Sowing Seeds in the Winter
While January and February seem far from the warmer months of spring, it is important for gardeners to plan ahead and have plants prepared. During these cold winter months, it may seem a bit early to think about planting for your spring/summer garden, but that is not the case. Vegetable crops can be grown from seed and be ready for planting by as early as March or April. This blog post will walk you through the process of seeding vegetables and other annual crops early on to produce a larger yield.
Where to Sow Seeds
It is important to choose a spot to sow your seeds where there is a good climate and good growing conditions. In the months of January and February, outside temperatures are typically low and do not allow seeds to germinate.
In areas where mild climates are present, seeds can be sown in a greenhouse, polytunnel, or even a warm spot in your own home. It is best to use heating pads and ensure good solar access to provide high enough temperatures for the seeds to germinate. Solar access allows for higher temperatures without actually using additional energy. Row covers and fleece can also be used to protect the seeds and sprouts from the cold.
Indoor seeding can increase the yield of sprouts early on in the year. These seedlings will most likely be transplanted into a permanent home outside in the warmer months, so a warming pad will allow them to adjust to the atmosphere.
The biggest challenge during the coldest months of winter are short daylight hours and low light levels. When this happens, seedlings will grow long and stemmy with small leaves. LED grow lights will help you avoid this issue and grow strong plants.
Those who wish to grow seeds inside their own home will need to find a place where the temperature is constant. Temperatures that fluctuate can lead to patchy growth within the seeds. Those who are able to grow seeds inside a greenhouse or polytunnel are able to maintain a constant warm temperature and amount of light.
Germination
Germination is the word used to define the transformation of a seed into a seedling, or small sprout. To have successful germination, it is best to make sure of these things:
- viable seeds that are not too old and stored correctly
- sufficient water
- sufficient oxygen
- sufficient temperature
Materials
There can be high-tech equipment used to start seeds, but the minimum requirements come down to one thing: quality.
- Quality Seeds
- As said before, it is best to have seeds that are viable. When stored correctly and are not too old, you will have the best yield.
2. Quality Potting Soil
- A good organic soil is needed in order to give seeds a good start.
- Compost is one of the best ways to obtain organic soil.
3. Quality Containers
- 3-inch pots are ideal for seeding. Some are made of peat, which means they are biodegradable and can be placed in the ground when ready.
Types of Seeds
Lastly, there are a variety of seeds that can be planted in the winter months in preparation for spring. These include but are not limited to: tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, peas, garden beans, onions, celery, cabbage, lettuce, spinach, and other edible greens.
Conclusion
Gardening in the winter provides many benefits to those who want to grow their own vegetables and have a large harvest. There are many steps to growing your own seeds, but they are quite simple when you use your resources and buy high quality seeds, soil, and find a proper place to store them while growing.
Following these steps brings a literal meaning to, “You reap what you sow.”
