The Buzz On Pollinators
Winter Sowing Native Seeds
Written and photographed by Sandra Ozkur
Getting the itch to get growing? Now is the time to start native plants and wildflowers from seed while your gardens are fast asleep. Introducing native plants to your garden is the best way to support biodiversity and provide food for bees, pollinating insects, birds, and butterflies. Winter sowing is an easy and an inexpensive way to start plants from seed. Native seeds need freezing and thawing in order to sprout and winter sowing provides these exact conditions.
Winter sowing is a method that mimics the cycle of flowers and plants in nature. Native plants generally self-seed in the fall and reproduce naturally in the wild. Unfortunately, with loss of natural habitat, native plant varieties are finding it more difficult to survive, so humans can lend a hand by planting pollinator friendly gardens. It is fun and easy, and perfect for beginners.
Native plants are in sync with the natural cycles of the seasons. In autumn, seeds fall from the plants to the ground and are covered by falling leaves which protect them from wind and birds and when the snow falls, it provides insulation from extreme temperatures. Throughout the winter, the seeds remain dormant but the natural freezing and thawing breaks open the hard outer shell so the seed can sprout in spring. As the snow melts and the sun gradually warms the soil, the seeds begin to sprout when the time is right. With winter sowing, we are imitating nature in a controlled environment by making miniature greenhouses, this gives the seeds a better chance of survival.
Frieda Krugel, a local NOTL expert on winter sowing, recommends saving containers plastic containers that would be tossed into the recycling bin. Large plastic milk bottles or 2-litre pop bottles work well, but her favorite containers are 4-litre water jugs. They are the perfect height and width for seedlings to grow, and the carrying handle makes them easy to move. “The idea is to create mini greenhouses with these containers where the seeds can germinate, set roots, and grow big enough to be transplanted directly into your garden. By setting the containers outside, you are giving the plants a head start, and nature does all the work” she said.
“Winter sowing is an easy way to start plants from seeds without expensive equipment such as grow lights, heating mats or special containers. This method is much simpler, the seeds are put into moist soil, covered with a transparent lid, then placed outside under the sun. When the conditions are right the seeds will sprout and begin to grow. You don’t have to have to be an experienced gardener to get this right,” Freida explained.
To start, you will need a good selection of untreated native seeds, suitable containers, potting soil, a spray bottle of water, plastic forks for labeling, packing tape to seal containers, and a drill or pointy metal BBQ skewer for making drainage holes in the containers.
Begin by collecting suitable plastic containers, if you don’t have enough check your neighborhood recycling bins. These containers should be at least 6 inches wide and 10-12 inches high to accommodate the plant stalk and leaves as it grows. Cut the bottles 6 inches from the bottom almost all the way around but leave a small portion intact to serve as a hinge. Next, take your electric screw driver or pointy BBQ skewer (heated over a candle), then make four to six holes around the sides of the container two inches above the bottom as well as underneath the container to allow good drainage. This will prevent the seeds from rotting.
Next, prepare a bag of potting soil in a bucket or tub by moistening it thoroughly—two parts soil to one part water. Keep mixing it by hand until it is evenly moistened breaking up any large clumps as you go. Once the soil is thoroughly moistened, distribute it amongst your prepared containers placing at least 4 inches of soil in the bottom of each container. Next, place your seeds into the pot at a depth twice the diameter of the seed, follow the instructions on the seed package for best results. Sprinkle a little dry soil on top and pat down evenly, then give a final spray to wet the top layer. Finally, write the plant name on the handle of a plastic fork then stick it into the soil. Once the planting is complete, close the lid and seal it with two layers of packing tape to prevent it from blowing open or being disturbed by curious animals.
Once the containers are complete, take the lid off and throw it away, this opening will act as ventilation hole and let in just enough snow or rain to keep the soil moist. Place the containers outside on the ground in a sunny area protected from the wind. Find a suitable place alongside the house foundation or in your garden. Placing them into a raised garden bed works great because the frame keeps them from tipping over and the soil beneath acts as insulation.
