Winter Sowing: Two Reliable Methods for Outdoor Seed Starting

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Learn two smart ways to sow seeds outdoors over winter for spring seedlings. These methods improve germination rates and work nicely for a variety of seed types.

If you prefer to start seeds indoors, this shows my affordable indoor seed starting setup.

Seedlings sprouting in winter containers.

Winter Sowing Methods

Winter sowing in cold climates is nothing new—it’s just what nature does.

Late fall or winter, plants drop their seeds to the ground, and, if the odds are in their favor, they eventually sprout and grow as new plants.

While plants produce masses of seeds to improve the odds, we need a way to get the benefits of winter sowing without wasting seeds.

The solution?

Sow in containers, outdoors, all winter long. This way, the seeds experience the winter conditions they need during dormancy, while protected in pots where wind, weather, and animals are far less likely to carry them away.

I first started with flower seeds that do best with fall sowing directly sown in the ground.

From there, I started experimenting to improve germination rates and not have to buy so many seeds.

I have had great success with the two methods shown here.

A popular method these days uses see-through containers with lids to create a mini greenhouse effect. This works with a variety of seed types.

The other way—my current favorite—is simply sowing in open pots topped with screen to keep animals out. This approach is perfect for cold climate native seeds.

Each method has pros and cons depending on what you want to grow and whether winter is your thing.

I enjoy checking on seedlings in the snow—finding it rather magical and refreshing—but I realize that’s not everyone’s type of fun.

If you prefer to stay warm inside, the open container method pretty much takes care of itself.

Closed Container Method

Winter sowing supplies including milk jug cut open in middle with seedlings growing inside.

Also Known As:

Winter Sowing Method
Milk jug Method

Recommended Seeds

Just about any type of seed can be started using this method from slow growing hardy perennials to annuals including vegetables. The slow-growers are sown early in winter, the fast-growing annuals in late winter or early spring.

How it Works

This method creates mini greenhouses in containers. They warm up in the sun and cool down in the dark.

The original method used milk jugs split horizontally and sealed with duct tape but there are many easier options.

Any winter-tough, clear container that allows light through will do.

Alternately, you could use flower pots in larger clear bins with lids.

Pros – You can sow just about any type of seed, staggering them based on how long they take to grow.

Cons – The containers require regular monitoring to ensure they do not overheat and the potting mix does not dry out.

Get the Tutorial

Winter Sowing Original Milk jug Method has a complete tutorial and lists the recommended sowing schedule.

Open Container Method

Bin filled with pots planted with native plant seeds.

Also Known As:

Winter sowing in open pots

Recommended Seeds

Perennial and annual native seeds.

How it Works

This really is as simple as it sounds. Seeds are sown in pots with potting mix and covered with hardware cloth or other screens to keep animals out.

Placed in a bin with drainage holes, the pots are exposed to the elements—cold, wind, rain, snow, sleet, freezes and thaws—whatever winter throws at them.

The combination of cold and moisture naturally stratifies the seeds in preparation for germination. This explains stratification and how it helps certain seeds.

Come spring, the seeds sprout when they’re ready.

Pros – It’s as simple as it gets. If you have a dry winter, you might need to water the pots now and then, but that’s it. Plus, it’s the easiest way I know to germinate a wide variety of native seeds.

Cons – While perfect for hardy seeds, tender annuals are unlikely to survive.