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.
anne mellow says
I have about 10 water bottles and assorted plastic containers filled with the most adorable little veggie seedlings i have ever seen in my life! Its been relatively warm lately and we have an unexpected frost and snow alert late this week so i might put them indoors to avoid heartbreak later on. This is my first year both gardening and winter sowing so i hope this is a success. 🙂
Amy Andrychowicz says
Oh how exciting, congrats on your success! It’s so fun when you see the seedlings growing after the long winter, isn’t it!? You sure can move them into the house if you want. But, as long as they are cold hardy plants, and you leave the tops on the containers, they should be fine staying outside during the short blast of cold and snow. That’s the beauty of winter sowing! 🙂
Donna says
This is my first time I tried planting seeds in containers like this and I absolutely love it! I love this winter sowing idea and will be telling my planting friends to give it a try! I’ve planted six containers, all have sprouted and look really healthy! This has not occurred to me before and I’ve been trying for 2 years now. Thank you sooo much! 🙂
Amy Andrychowicz says
Awesome, so glad you’re having success and loving winter sowing! 🙂
Kirstie says
It has been such a slow start to spring this year! It’s March 30th, and still cold and icy. I have sprouts in 3 of my containers though (last year they were all sprouting by now!)! I only have 24 containers this year but I may put some more out this week since winter does not want to release its icy grip just yet!
Amy Andrychowicz says
Same here! Last year I had my first winter sown seeds germinating on March 13. This year, everything is still covered by snow and ice. LOL, crazy!
Becky Whitney says
It’s March 5th and my plants haven’t come up yet but I am having lots of fun winter sowing! Dying to see some sprouts though!
Amy Andrychowicz says
It’s so hard to be patient, isn’t it? But it’s still really early for winter sown seeds to start growing, so give it more time. 🙂
Sue says
This is my first go at winter sowing too. I am not as adventurous as some. I only have a total of 5 containers. I am sowing Shasta Daisies, Calendula, spinach and something else. I don’t remember what it is, so I guess I will find out in a few months. Note to self: mark the containers. Silly me, I thought I would just remember. The one thing I’ve found interesting, is that condensation has been forming on the inside of the lids and dripping onto the potting mix. So the containers are sort of self watering. Considering it hasn’t been above freezing much before yesterday in Mpls, I was surprised by this.
Amy Andrychowicz says
LOL, I learned the lesson about labeling my winter sowing containers the hard way as well!! Too funny! Yes, the condensation, and also the melting snow, are great because they water the seeds for you. Usually you don’t need to worry about watering them until you remove the tops after the seedlings start growing. Awesome, right?
Kristina says
Hi Amy!
I discovered winter sowing and 10 first containers are in the snow looking for spring. I’ve got a big garden and every early spring our house looked like storage, with boxes and seed trays everywhere. Now all of that will be outdoors, and we all like it!
Amy Andrychowicz says
Yes! I love that part about winter sowing too!
Colleen says
This will be our first year trying the winter sowing method. I’m a little nervous that our deck will get too much sun, especially as the spring goes on. What seeds can I start this early (February)? We do mostly vegetable gardening, I’m thinking I still need to wait a few weeks to get cucumbers, broccoli, and zucchini seeds started.
Amy Andrychowicz says
My deck gets full sun too. Once your seedlings start growing, you can move the containers to a spot where they will be protected from the hot afternoon sun. That’s what I do, and it works great. Here’s a list of seeds you can use.
Colleen says
I just checked my containers today and I HAVE SPROUTS (April 8th)!! 🙂 Pansies, strawflower, broccoli, onion, and painted daisy. Hoping to start more seeds this weekend – tomatoes, blackeyed susan vine, cardinal vine, soap wort. THANK YOU!!
Amy Andrychowicz says
Woohoo, how exciting!! Congrats on all of your sprouting containers!
juli says
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
I was very nervous the first year I tried it too (my husband and friends also laughed at me) and started just as many seeds indoor as I did winter sowing (just in case it didn’t work) so you’re not alone! No, you don’t need to bring them in when it snows, just let them get buried. That is what makes this method so darn easy. You just put them outside in the snow and freezing cold, and forget about them until spring!
Lynn says
This is my first year at winter gardening. I have never had any luck with starting seeds indoors so I am very excited about this new (new for me) process. I currently have eight containers started, and wouldn’t you know it a huge snowstorm is on the way. Should I keep them inside until after the snowstorm won’t they be crushed outside? I appreciate all the information.
Amy Andrychowicz says
No, you don’t have to keep your containers inside until after the snowstorm. In fact, you should put them outside as soon as you can. You don’t want the seeds to germinate inside. Don’t worry, they won’t get crushed by the snow, they will be just fine. I’ve been winter sowing in Minnesota for several years now, and never once has a container been crushed by snow. 🙂
Paula says
I’m so excited to find your web-site. I’ve tried to start seeds indoors, but I just never got the hang of the hardening-off step. This winter sowing technique seems idiot-proof. I love gardening, but still have so much to learn. Thank you for sharing.
Amy Andrychowicz says
You’re welcome! Hope you will end up loving winter sowing.
Jeanne says
This is my first time winter sowing. I truly hope it works for me because it will make vegetable gardening even easier! I am pretty sure I started a little late for zone 7a but that didn’t stop me from trying, and sowing about 20 5 gallon jugs laying sideways!! (they fit more that way) wish me luck and a huge harvest!
Amy Andrychowicz says
Good luck! I like your idea about turning the jugs sideways, but is there enough room for the seedlings to grow tall that way?
Sherri says
this year is my 2nd year at winter sowing. Last year I just did a little to try it. This year I have gone all out and have a house with a big porch that I have 1/2 of it covered with containers I have planted already. And I am still planting. I also pulled my own seeds for the 2nd year and have planted seeds from my own plants. Some if it is still trial and error but I love doing it and will continue for years to come. I have my daughter also doing some winter sowing this year!
Amy Andrychowicz says
LOL, you sound just like me. The first year I tried winter sowing, I just did a little. Then my second year, I went all in! Haha!
Abby says
I’ve never really done much winter sowing, but wanted to start this year as me and a fellow horticulture student were thinking of growing a garden in her backyard this summer. We wanted to test out how well we could grow things most people get as young plants (tomatoes, peppers, etc). I think that winter sowing is going to be a really fun and interesting experiment for us!
Amy Andrychowicz says
Yes, sounds like fun! I love experimenting with different ways of growing things too, and pushing the boundaries of traditional gardening. I hope you have a blast testing out the winter sowing method!
markcotrupe says
I am new to winter-sowing and am excited. I really wanted to get seeds started but didn’t want to bother with banks of lights and temperature control indoors. This seems the perfect solution. I can’t plant seeds directly in my garden since I lost at least 90% of my sowing last year to birds and squirrels.
Amy Andrychowicz says
Awesome, I hope that winter sowing ends up being the perfect solution for you. 🙂
Anne says
This is my first year of ws. Very excited but also scared that nothing will show up in my jugs and I have 50 planted so far this year.
Amy Andrychowicz says
Don’t you worry. The hardest part about winter sowing is being patient and having faith, LOL! Before you know it, you’ll be seeing green in those jugs!
Pauline says
First year to attempt winter sowing, and am extremely excited. My 5 yr old niece has been thrilled to be able to help plant seeds already. She is impatiently waiting for the seeds to sprout. I have about 25 milk jugs and 10 plastic containers on the deck right now, but still collecting containers and planting more seeds.
Amy Andrychowicz says
How adorable. Hopefully your niece won’t lose interest by the time your containers start sprouting in the spring, LOL!