Deanna Clarkson presents Winter Sowing

For those of you who are trying wintersowing this winter, or are thinking about it for next winter, attached is a picture of my first seedlings this year, annual Clarkia elegans, which germinated around the 15th. Even though they are an annual, they are always my first to germinate. I also have several poppy varieties germinating as well as a Dianthus. These seedlings will stay safe even if the weather drops below freezing. They will NOT be happy if the weather drops into the low teens, but we are past that part of winter. From now until temperatures warm they will put their energy into developing strong roots with very slow top growth, which will significantly improve their survivability when later planted in the ground at a few inches high. And best of all, I do not have to worry about damping off or a big set up in the house! Nature is taking care of everything.

It is very exciting and amazing to watch every year!

Deanna Clarkson

Press the X to see the presentation full screen…and press it again to return.

Download File

What Plants Are Suitable

Download File

Plants That Don’t Work

Download File

Wintersowing Resources

My favorite seed Vendors for perennials and annuals:

• Swallowtail Garden Seeds (https://www.swallowtailgardenseeds.com) is my goto place for annuals and perennials that I see in garden centers but not on any other seed vendor list. Note that a small number of garden-center varieties can be expensive. An example is Powwow Wild Berry Echinacea at 10 seeds for $5. But, the huge majority of things are priced reasonably. That being said, if you are purchasing a common seed, other vendors might give you more for a cheaper price. I stick to Swallowtail for my hard-to-find seeds. They have given me great customer service when a seed packet did not produce the correct plant, which has happened only once. Herbs, vegetables, and bulk seed also sold.

  • Hayefield (https://hayefield.com/shop) is the spectacular garden of Nan Ondra, a national garden author. She harvests her own seeds from what are often rare plants or varieties and lovingly packages them herself. Each customer becomes her friend. She has quite detailed germination and planting information on her site. Her blog is a garden inspiration for many of the seeds she sells. She sells the unusual and hard-to-find as well as a few common varieties. When you place an order, feel free to mention that you heard about her from my presentation, as I let her know I would be recommending her! Her stock is small to begin with, so order soon! She truly has a unique selection. A few herbs and vegetables also sold.
  • Select Seeds (https://www.selectseeds.com/) has a fantastic selection of heirloom varieties that can be hard to find, as well as many newer varieties, as well. I love their poppy selection. Be sure to filter for seeds, as they ship plants, as well. Herbs, vegetables, and rooted plants also sold.
  • Renee’s Garden (https://www.reneesgarden.com/) has a smaller selection, but quality is excellent. Herbs and vegetables also sold.
  • Diane’s Seeds (https://www.dianeseeds.com/Index.html) Diane seems to have upped her selection with some hard-to-find varieties, including some garden center varieties, since my last order so I look forward to placing another one soon. It’s not a fancy website, but her seeds are well regarded.
  •  Prairie Moon Nursery (https://www.prairiemoon.com) offers a huge selection of native plant seeds. They sell seeds for flowers and grasses as well as bare root plants, shrubs, and trees.
  • Wild Seed Project (https://shop.wildseedproject.net) is Heather McCargo’s shop for seeds native to and harvested in Maine.
  • Johnny’s Selected Seeds, of course (https://www.johnnyseeds.com). Flower selection is not fancy, but their recommendations for cut flower types has been helpful to me. Excellent herb and vegetable selection.
  • TomatoFest (https://www.tomatofest.com/) It’s been a long time since I
    ordered, but it is a tomato extravaganza there! They have a nice selection for cooler climates.

Seed vendor to avoid:

  • Outside Pride—they sell online and on amazon. Multiple bad reviews!
    Seed vendors I have not tried but are regarded highly:
  • Baker Creek Seeds (mostly vegetables)
  • J.L Hudson, Seedsman
  • Row 7 Seeds (https://www.row7seeds.com) was started by chefs. I currently don’t grow vegetables, but if I did I would consider their small selection as curated for taste.

Other Resources

  • Potting mix should be basic without moisture additives or compost. I like
    Fafard 3B, which was a mix for professional growers that has been renamed Sungro MetroMix. Fafard 3B was a favorite of many growers, so any garden center with seasoned staff should know which of their soil brands resembles 3B. Jolly Gardener’s version of Fafard 3B is called cB and I believe it is available at Allen, Sterling, & Lothrop in Falmouth. I purchased Fafard Professional Potting Mix (green bag), the closest Fafard consumer product to 3B, at AS&L. There are many types of potting soil that will work. My main experience is with 3B, but anything basic will do.
  • LABEL LABEL LABEL! What works: A thick Sharpie applied heavily, paint pens, old blinds written on with Sharpie placed inside jug. Just remember it has to withstands lots of weather and sun.
  • Keep a written record of what you saw and which jug it is in. I number my jugs. There are many methods, just keep records!
  • Wintersowing is ALL over the web. They provide plenty of information on getting started.
Download Resources