely test it out with a few seeds to see if it works, rather than using all of your seeds for this method.
Marisa says
These are great tips! I need to share this winter sowing technique with my friends up north stuck in all this snow! Thanks for sharing!
Amy Andrychowicz says
Yes you totally should, they will love it!! (it’s snowing here today, and it makes me want to get out my containers and start sowing! LOL!)
Marina Wilson says
Great ideas and I’m desperate to begin as its Dec tomorrow and I’m already getting withdrawal symptoms from gardening. Here in North Uk, we have a lot of rain, strong winds throughout from now until April and sometimes frost on and off for between now and May. I’m going to be using gallon water bottles, square ones and they have a cap. Do I leave the cap off all the time? Or would I put it back on when it’s heavy rain for several days forecast just to protect them?
Amy Andrychowicz says
I know what you mean, I’m already going through gardening withdrawals too! 🙂 Haha!
It’s best to always leave the caps off of the water jugs for ventilation. As long as the opening in the jug is small, the seeds won’t be disturbed by the rain.
Renee says
Would an adoption of this method work for early spring sowing? I’m in Wisconsin, and would like to get a jump-start on my seedlings. What do you think the outcome would be if I planted seeds now (mid-March) in my raised garden, then put the salad container over the seeds to act like a greenhouse?
Amy Andrychowicz says
I think that would work great. If it gets really cold again after the seeds start growing too early, you could always toss a blanket over the top of the containers to keep them warm overnight. Good luck!
Mariana says
Thanks 🙂
Mariana says
Thank you so much Amy! I’ve collected a bunch of transparent containers; tomorrow I’m off to buy some seed starting soil and going to give winter sowing a try. Can’t wait! It seems too good to be true 🙂
Amy Andrychowicz says
Awesome, hope it works great for you!!
Mariana says
Hello,
Thank you so much for this post! I’m so excited to give this a try! Just wanted to ask a question though… is there a temperature that is too cold for winter sowing? I live in Canada and it can get down to -40 with the wind chill around these parts (never colder though). I see you live in MN; I imagine it gets that cold down there too, but wanted to check 🙂
Thanks again; I’m going to start it this week!
Amy Andrychowicz says
Yes, it can get down to about -20F or -30F (that’s without windchill) here in z4b during harsh winters. It’s all about the seeds you use. Perennials, or anything that seeds itself in your climate will work great. I usually wait until late January or Feb to start winter sowing my cold weather vegetables, that way they won’t be in the deep freeze for quite as long.
April Matt says
We live in PA. Can we start winter sewing now (it’s mid-March) or is it too late?
Amy Andrychowicz says
You can start winter sowing in mid-March, it should still work.