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.
Mary Somerville says
After a couple years of reading about winter sowing, this is my first year to jump in. I have done my first 3 containers, so far! LOVING IT!!!
Amy Andrychowicz says
Woohoo! Glad you finally decide to give winter sowing a try! Have fun!
Jeffrey says
I found your blog and page just now, from searching for websites that are in the Minneapolis, MN area. This is my first full year gardening in this area. I’ll definitely be doing some winter sowing. I have most of my seeds already and have some of the containers, as I save them. Never know what you will need and rather be repurposeful than wasteful. 🙂 I’ll be reading and following to see what others are winter sowing in the area. Thanks for sharing of knowledge and goodness!
Amy Andrychowicz says
Awesome, so glad you found me! 🙂 I hope you’ll have fun trying out winter sowing, and get the hang of gardening in MN quickly. Have fun!
Michele Lawrenson says
This is my 3rd year wintersowing and I am hooked. Rewarded with so many new plants lat year for very little cost and effort. I have sown 60 containers so far this year – all perennial flowers – and will be doing more in March. Trying tomatoes for the first time using this method in zone 6 (NY). Love your blog!
Amy Andrychowicz says
Fantastic! I especially love the part about “very little cost and effort”, isn’t that the best!? I hope all of your w-sown seeds will grow great for you again this year!
Random says
It’s so fun to find a fellow Minnesotan who’s so knowledgeable about gardening! I absolutely love reading your winter sowing techniques!! So can you just leave the containers on the deck? Do you also need to water them often, say if you plant them in March? I guess it is a bit late to start them now, so next year for sure!
Amy Andrychowicz says
Yay, I’m so glad you found me! 🙂 Yes, you can leave your winter sowing right on your deck. Sometimes in the spring they will need water. But I rarely have to water mine, with the snow melt and then April showers. They usually require the most attention and watering after the tops come off in May, before I can plant them into the garden. I usually winter sow well into April, and have a few more seeds I’ll probably start this year still. Definitely give it a try next year! It’s addicting.
Ralph says
I winter sowed some containers in early January, and so far over a month later, absolutely NO sprouts. Help!
Amy Andrychowicz says
I’m not sure what zone you are in, but February is way too early for winter sown seeds to start germinating here in Minnesota. It’s still freezing cold outside. It’s not unusual to start seeing sprouts this early in warmer zones, but it’s still pretty early. I don’t think you have to worry. Once the weather starts warming up in the spring, you should start seeing some green in those containers. For me, it will be at least another month before I start seeing sprouts in my containers.
Matti says
Winter sowing is a great way to keep that February taking your sanity away. I’ve spent many an evening playing with my seeds and love those early (winter) gardening catalogs in the mailbox!
Amy Andrychowicz says
I agree, winter sowing is a wonderful way to get rid of those nasty winter blues! I love it! Enjoy.
Colleen says
I have been so excited for the warm-up to start, then we had to get another 6 inches of snow. Yuck!! I’m hoping that the snow is insulating my winter sown containers a bit, and that it will all melt soon.
Amy Andrychowicz says
Oh no, that is never fun! Yes, the snow will definitely insulate your containers, and you don’t have to worry about them. That’s part of the beauty of using this method! 🙂
Kirstie says
This year I have sown most ws containers in duplicate as an experiment so that I can see how the germination rate is for seeds sown in Jan vs Feb and eventually March too… just need to drink more milk to get those containers!
Amy Andrychowicz says
Wow, that’s a great idea and a fun experiment! Let us know if you see any difference in the germination rate of the seeds that you winter sowed during the different months. I’d love to hear all about it.
Kirstie says
Yesterday was so sunny here in Western NY. My ws containers are starting to shed their winter snow blankets! I’m hoping that means I’ll start seeing green in there soon! From your winter sowing experience, when have you seen your first sprouts? I want to be prepared.
Amy Andrychowicz says
My first containers started germinating on March 18th last year (broccoli and cauliflower). But I’m in zone 4b. Since you’re in a slightly warmer zone, you may start seeing them sooner than that (depending on the types of seeds).
Michele says
Thanks for asking this. I was wondering about when to expect to start seeing my first sprouts too, as we’ll have two 55 degree days here. Maybe that will bring sprouts! Sending warm thoughts!
Kirstie says
Thanks Michele! I take this early warm weather as a good omen for the gardening season! Today was 62 degrees! I checked on my ws containers and spritzed a few that looked a bit parched. This week finally saw sprouts so I am excited! I am in zone 5b so any greenery in March is thrilling!
Amy Andrychowicz says
I am jealous that your winter sown seeds are germinating! Most of my containers are still covered by snow, LOL! It’s supposed to get warmer this week, so I’ll check them again this weekend.
Shannon says
I’m getting ready to really step up my winter sowing, mostly because I’ve run out of space under the lights inside!
Amy Andrychowicz says
Haha, I hear you. Those seed flats sure do take up a lot of space in the house! It’s nice to be able to put most of that outside for the winter. 🙂
Sue Holderness says
Hi, just found your winter sowing article. Sounds like the answer to my prayers! Have a few containers… gotta get started! Just have to find a place to put them that the winds and cats don’t destroy them!
Amy Andrychowicz says
Oh boy, sounds like a good challenge. But, since they will be closed up all winter, I can’t imagine your cats will bother your containers. Maybe once the tops are off though? Good luck!
tina harrison waltos says
This is my first year winter sowing. I’m not sure how it’s going to turn out but I got lots of information and some seeds. wish me luck!
Amy Andrychowicz says
How exciting! You’re going to have so much fun winter sowing! Good luck! 🙂
Lisa says
This will be my first year winter sowing. I have about a dozen milk containers set aside (I have three teenage boys, so empty milk jugs are easy to come by, lol), and I have 15 planted so far. I plan to do more. Once I started, now I can’t stop, LOL! I figure if even halt the plants work out, I will be way ahead. I am also in Minnesota, so it is so nice to follow a blogger who is gardening in my same climate.
Amy Andrychowicz says
Oh awesome, another fellow Minnesotan! LOL, it’s so nice that you have a steady supply of milk jugs just for winter sowing! I have to get creative with my containers, since there’s only two of us, and we don’t drink much milk. Have fun winter sowing!
Phyllip says
I have just started winter sowing. 6 milk jugs outside. Yet to see how they do!
Amy Andrychowicz says
That’s a great start! It’s still really early, so just be patient, and give it time. Soon your milk jugs will be full of green. 🙂
crystal moses says
I’m a newbie at winter sowing and don’t know the first thing about it but would LOVE to learn. I can’t wait to try it this year as I have done a lot of research and started saving my mini greenhouses.
Amy Andrychowicz says
Yay, so happy to hear you’re going to jump in and try winter sowing for the first time! Have fun!
Jen Fairchild says
I really don’t know anything about winter sowing in Minnesota. I’ve read about it for warmer climates, but I don’t know a thing about it, really. I love all of the things I learn from you. Thanks!!
Amy Andrychowicz says
Well you’re in the right place then! Hope you’ll give winter sowing a try. You’re welcome! 🙂
Amanda Wiersma says
First time winter sowing!! 8 containers planted, and 4 empties sitting on the counter waiting to be planted!
Amy Andrychowicz says
How exciting!! Hope all those WS seeds will grow great for you!