How to Sow Native Seeds Outdoors (Easy Winter Method)
This easy method improves germination rates for sowing native seeds in a cold climate. Start in late fall to allow a sufficient cold, moist stratification period.
Makes: 72 plants
Cost: 20.00
Equipment
- 24 Small planting pots 3 to 4 inches wide and deep
- 24 Plant tags
- 1 Marking pen oil-based
- 1 Organic potting mix can also add compost or fertile garden soil
- 1 Topping optional - sand, grit, sawdust to cover potting mix
- 1 Bin to hold 24 pots, add drainage holes to base
- 1 Hardware cloth size of bin, 1/2-inch grid to keep animals out
- 2 Rocks or bricks to hold hardware cloth in place
Ingredients
- 150 seeds Native plant seeds suited to your growing conditions
Instructions
- Place 24 pots in bin.
- Moisten potting mix with water and fill pots leaving approximately half-inch for watering.
- Sow seeds at recommended depth (usually as deep as the seed is wide). See note regarding spacing.
- Water if needed to ensure potting mix is moist but not overly damp.
- (Optional) Add fine layer of sand, grit, or sawdust to surface of potting mix to help hold seeds in place.
- Cover bin with hardware cloth secured with rocks or bricks to keep animals out.
- Place bin outdoors in shade or part shade away from overhangs that could drip water.
- Set reminder on phone to check pots and water as needed. Frequency should increase as temperatures warm in spring.
- When seedlings are several inches tall with multiple leaves, separate and transplant to larger pots or plant in garden.
Notes
Timing: start your seeds in late fall or early winter to ensure they have months of exposure to moist and cold conditions.
Check your seed packets for specific sowing advice, any recommended preparations like scarification, and expected germination rates.
Seed spacing: each gardener has their own preferences. Some like to sow larger quantities in each pot and thin out the plants later. I find that germination rates for most species tend to be quite good so I just sow a few seeds in each pot.
Care: some species will germinate in spring, others in summer, and some may not sprout until year two. Be patient and continue watering pots as needed. Also be mindful of sun in each season: you want enough light for growth but the potting mix must not ever dry out.
Bin: I recommend creating drainage holes in the bin to prevent water (rain, melted snow) from pooling inside. Some plants will not tolerate being waterlogged.
Keep notes to better understand what works best in your circumstances.
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