We had such a lovely time hosting the first of our in-store workshops last weekend! Gathering together in a cozy and intimate setting on a blustery winter day, attendees learned an easy and accessible method for seed sowing in the winter months. Led by Chateau co-owner and avid gardener Susan, guests participated in crafting miniature greenhouses for winter seed sowing using common household items.
From the workshop:
“Winter sowing in the Northeast is specifically for Perennial plants. Here in Cape Vincent, we are in Garden Zone 4-ish. We have been as cold as Zone 3 at times, and as mild as Zone 5 at times. Zone 4 is usually safe for our area, though micro-climates in your gardens affect this as well (ie, a north-facing wooded area vs a protected corner against a wall or building with southern exposure). The seeds which respond best in our climate need a cold period (stratification) before they will germinate, and they continue to require certain growing conditions (hours of daylight, etc.) to sprout, etc. I recommend starting seeds meant for zones 4-ish. Perennial plants return year after year, while biennials return every year like perennials, but bloom every other year. If you want blooms each year, you must plant biennials two years in a row so that they can alternate bloom years. Annuals only survive one season, and are not appropriate for winter sowing.”
It may not look like much, but this recycled milk jug is functioning as a mini-greenhouse for seed stratification and germination!
Want to learn more? Download our Winter Sowing 101 guide and start sowing your own seeds today, and stay tuned— we’ll be sharing updates on the progress of our own sowing on Facebook!