Winter Sowing

It's that time of year again, time to gather the containers and potting soil and start thinking about winter sowing! The containers I usually use are cottage cheese or whipped cream containers, carryout plastic restaurant containers, tin foil containers from the dollar tree and many others are suitable, just make sure they have lids with them. These act as minigreenhouses. If the container tops are opaque and no light can get through I cut out the lids with scissors so only the seals are intact and use saran wrap for a tight fit. Make sure to punch holes on top of lids  (saran wrap) and on bottom of container, but not too many in bottoms so soil dries out too quickly. Fill with potting soil sow/ plant seeds water well and set them outside preferably close to your home or other buildings (the wind can be mighty strong at times.) Many websites tell what seeds are used for winter sowing as just about any are but there are exceptions. I have had great success with coneflowers, primroses, johnny jump ups, tomatoes, black eyed susans, daisies to name a few and especially ones ie: iris, poppy, or moonflowers for example that are hard to germinate and need stratifying. I am going to close for now, I have to get going and survey my containers and find my potting soil! Next week is planting week!!! Happy gardening and have fun with winter sowing!!