Want an early start to your garden without the hassle of indoor seed starting? Discover the simple and effective method of winter sowing. Perfect for busy gardeners!

It’s the easiest way to start seeds outdoors – and the best part? You can use recycled containers like milk jugs and rotisserie containers that you’d normally throw away. Talk about a win-win!

Here’s why I love winter sowing:

  • More space for seedlings: No more crowded windowsills or battling for space under grow lights.
  • No more hardening off: Seedlings grow strong and resilient outdoors, so they transition effortlessly into the garden.
  • Super simple and inexpensive: Just grab some containers from your recycling bin and you’re good to go!

A few years ago, I was overwhelmed by the space and time it took to start seeds indoors. Then I discovered winter sowing, and it was a total game-changer! I still start some seeds indoors, but winter sowing lets me grow so much more.

Ready to give it a try? I’ve put together this foolproof guide to get you started, even if you’re a total newbie:

Let’s do this!

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How to Start Seeds Indoors Without a Greenhouse

What is Winter Sowing?

Forget the finicky trays and expensive grow lights! Winter sowing is a revolutionary technique that lets you get a head start on spring by planting seeds directly outdoors, right in the heart of winter.

This low-maintenance method is perfect for beginners who have never started seeds before because it’s less of a process than starting seeds indoors. Imagine waking up to a vibrant garden bursting with life, weeks before your neighbors even think about planting. That’s the magic of winter sowing!

You’ll save time and indoor growing space when you winter sow seeds outdoors. So, ditch the indoor stress and embrace the frosty freedom. Winter sowing is your ticket to earlier blooms, bountiful harvests, and a season of gardening joy, all without the usual fuss. Read on to unlock the secrets of this beginner-friendly technique and watch your garden dreams come true, one tiny seed at a time!

close up of calendula in the cut flower garden
Calendula flowers

Benefits of Winter Sowing Flowers and Vegetables

Winter sowing flowers and vegetables offer a surprising array of benefits for both seasoned and newbie gardeners alike. Here are some key advantages to entice you to try this easy and rewarding method:

  • Early Blooms & Bountiful Harvests: Winter sowing gives plants a head start on spring, allowing them to germinate and establish themselves early. This translates to earlier blooms for flowers and a longer growing season for vegetables, leading to a bountiful harvest come summer.
  • Hardy & Stress-Resistant Seedlings: Winter sowing eliminates the need for “hardening off“—the process of gradually acclimating seedlings to outdoor conditions. The natural cold and fluctuating temperatures toughen up your seedlings, making them more resistant to pests, diseases, and transplant shock. This means stronger plants and less work for you!
  • Low-Maintenance & Cost-Effective: Winter sowing requires minimal equipment and resources. You can use recycled containers and simple compost mixes, eliminating the need for expensive grow lights and heating mats. Plus, you can sow seeds directly in the ground, saving space and avoiding the hassle of transplanting.
  • Reduced Seed Loss: Winter sowing helps prevent damping-off, a fungal disease that often plagues indoor seedlings. The natural environment outdoors allows for better air circulation and soil drainage, minimizing the risk of this devastating disease.
  • Sustainable & Eco-Friendly: Winter sowing utilizes natural processes and recycled materials, making it a sustainable and eco-friendly gardening practice. You are working with nature, not against it, and reducing your carbon footprint in the process.
  • Sense of Accomplishment & Gardening Joy: Watching your seeds germinate and thrive through the winter months brings immense satisfaction and a sense of accomplishment. It extends your gardening season and allows you to enjoy the beauty and bounty of nature even when the world outside is still slumbering.
close up of foxglove digitalis flowers
Foxgloves

When Should I Start Winter Sowing?

As a general rule, you don’t want to start winter sowing seeds before the winter begins (December 21). And with the holidays immediately following that time, to me, January is a great time to get started. New year new plants, am I right?

How Late Can I Winter Sow?

How late you winter sow seeds really depends on the type of seeds you plan to grow. If certain seed varieties have a chill requirement (like larkspur), then they need to be started at least 4-5 weeks before the temperatures rise above freezing. However, if seeds do not require that chill period, then you can sow them later. I garden in zone 6b New Jersey and usually start winter sowing in January and early February.

Can You Winter Sow Anything?

Not everything can be winter-sowed outdoors. In general, herbs, perennials, cold-hardy annuals, and cool-season vegetables are the best types of seeds to winter sow outdoors.

I’m going to start a few cold-hardy annuals like sweet peas, larkspur, and snapdragons using this method. I’ve been winter sowing seeds for a few years now and it couldn’t be easier to do. You just have to be cognizant of the type of seeds you try. And I’m sharing a list below to give you some ideas.

snapdragon bouquet from the cut flower garden with view of front porch garden and gomphrena truffala pink

What Seeds Are Good For Winter Sowing?

