Winter Seed Starting

[darkcedars]

I am trying out a winter seed starting idea - milk jugs to winter start hardier seeds outside. The seeds should start growing when it's time but be protected from the worst swings.  Details here: Penn State Extension.  

Tried with: magnolia tendril peas, parsley, purple coneflower, calendula, sunflower. 

The last two I'm more uncertain about but the first three should be fine. The coneflower is native and I planted others in fall, both the parsley and peas said to plant well before end of frost.  

I always have sown in place, but last year spring was so cold and late I had a lot of failures.  I have a little indoor seed starting kit as well. 

Comments

[mdehners]

Should work this time of year. Wouldn't plant out seedlings but seeds should do just fine.Cheers,
Pat

[darkcedars]

Hopefully I won't forget them entirely....I really should put a recurring reminder.

[recently_folded]

I've done this and had success with some annual flowers and orach and bokchoy. The only thing was that between these and the ones I started in the house, I still had to transplant them and harden them off and I didn't feel as though I were particularly getting ahead any. It'd be a great technique for someone who doesn't have room/light in the house for starts, though. Good luck!

[darkcedars]

Well nuts, the hardening off bit was the part I wanted to avoid. I am forewarned.

[recently_folded]

Well, you sort of do. But I found they're still tender and need a bit of staged time out in the air after you open the container fully. Thermally they're fine but they still aren't used to sun and breeze.

[darkcedars]

Ah okay. That makes sense.

[brightly_lit]

Please keep us apprised if it works! I've tried stuff like this without much success, but I wasn't being very diligent about it and it was an especially cold winter, so I'll like to hear how it goes for you.

[darkcedars]

I figure if even a couple work it gets me ahead. And gave me a gardening thing to do during snow!

Go you!

[ysabetwordsmith]

That sounds interesting.

I'm experimenting with some new things also: sycamore seedballs in the trough that doesn't have drain holes, winter-sowing pawpaw seeds, and winter sowing a prairie seed mix.

Re: Go you!

[darkcedars]

Especially hoping for your paw-paws, if I had a little more space I would give them a shot. Haven't had a pawpaw since I was a teen.

Re: Go you!

[ysabetwordsmith]

I have been trying to start pawpaws for years. I got one seedling to survive as a fluke. When I saw someone selling seeds, I figured that was worth a try.

I've never even seen the fruit in person. But I like most types of fruit, and what the hell, if I don't like it I'm sure the wildlife will be thrilled to eat it.