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Douglas County

K-State Research and Extension Douglas County 
2110 Harper Street
Lawrence KS 66046

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785-843-7058

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Winter Seed Sowing

fig. 1. Minimal equipment required.

Sharon Ashworth
Horticulture & Natural Resources Agent 

Sowing seeds of cool-season vegetables and native wildflowers in the winter is a great way to save time and money, and there is no need for a greenhouse. The basic idea is to create mini-greenhouses out of recycled materials and grow your garden while you stay warm.

List of supplies (fig. 1)

  • Recycled plastic containers with lids that will hold 2-4 inches of potting soil
  • potting soil (find potting soil that contains vermiculite or create a mix of potting soil to vermiculite at a 4:1 ratio).
  • duct tape or painter’s tape
  • permanent marker
  • scissors or box cutter
  • something to poke holes in the bottom of the containers
  • bucket for mixing potting soil and water

fig. 2. Use recycled materials and leave an opening.

Try any native wildflowers, or other perennial ornamentals that grow well in our zone 6 climate. Most native perennial seeds need the freeze and thaw of winter temperatures to break dormancy, so they are ideally suited for winter sowing.

In a bucket or wheelbarrow, mix the potting soil with water so that it is wet but not sopping wet. With a screwdriver or hot glue gun, poke several holes in the bottom of your containers for drainage.

Plastic milk jugs or 2 L soda bottles work well for native flower seeds because you can fill the container with at least 4 inches of potting soil. Cut open the milk jug just below the level of the handle but don’t cut all the way around – keep the upper part of the jug attached at the handle. You do not need the bottle cap. Fill the bottom of the jug with 4 inches of moistened potting soil and press seeds into the soil an inch or so apart, or scatter and press if they are very small (fig. 2). If you are planting seed from a packet, follow the instructions on the packet for planting depth. Tape the two sections of the jug or bottle together with tape (fig. 3). Plant only one type of seed in each container and LABEL YOUR JUG. You will not remember what you planted come spring.

Fill shallower plastic containers with 2-3 inches of moistened potting soil for cool-season vegetables such as kale, cabbage, chard, and leeks. Cut a 1-2-inch hole in the top of the container and, if necessary, tape the lid and container together to secure.

Place containers outside where they will get some sun and any snow or rain. You want the soil in the containers to stay moist so don’t put them in a spot that gets full sun (6-8 hours). Check on the containers regularly to make sure they are not dry. A good indication of sufficient moisture is condensation inside the container. Moisten with a spray bottle or sprinkling watering can when necessary. Open the containers in the spring when true leaves have appeared. Keep lids open until ready to plant but cover again if a freeze is expected.

Experiment with different perennials and try some herbs as well. Happy winter gardening!

fig. 3. finished mini-greenhouse made out of a milk jug.