Keep eye on your containers but don’t interfere with the process. As it gets closer to spring and the weather warms up, you may see little sprouts emerging. This is the time to start monitoring your little greenhouses daily. If they are sitting in full sun the soil may dry out, check that there is always condensation on the inside walls of the container. If there aren’t any droplets of water forming, mist some water into the container with your spray bottle. Once the weather warms up, you may have to move the containers if they are getting too hot. Placing them under a tree will give them diffused sunlight and prevent them from drying out.
Once spring has officially arrived, and the risk of frost is over, you can open the tops of the containers to let the plants grow taller until you are ready to transplant them into your garden. After transplanting, native plants may be slow to grow but once their roots establish in the new location, they accelerate quickly. Native plants are perennial or self-seeding, which means that you won’t have to ever replant them, they will self-propagate.
Buy seeds from reputable growers who specialize in untreated native plants and flowers. Never buy seeds that have been treated with noenicitinoids or fungicides, this will kill the beneficial insects and bees that feed upon the plants. “February through mid-March is a good time to do winter sowing,” says Chris Diraddo from Sassafras Farms Nursery in Welland. He has a selection of native seed packages on his website.
“Seeding a variety of native flowers will create genetic diversity which improves the species and creates more resilient plants. Growing native plants that are adapted to our local environment saves on water, fertilizer and yard maintenance. Once your pollinator plants are established, you will see more flowers, bees, birds and butterflies because you are providing the right food and habitat,” Chris explained.
So, get busy and have some fun with winter sowing, your efforts to grow native plants will result in a garden full of splendor and you will feel good knowing that you are providing homes for our tiny pollinator friends.
Check out YouTube videos and online articles for more detailed instructions for winter sowing.
https://youtu.be/zRt0o1L_H98
Tip of the week: Many local garden clubs host Seedy Saturdays where you can buy or exchange native and heirloom seeds.
Winter Sowing Native Seeds
Written and photographed by Sandra Ozkur
Getting the itch to get growing? Now is the time to start native plants and wildflowers from seed while your gardens are fast asleep. Introducing native plants to your garden is the best way to support biodiversity and provide food for bees, pollinating insects, birds, and butterflies. Winter sowing is an easy and an inexpensive way to start plants from seed. Native seeds need freezing and thawing in order to sprout and winter sowing provides these exact conditions.
Winter sowing is a method that mimics the cycle of flowers and plants in nature. Native plants generally self-seed in the fall and reproduce naturally in the wild. Unfortunately, with loss of natural habitat, native plant varieties are finding it more difficult to survive, so humans can lend a hand by planting pollinator friendly gardens. It is fun and easy, and perfect for beginners.
Native plants are in sync with the natural cycles of the seasons. In autumn, seeds fall from the plants to the ground and are covered by falling leaves which protect them from wind and birds and when the snow falls, it provides insulation from extreme temperatures. Throughout the winter, the seeds remain dormant but the natural freezing and thawing breaks open the hard outer shell so the seed can sprout in spring. As the snow melts and the sun gradually warms the soil, the seeds begin to sprout when the time is right. With winter sowing, we are imitating nature in a controlled environment by making miniature greenhouses, this gives the seeds a better chance of survival.
Frieda Krugel, a local NOTL expert on winter sowing, recommends saving containers plastic containers that would be tossed into the recycling bin. Large plastic milk bottles or 2-litre pop bottles work well, but her favorite containers are 4-litre water jugs. They are the perfect height and width for seedlings to grow, and the carrying handle makes them easy to move. “The idea is to create mini greenhouses with these containers where the seeds can germinate, set roots, and grow big enough to be transplanted directly into your garden. By setting the containers outside, you are giving the plants a head start, and nature does all the work” she said.
