Equipment for winter sowing is easy to find and use.
As the days get longer, the jugs will heat more in the daytime. Keep an eye on moisture levels and water from the bottom if needed. The seeds will begin to sprout when conditions are right for that species. Once true leaves appear, start opening the containers or adding more ventilation. At two sets of true leaves, transplant seedlings to their final location. Winter sowers often use the “Hunk of Seedlings” (HOS) method for very tiny plants, planting ice-cube-sized chunks of potting mix and seedlings together. Water transplants well, and keep shaded for a day or two. Seeds of plants not from tropical regions may be winter sown. Start early in the winter if the seed requires a long stratification (cold treatment). Plant vegetables and
flowers that do not require long cold periods in late winter. Winter sowing can continue until night temperatures are over 50°F regularly. The seedlings may still appear for some weeks after that. Don’t worry about late freezes or snow. These seedlings are very hardy. Join the many gardeners who are pleased with the results of this easy seed-starting method! About the author: Julie Neves has been a Penn State Extension Master Gardener for over five years, but her interest in all things green and growing extends back to her single-digit years. Although she’s not a person to take hiking if you want to cover ground quickly, she would be helpful if you got lost in the wilds.
This is the second article in a new quarterly feature series from the Penn State Extension Master Gardeners of Columbia County. We will showcase a different gardening topic every edition, from a variety of Gardener guest experts.
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