Growing Green: Winter Seed Sowing

Hi, it’s Saige! For my last blog, I decided to talk about my winter seed sowing project. This concept was first introduced to me by Shari Guarino, the land trust’s treasurer. Winter seed sowing is a method of planting seeds in containers outside during the winter season, allowing the seeds to germinate while being protected. Seeds go through natural freeze-thaw cycles during winter months and then germinate during spring’s warm weather. Starting seeds in containers will protect them from extreme winter weather while allowing them to experience a natural cold stratification period. Winter seed sowing is an environmentally friendly, inexpensive, and easy way to start growing seeds!  

Before you begin, ideally you will choose from a wide variety of pollinating plant seeds. Choose plants that are native to your region, blooming from early spring into late fall. I planted Spotted Bee Balm and Blazing Star. All you need to start the process are containers; clear plastic gallon milk or water jugs work best. Proper drainage for the seedlings is important, as well as leaving the cap off for water and snow to moisten your seeds to help keep them nourished.

In general, placing the containers in an area that receives morning sunlight is important, but each seed has specific needs. Once the seedlings grow 3-5 inches tall and have at least 2 sets of leaves, they are ready to be transplanted into a pot or straight into your garden. My personal experience with this seedling process turned out positive. After getting multiple shoots per jug, I transplanted them directly into my container garden.  

The winter seed sowing project is a great example of all the helpful information I gained from volunteering with the Southington Land Trust. This past year, I participated in events that ranged from cleanups to nature walks and fundraising activities, all geared towards preserving nature. Often our goal when meeting for outdoor activities was clearing invasive plants and making sure the natural ecological system is kept intact. Besides the annual Christmas Tree Recycling, other fundraisers include parking cars one night each summer at the Southington Drive-In as well as offering parking at the Land Trust building during the Southington Apple Harvest Fest each fall. The Southington Land Trust is constantly working to meet the ever-changing needs of the environment. Follow them on Facebook or check out their website to catch the next volunteer opportunity!