Winter Sown Seeds

I recently read a blog about sowing cool weather crop seeds over the winter. From what I read it didn't seem too difficult and resembles a cold frame or mini greenhouse. I would love to have fresh greens waiting to be harvested when the snow melts. Quite intrigued , so I decided to give it a try.

First you need some plastic containers with lids. I am using the containers that my spring mix came in. They are a nice size and have a lid. I also had some starter cells and thought I would use them so transplanting in the spring would be a bit easier. 

You need to cut holes in the bottom of your container for drainage and the top for air circulation. According to the article I read, next spring when the days get warmer, you will need to make these holes larger so your crops don't get too hot. Mark the container with the name of the crop you are growing in it. Easier to do now then when it is full. I marked mine on the top and bottom just in case the weather makes in unable to read next spring.

Fill your containers about half way with good soil and then water.  Make sure your container drains well, otherwise your seeds will rot. Sow your seeds according to the manufacturer. Secure the lid and put outside where you would grow that particular crop. I placed mine in my raised bed where I grow my leafy greens.

There you have it. Hopefully, I will be harvesting leafy greens early next spring. Will post an update then.
For more info and free seeds go to http://www.wintersown.org/