“Winter sowing is an easy way to start plants from seeds without expensive equipment such as grow lights, heating mats or special containers. This method is much simpler, the seeds are put into moist soil, covered with a transparent lid, then placed outside under the sun. When the conditions are right the seeds will sprout and begin to grow. You don’t have to have to be an experienced gardener to get this right,” Freida explained.
To start, you will need a good selection of untreated native seeds, suitable containers, potting soil, a spray bottle of water, plastic forks for labeling, packing tape to seal containers, and a drill or pointy metal BBQ skewer for making drainage holes in the containers.
Begin by collecting suitable plastic containers, if you don’t have enough check your neighborhood recycling bins. These containers should be at least 6 inches wide and 10-12 inches high to accommodate the plant stalk and leaves as it grows. Cut the bottles 6 inches from the bottom almost all the way around but leave a small portion intact to serve as a hinge. Next, take your electric screw driver or pointy BBQ skewer (heated over a candle), then make four to six holes around the sides of the container two inches above the bottom as well as underneath the container to allow good drainage. This will prevent the seeds from rotting.
Next, prepare a bag of potting soil in a bucket or tub by moistening it thoroughly—two parts soil to one part water. Keep mixing it by hand until it is evenly moistened breaking up any large clumps as you go. Once the soil is thoroughly moistened, distribute it amongst your prepared containers placing at least 4 inches of soil in the bottom of each container. Next, place your seeds into the pot at a depth twice the diameter of the seed, follow the instructions on the seed package for best results. Sprinkle a little dry soil on top and pat down evenly, then give a final spray to wet the top layer. Finally, write the plant name on the handle of a plastic fork then stick it into the soil. Once the planting is complete, close the lid and seal it with two layers of packing tape to prevent it from blowing open or being disturbed by curious animals.
Once the containers are complete, take the lid off and throw it away, this opening will act as ventilation hole and let in just enough snow or rain to keep the soil moist. Place the containers outside on the ground in a sunny area protected from the wind. Find a suitable place alongside the house foundation or in your garden. Placing them into a raised garden bed works great because the frame keeps them from tipping over and the soil beneath acts as insulation.
Keep eye on your containers but don’t interfere with the process. As it gets closer to spring and the weather warms up, you may see little sprouts emerging. This is the time to start monitoring your little greenhouses daily. If they are sitting in full sun the soil may dry out, check that there is always condensation on the inside walls of the container. If there aren’t any droplets of water forming, mist some water into the container with your spray bottle. Once the weather warms up, you may have to move the containers if they are getting too hot. Placing them under a tree will give them diffused sunlight and prevent them from drying out.
Once spring has officially arrived, and the risk of frost is over, you can open the tops of the containers to let the plants grow taller until you are ready to transplant them into your garden. After transplanting, native plants may be slow to grow but once their roots establish in the new location, they accelerate quickly. Native plants are perennial or self-seeding, which means that you won’t have to ever replant them, they will self-propagate.
Buy seeds from reputable growers who specialize in untreated native plants and flowers. Never buy seeds that have been treated with noenicitinoids or fungicides, this will kill the beneficial insects and bees that feed upon the plants. “February through mid-March is a good time to do winter sowing,” says Chris Diraddo from Sassafras Farms Nursery in Welland. He has a selection of native seed packages on his website.
“Seeding a variety of native flowers will create genetic diversity which improves the species and creates more resilient plants. Growing native plants that are adapted to our local environment saves on water, fertilizer and yard maintenance. Once your pollinator plants are established, you will see more flowers, bees, birds and butterflies because you are providing the right food and habitat,” Chris explained.
So, get busy and have some fun with winter sowing, your efforts to grow native plants will result in a garden full of splendor and you will feel good knowing that you are providing homes for our tiny pollinator friends.
Check out YouTube videos and online articles for more detailed instructions for winter sowing.
https://youtu.be/zRt0o1L_H98
Tip of the week: Many local garden clubs host Seedy Saturdays where you can buy or exchange native and heirloom seeds.