Winter Sowing Native Plants in Western New York: A Step-by-Step Guide

What Is Winter Sowing?

Winter sowing is a simple way to start seeds outdoors. You sow seeds into recycled milk jugs, set them outside, and let the winter weather do the work. There are no grow lights, heat mats, or windowsill trays. When spring warms up, the seeds sprout on their own schedule.

Why Winter Sowing Works for Native Plants

Many native plants need a period of cold, moist conditions before they will germinate. This is called cold moist stratification, and it is what happens naturally when seeds drop in fall and sit through winter. A closed milk jug works like a mini greenhouse: it lets in snow and rain, holds moisture, and protects seeds from being washed or blown away. Seedlings come up when conditions are right, which also makes them tougher when it's time to plant them out.

Winter sowing also works for annuals and vegetable seeds, so it is a good way to extend your growing season and grow some of your own food.

What You Need

- Clean plastic milk jugs (or similar translucent containers)

- Seed-starting or potting mix (without added fertilizer)

- Native seeds

- Duct tape

- A permanent marker

- A knife or scissors, and a drill or sharp tool for drainage holes

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cut the jug. Cut around the middle, leaving a section near the handle as a hinge.

2. Add drainage holes. Poke several holes in the bottom, and a few in the top so rain can get in.

3. Fill with mix. Add 3 to 4 inches of moist potting mix.

4. Sow your seeds. Follow the depth on the seed packet. Some native seeds need light to germinate, so don't bury those.

5. Tape the jug shut. Seal the cut with duct tape.

6. Label it. Write the plant name and date with a permanent marker, and write it on the jug itself in two places, since labels on tape can fade.

7. Set it outside. Place it somewhere that gets sun and weather, away from wind and roof runoff.

When to Start and What to Expect

Winter sowing traditionally starts on the winter solstice in late December, which is when we begin ours here in Western New York. Seedlings usually appear in spring as the days warm up. On warm days, check the moisture and open the lid if it gets hot. When seedlings have a few sets of leaves and the weather is settled, they're ready to transplant into the garden.

Where to Get Native Plants

CW Native Plant Farm is a native plant nursery at 12288 Tonawanda Creek Road in Akron, NY. Our plants are grown for Western New York gardens, and our own restoration site, The Gardens at Murder Creek, is a former horse pasture we have been turning back into Great Lakes native habitat since 2010. We are open year round on Sundays from 1 to 5 pm and by appointment. Call or text (716) 417-2626 or email cwnativeplantfarm@gmail.com to schedule a visit, and browse our native plants to find species that suit your site.

Join Our Winter Sowing Workshop

Want to try it with guidance? Join us at the farm for a hands-on winter sowing workshop, where we do a demo and you make your own winter sown plants. Seeds are welcome if you have your own, or you can use ours. See our upcoming events for details, or email cwnativeplantfarm@gmail.com to register.