When you start seeds using the winter sow method, it opens a magical door to a vibrant spring garden. But navigating the seed selection or what to grow can feel a little overwhelming.

So this winter sowing guide will equip you with the knowledge to choose the perfect plants for your garden. And there are lots of seed options out there that do well with the winter sowing method.

  • Hardy Annuals: These plants thrive in cooler temperatures and readily germinate outdoors. Think larkspur, calendula, and snapdragons.
  • Perennials: These long-term residents add lasting beauty to your garden. Columbines, poppies, and foxgloves are winter-sowing veterans, offering years of stunning blooms.
  • Cool-Season Crops: These leafy friends relish the chill. Spinach, kale, lettuce, and broccoli are eager to jumpstart your spring salads and stir-fries.
  • Root Vegetables: Carrots, beets, and radishes might seem like summer-only stars, but they actually benefit from a cold spell. Winter sowing allows them to mature early and avoid bolting in hot weather.

Here are a few types of seeds to consider trying:

recycle milk jugs and rotisserie chicken containers to winter sow seeds outdoors
Recycle containers and milk jugs to winter sow seeds outdoors.

Supplies Needed for Winter Sowing

Sowing seeds outdoors in winter requires much less than doing them inside. Plus, it’s a great way to recycle items from around the house such as milk jugs and rotisserie chicken containers. Thus, winter sowing is very eco-friendly!

Where to Buy Good Quality Seeds

There are lots of places you can purchase good quality seeds. I prefer ordering from:

Winter Sowing Containers

The best containers for winter sowing are often things you already have around the house! Repurposing and recycling items like milk jugs and plastic containers means you don’t have to spend money on expensive seed starting trays.  

Containers should generally be at least 4 inches deep and hold a few cups of soil. Gallon-sized milk jugs work well, but smaller containers like salad boxes can also be used (just keep in mind they might need more frequent watering). For larger seeds or fast-growing plants, choose a larger container to avoid overcrowding.

Here are a few options to save and resuse:

  • Chicken rotisserie containers
  • Plastic milk jugs
  • Plastic storage boxes (just need clear lids)
  • Mixed green salad containers
  • I’ve even seen some gardeners use Ziplock baggies.

Regardless of what you choose, you’ll need to make sure they are cleaned and sterilized well before potting and planting them up. I usually try to wash them out with Dawn dish soap and soak them for a few minutes in a 1:10 ratio of bleach to water solution.

Adding organic potting soil to milk jug to winter sow seeds outdoors

Winter Sowing in Milk Jugs and Rotisserie Container Directions

While we’re focusing on winter sowing outdoors today, remember that you can still start seeds indoors too. Depending on the type of plant you want to grow, it’s not too late to get started. But wait until you see how easy winter sowing is! Once you try this method, you’ll want to start more seeds this way.

1. Gather Your Supplies and Prepare Your Containers

  • Drainage: To ensure proper drainage, punch several holes about the size of a pencil eraser in the bottom of the container. This will prevent the soil from becoming waterlogged and harming your seedlings.
  • Milk Jug Prep: If using a milk jug, cut the jug in half, leaving a hinge on one side so it can be opened and closed. Remove any nutrition labels from the jug so light can reach the seeds.
  • Lids and Covers: If your container has a lid, remove any labels and consider adding a few small ventilation holes.
Cut milk jugs in half to create a miniature solarium to start seeds.
Poke holes in the bottom of the milk jug containers for drainage.
drainage holes in bottom of milk jug for winter sowing seeds

2. Fill with Potting Soil Mix

Fill the bottom of the container about halfway with a pre-moistened potting mix. The mix should be damp but not soggy—you should be able to gently squeeze it into a ball without it dripping water. Pre-moistening the mix helps ensure good contact between the seeds and the mix, which is important for germination. To keep things neat in my workspace, I used THIS tray to hold the potting soil and THIS tray beneath my containers.

Sowing Seeds Indoors Without a Greenhouse. Pouring the seeds in hand before sowing in cell trays

3. Plant Your Seeds

  • Planting Depth: Now it’s time to sow your seeds! Refer to your seed packet for the recommended planting depth, as this is crucial for successful germination. If you don’t have a seed packet, a general rule is to plant seeds at a depth two to three times their width.
  • Why Depth Matters: Planting depth affects germination. Some seeds need light to germinate, while others need darkness. Proper depth also ensures the seedlings have enough energy to reach the surface. For example, tiny seeds like lettuce may only need a light covering of soil, while larger seeds like beans might need to be planted an inch deep.
  • Firm the Soil: Once you’ve sown your seeds, gently firm the soil to ensure good seed-to-soil contact.
making hole to drop sweet pea seed in to winter sow

4. Close and Label

Close the container securely, using duct tape if necessary. Label the containers clearly with the plant name and date so you know what’s planted.

taping top and bottom of milk jug after sowing seed to close up the solarium

5. Provide Airflow

If your container has a lid, ensure there are a few small holes for ventilation. If you’re using a milk jug, you can leave the cap off.

