Master Gardeners are part of a network of not-for-profit associations throughout North America. Members share a common interest – a passion for gardening and a willingness to share (at no cost) environmentally responsible gardening knowledge within their communities. Operating under the umbrella of the British Columbia Master Gardeners, the Thompson Shuswap Master Gardeners chapter was established in 2010 and its members have volunteered 10,000 plus hours throughout the Thompson-Shuswap region.
Winter sowing is what mother nature does. Plants go through their life cycle, the seeds get distributed, they spend the winter out in the elements, and then when the time is right, they germinate in the spring. There are exceptions to this rule, but we will work with plants that have a summer, winter, spring cycle. Gardeners have taken this process, moved it into milk jugs and other recycled containers, and have given it a fancy new name. Winter sowing. Sounds simple because it is.
Benefits
Don’t need heat mats, grow lights, shelving units or other costly seed starting equipment
Whatever you plant in each container is all that should come up
Seeds are protected from rodents, birds and insects
Plants that require cold stratification get it without being in bags and containers in your fridge
No hardening off of seedlings required because they germinate when the time is right
Use recycled translucent or clear containers to grow inexpensive seeds compared to buying plants
How-to Basics
Cut containers so you have a top and bottom held together by a small flap (think recycling bin for containers)
Drainage holes in the bottom, cover with a piece of paper towel or coffee filter to keep bugs out
Ventilation holes in the top because seeds/seedlings need air circulation to keep from being cooked
Add 7.5 to 10 cm of well-moistened soil of your choice into the bottom half of the container — seed starting mix for smaller seeds or potting mix for larger seeds
Plant seeds according to package instructions (do the seeds need to be covered by soil?)
Add a label and tape the container closed
One seed variety per container
Place in dappled shade to avoid overheating
Check on container to ensure soil remains moist
Once seeds begin sprouting open the top for more airflow and cover if in danger of frost
Protect your seedlings from excessive sun, wind
Repot your seedlings or plant directly into the garden
Examples of What to Grow and When to Sow When Starting Out
December – February
Herbs – parsley, chives, sage, dill, thyme
Plants Requiring Stratification – lavender, purple coneflower, showy milkweed
Perennials – aster, black-eyed susan, shasta daisy, sedum, cat mint, blanket flower
Native Plants From Your Area – rabbitbrush, shrubby penstemon, common yarrow, nodding onion, pearly everlasting
Cool-Season Annuals – violas, pansies, sweet alyssum
Hardy Vegetables – kale, spinach,
March – April
Warm-Season Annuals – cosmos, sunflowers, phacelia, marigolds,
Cool-Season Vegetables – spinach, swiss chard, kale, lettuce, broccoli, leeks, onions, mache, peas
Herbs – cilantro, basil
April
Warm Season Vegetables – peppers, tomatoes
Winter sowing can be as simple or as complicated as you want to make it. If you start simple you will have many gardening seasons to learn and perfect what works best for you. With the renewed interest in winter sowing, now is a great time to check out all the online videos and articles from across the country and around the world from other gardeners who are enjoying this easy and fun gardening method.
If a cactus grows in your garden without any help from you, listen to what it has to say.
Valerie Boyda can be reached at [email protected].
For more gardening information you can reach out directly to the Thompson Shuswap Master Gardeners at [email protected] or visit our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/MGTSMGA/
March Gardening Events
Shuswap Seed Swap (Enderby) – March 7
Kamloops Seedy Saturday – March 14
Salmon Arm Seed & Plant Sale – March 21