By Jade Greene
Winter sowing is a way to start plants from seeds in the winter time (vegetable and native plants) that require cold stratification to germinate. They receive the necessary cold stratification to activate the seeds, become very hardy from their exposure to the elements, and are ready to plant in the spring! A handy way to winter sow is to use a plastic jug, some soil, and seeds. It’s very easy and lets you garden during the winter time!
It is a little early to start your winter sowing but you can start collecting containers and seeds now so you are ready for 2026! Many Bucks County locals start their winter sowing in February/March.
Materials you can start gathering now:
- Milk jugs and/or plastic greens containers
- Potting soil
- Seeds:
- check out https://nativefloraseeds.org/collections/pennsylvania-1 for native plant seeds! This nonprofit gives proceeds to Home Grown National Park and other conservation projects
- Look for local seed swaps – we list them on our community calendar
- A sunny spot in your garden
- Scissors, duct tape, permanent markers
Some vegetables that do well with winter sowing: lettuce, chard, broccoli, spinach, cauliflower, kale, onions, cabbage, beets, herbs (sage, dill, parsley, oregano)
Perennials: coneflower, milkweed, black-eyed Susan, columbine, yarrow, mountain mint
Annuals: sunflower, cosmos, marigold, pansy, snapdragon, calendula
Here is our handy guide on winter sowing: https://bucksfoodshed.org/winter-garden-activities-you-can-do-now/
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