6. Choose an Outdoor Location

Move the containers to an outdoor location that receives sunlight and rain but is protected from harsh weather. If you live in a warmer climate, place them in a shadier spot where they’ll receive moisture but won’t get too hot.

Setting the milk jug with sweet peas outdoors with cap off so it germinates

7. Water and Monitor

Check the containers weekly to make sure the soil is moist. Water if needed, allowing excess water to drain out.

Additional Tips for Winter Sowing

  • Sow one type of seed per container – do not mix varieties. Label everything well with plant variety and the date sowed. Keep seed packets for easy reference.
  • When to start depends on your zone and the type of seeds. I’m in zone 6b and generally start filling jugs, rotisserie chicken containers, and anything else I have laying around that can double as a mini-greenhouse in late January and early February.
  • The potting soil you use matters! I love @coastofmaine Bar Harbor Blend. Soil can be moistened in a bucket or watered after placing it in the bottom of the prepared jug.
  • The seeds you use matter! Like I mentioned earlier, I love Johnny’s Selected Seeds.
  • Labeling inside the jug helps ensue the sun doesn’t fade your label (It’s happened to me before). I also label on the outside so I know what it is because oftentimes I cannot read that same exterior label when it’s time to plant. And trust me, you won’t remember what’s in there so label it in two places
  • Set your jugs together on the ground that has sun, rain, snow, etc. Check them once a week to make sure containers stay evenly moist.
  • Normally, the jugs don’t need anything because the weather takes care things. But, if it’s exceptionally dry, you’ll want to add some moisture.
  • The seeds should sprout and be ready to plant in the spring when the weather warms up.
  • Before planting, take the tape off and leave the jugs without tape for a day or 2 so you can open the for a few days to get them used to the elements before planting.
snapdragons and larkspur flowers in cottage garden that are deer resistant flowers
Snapdragons and Larkspur

My Winter Sowing Seed List

This year, I am winter sowing sweet peas, larkspur, calendula, yarrow, foxgloves, and some snapdragons. I may also try doing some spinach, broccoli, kale, and carrots for my vegetable garden, but have not bought those seeds yet.

I’ve already got a few flower seed packets ready to go, but I’m also waiting for Johnny’s and Floret’s to go on sale in early January. They’ve got some new varieties coming out and I can’t wait to try them!

snapdragons in small cottage garden by stone wall
Snapdragons by Stone Wall

More About Sowing Seeds Outdoors in Winter

So what do you think? Give winter sowing in milk jugs and rotisserie chicken containers a try and see for yourself the magic of planting seeds in the heart of winter and reaping the rewards come spring!

Have you ever tried the winter sowing method before? Do you think you’ll try it now? I would love to know more in the comments below.

For more information about winter sowing seeds, please read this article from the Rutgers Cooperative Extension.

To drill down on more beginner gardening techniques and tips, please read these posts:

Thank you for visiting the blog today!

Enjoy your day! xo

Stacy Ling bricksnblooms logo
close up of calendula, snapdragons and larkspur grown using the winter sowing method for seed starting
purple and pink flowers

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Want to learn how to start a garden from seed indoors? You don’t need a greenhouse to do it! I successfully started over 1400 flowers in my basement through this series. Whether you want to grow flowers, herbs, or vegetables, follow these tips, tricks, and inspiration to start your garden from seed.

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24 Comments

    1. I had to try this! I started some sweet peas and this week I’m doing more. Speaking of sweet peas, my seedlings sprouted in the sunroom already. Yay!

  1. Stacy
    I’m going to try this. I didn’t have good luck inside last year but this might work for me. Thanks so much!

  2. This is such an informative post. I have never heard of winter seeding. So hood to know. Thanks for sharing!

    1. I am not sure as I don’t have one and have never tried it – why not test it out with some seeds like sweet peas or larkspur? I don’t see why it wouldn’t work, but you may need to harden them off when you move them outdoors because even though it’s not heated, they are still more protected than if they were started outdoors in all of the elements. Either way, it’s worth testing out to see! I would try it with a test packet of seeds.

  3. Great article with a lot of valuable insights. What about places like WA where it rains in winter and hardly any sun? Will this method still work?