how to winter sow seeds in a milk jug

None of the plume poppy seeds I started indoors at the beginning of March have germinated, so I decided to try again, taking the easy route this time.

Winter sowing is a method you can use for seeds of perennials and frost-tolerant annuals.  It is especially handy for seeds that require some frost cycles to break their hard seed shells.  Any seeds whose planting instructions say they can be direct sown in late fall or early spring are good candidates for winter sowing.  Anything that requires warm soil temperatures to germinate is not a good candidate.

This is the first time I've actually tried it, but it seems like a piece of cake, and very low maintenance, which is important now that it seems I am starting more and more seeds each year.  So you just cut a milk jug (or other plastic container) in half, poke a few holes in the bottom for drainage, put 3-4 inches of soil in and water, drop in your seeds, and duct tape the top back on.  Leave the lid off for ventilation.  Voila!  You've just made a little mini-greenhouse for your seeds to grow in!  Put it outside in a sheltered spot and let nature do its work.

People who've used this method before say that plants they have wintersown will bloom only slightly later than plants that were started indoors, but much earlier than ones that were sown directly into the garden.

Comments

[The Ms. S.]

Wow, that is such a great idea! :-)

I would like to try this. I have never started anything from seed (I know, I know!). But now with a wee toddler, trying to save money, and the desire to also try growing some veggies, I think it's time.

[Neil]

Hi,

I would like to know if your plume poppy germinated. I would like to buy some seeds this year. It's my first time to try winter sowing this year and I was so impressedd. :)

Please let me know.

Thanks,

Neil

[Calgary Garden Coach]

Hi Neil,

I had a couple germinate from the winter sowing, but my own neglect and/or a cold snap killed them off. Fortunately, after this post, one of the seeds I orginally sowed inside finally germinated, and I currently have one healthy plume poppy growing in a pot this summer, waiting to be planted in its final spot this fall!
Since this post I have read elsewhere that plume poppy is notoriously difficult to germinate.
Good luck,
Janice

[Neil]

Thanks Janice for the update! My friend just gave me 2 plume poppy plants. We actually dug it. It's not looking good. I'm not sure if it will make it. I don't know if they transplant well.