NIMBY: Nature in My Back Yard – Winter sowing

Winter has arrived in Ontario and the gardeners among us may have mixed feelings. Some may experience winter blues, missing the light and outdoor activity, while others may appreciate the time to reflect, recharge, and plan.

For people interested in adding native plants to their gardens, winter is the perfect time to start growing next year’s plants.

The easiest and cheapest way to start your own plants is through outdoor winter sowing.

The seeds of many native wildflowers require cold stratification – a period of cold, moist conditions experienced in the cycle of freeze-thaw that is a normal winter. This breaks the seed’s dormancy and allows it to germinate.

Various seed species require different lengths of time for stratification and some require none, but generally they can be started December to February.

There are two main methods to winter sowing. The first and easiest involves planting seeds in small, well-watered pots filled with potting soil. Make sure the pots have drainage holes. Many seeds do not need to be planted deeply and require only a thin layer of soil coverage. Some need light to germinate and are surface-sown. Not all seeds require rich soil and may prefer to be grown in sand. Check the individual plant requirements using Rick Gray’s book, “The Gardener’s Guide to Native Plants of the Southern Great Lakes Region” under Propagation.

Covering the pots with mesh protects seeds from being eaten by birds and animals and allows moisture and light to enter.

Another method involves using recycled plastic containers, such as large jugs. Cut a jug on three sides (avoiding the side with the handle) near the top and fold back the top/handle. Drainage holes must be made in the bottom before adding soil and watering well. Sow the seeds on, or in, the soil and duct tape the jug closed. Make several holes in the top of the jug to allow snow and rain to enter to keep the soil moist. The top will protect the seeds and act as a mini-greenhouse.

Label each jug or pot well. You can write the name of the plant on a wooden or plastic stick using an oil-based marker or number each pot or jug and keep the list in a journal. It’s important to keep track of plant names, as many seedlings look similar when they’re very small. You’ll save yourself a lot of head-scratching later by labelling clearly at the beginning.

Place the pots outside in an area where they’ll receive light and moisture and leave them until spring.
In the spring, when all the snow has melted, it’s important to keep the soil moist.

As the seeds germinate and grow, you may need to divide and repot them in larger containers until they’re several inches tall and ready to be transplanted into your garden. While many native perennials are very drought-tolerant, they will need water and care the first year until established.

Some native plants develop slowly while others will flower the first year. You shouldn’t be discouraged if your seedlings don’t seem very impressive. A common saying about native perennials is that the first year, they sleep; the second year, they creep; and the third year, they leap. In the first year, the plants are developing their root systems. In the second year, they seem to produce more greenery, and the third year, the now well-established plants are mature and ready to flower. Be patient.

Check out the David Suzuki Foundation Butterflyway Seed Sitters material for resources to help you start seeds at home: davidsuzuki.org/take-action/act-locally/butterflyway/seed-sitters/.



Native plant seeds are sown in small pots, labelled and covered with mesh

Next, where to find seeds in December and January? It’s easier than you think.

The Ottawa Wildflower Seed Library is a grassroots, volunteer-run organization promoting gardening with native plants to provide habitat for pollinators of all types. It offers seeds free of charge, and hosts workshops, plant sales and other events. It will begin filling seed orders Dec. 26. Check out the website at wildflowerseedlibrary.ca/ or connect through one of the seed library’s many social media platforms.

The North American Native Plant Society is another volunteer-led organization dedicated to conserving, preserving and promoting North American indigenous flora. With 40 years of experience, research, education and partnerships, the plant society also provides free seeds to members. It produces a quarterly print newsletter and hosts workshops, plant sales and provides education on the benefits of native plants. Its website, nanps.org/, has many great resources as well.

In this area, the Bruce County Public Library has a seed library which can be accessed by anyone with a library card. I donate packets of seeds harvested from my gardens as do other members of the public.

As some of us bleakly consider the dark months of winter, with only our house plants to keep us company, winter sowing gives us hope and the satisfaction of nurturing new life. One of my favourite garden quotes comes from Audrey Hepburn who famously said, “To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow.”