Flamborough Baptist Community Garden

WINTER SEED SOWING

                          

Happy New Year Everyone!

The best way to start the year is to start your outdoor winter seed sowing. Outdoors? In January? YES!

It is the perfect way to get a head start on growing your plants from seeds without the cost and space needed to grow plants indoors under grow lights. Seeds are sown in miniature greenhouses made from empty cider jugs, pop bottles or plastic containers. These containers are then placed outside in the snow and cold. The rest is up the changing seasons. Once spring heat comes the soil will warm up and the seeds will begin to germinate on their own. Sounds amazing right? Well, just you wait it gets even better!

Due to the fact that we plant these seeds outdoors there is no reason to sterilize the pots, no growing lights required and very limited maintenance required. As well the plants tend to be stronger and hardier.

Sounds great right? Ready to get started? Let me show you how.

Supplies to get started:

1.Containers ( Apple cider, 2L pop bottles, or any plastic containers. It must be able to hold 2-3” of soil and tall enough to allow for plant growth of a few inches)

2.Scissors

3.Drill, knife or nail

4.Potting soil

5.Seeds

6.Duct tape

7.Plant tags

8. Permanent marker

                                             

Step by Step method:

1.           Prepare your container. Wash the container out. If you are using a tall container like an apple cider jug or a pop bottle, you will need to cut the container almost in half, leaving a piece attached to act as a hinge. Next, carefully drill or poke drainage holes into the bottom of the container. Be careful plastic will crack easily and can destroy the container. I actually found that heating a BBQ Skewer over a flame allows it to puncture holes easily without any breakage.

                                

2.           Add soil to the container. There is no need to buy expensive seed starting soil, just a good quality potting soil will do. Just do not use regular garden soil or cheap potting soil. It is important that the soil is moistened well…not overly wet…just well moistened. I like to first work the water into the soil before adding it to the container. Either add the water right into the bag of soil or mix it into a bucket. Once it is moist press the soil into your container, well but not to hard. Make sure there is at least 2-4”

                                                   

3.           Sow your seeds. You will need to pick seeds that are cold hardy plants. Look for terms like: “self sowing”,”direct sow outdoors in the fall”, “direct sow in early spring” or “cold Stratification”. Sow the seeds far enough apart for easier to separate for transplanting.

Suggested seeds to use:

Arugula

Beets

Black eyed Susan

Broccoli

Brussels sprouts

Cabbage

Carrot

Cauliflower

Chamomile

Chives

Cilantro

Dill

Kale

4.Label container. You can use a good permanent marker on the container or put a plant tag into the container before you close it. I find that a plastic spoon works well as a marker.  Water thoroughly where you have sown the seeds with the spray feature of your faucet or a spray bottle and allow to drain. Next, tape your container closed. It can be a bit tricky to do on your own so don’t be afraid to ask for help.  If using a bottle or jug keep the lid off and tape to the back of the container. If using a container with a tight lid just snap it on.

5. Finally, place your containers outside! Make sure they are in a safe location that will not be blown away or bothered by pets or kids. As well place them in a location that will receive the spring sun.

Now, FORGET ABOUT THEM! Let them be until spring arrives. Even if covered with snow it is fine. 

When spring warmth arrives …..well,  we will cross that bridge together then.

I hope you will all give this unique way of starting seeds a try! Remember, I am just a quick email away if you have any questions.

All the best and have fun!