By Cydney Ross, Deep Roots’ Outdoor Education Manager
Foliage has fallen, birds are migrating, and sculptural seedheads dot the landscape. We did it – we reached the end of the growing season! While our gardens slumber, it’s time to get planning and PLANTING. That’s right. As many plantspeople know, our native plants are adapted to our changing seasons. Many native seeds require a process called “cold-moist stratification” (aka winter) to break dormancy and germinate in spring. This brings an opportunity to try new species and grow native plants affordably- no fancy greenhouse required.
Winter Sowing is a popular activity among gardeners. Plastic cartons and jugs are used as temporary planters. They’re set outdoors to winterize; then come spring little seedlings emerge, ready to be potted up. Start saving up your recycled materials now. Deep Roots is offering a free hands-on workshop at the Anita B. Gorman Conservation Discovery Center in January. We’ll provide the seed, soil, and instructions. All you need to do is bring your own recycled containers. (Limit two containers per household please.)
If you’d like to learn more about winter sowing practices, check out our Winter Sowing Webinar from the archives. I talk about the different ways to sow seeds in winter including directly in the landscape. It’s always fun to frolic in the snow spreading seed like a winter sprite!
This workshop is currently full. Join the waitlist for your preferred session:
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