I’m going to sow seeds outdoors, this week — really. If
you’re imagining me pushing a snow shovel across the veggie garden to get to
the soil, forget it. I won’t be in the garden as most of the process takes
place indoors.
I’ll be winter sowing, and compared to growing seedlings indoors
or under lights, it’s less finicky and costs almost nothing. Winter sowing produces
tough, sturdy plants, unlike the weak-kneed specimens grown on a windowsill. You
can start tomorrow or anytime over the next couple of months.
Most annuals and familiar perennials, and cool season
vegetables can be winter sown, but you won’t have any luck with tender plants
or exotic species. A good choice are plants that are referred to as hardy, or come
with instructions to direct sow outside in fall or in early spring. These are
plants that would normally cast their seed in fall, and then sprout up the
moment conditions are right. Sure, in the garden many may be considered weeds,
however in my garden they’re more likely to be popular garden plants that I
grew the previous year. I look on these as free plants — or grandchildren.
When we grow plants indoors, some seeds come with
instructions for special treatment that simulates what they typically
experience in their normal outdoor environment. They have to be soaked for a
time or scarified, that is, nicking or using sandpaper to wear down the hard
husk. Others have to be given a spell in the freezer for the purpose of cold
stratification. This freezing and thawing or cool dampness outdoors is what
breaks down the tough husk of the seed, allowing it to germinate. To reproduce
the same process indoors can be tedious and not always reliable. Winter sowing takes care of this naturally.
You’ll be pleased to hear there’s no need to go tramping
through the snow, but simply plant seeds in jugs and set them on the deck or
patio. All you need are a few clear or opaque containers and soil and seeds.
Gallon jugs are perfect, and all those windshield washer jugs are fine, just
rinse well. Some use two litre water bottles. I really like the large water
dispenser bottles.
First, drill or cut a few small holes in the bottom of the
container. This is to allow excess water to drain but not so large that the
soil could fall out. If the container has only a very narrow opening, make a
couple of extra holes or cuts near the top to allow for air circulation. Next
step is to slice open the container about two thirds up on three sides, leaving
one side (or a small section if the container is round) to act as a hinge.
Now place soil in the container. Garden soil is fine, but
you don’t want to be out digging in the garden at the moment. Most any potting
soil will do. Moisten the soil then sow your seed. Cover them as per packet
instructions, or if unsure, about the same as the diameter of the seed. Close up
the container and tape it shut along the sides but leave the screw cap off. Now
all you have to do is set them outdoors.
If snow buries them, don’t worry. A little snow will fall in
and that’s okay too, however, check occasionally to be sure the soil hasn’t
dried out. If the weather is especially warm in early spring, remove the tape
and open the containers for a while during the day. As the seeds sprout in
early spring, you can open them up and leave them open. When the seedlings are
large enough they can be planted in the garden.
There, you’re almost gardening already. What a great start
to the new year.
