Start Your Spring Garden Now: Winter Sowing 101
Winter might seem like a quiet time in the garden, but did you know it’s one of the best seasons to set your spring garden up for success? By sowing hardy plants that thrive in the cold, you can take advantage of nature’s rhythm and ensure a flourishing garden come spring.
Here’s a guide to the best plants for winter sowing and why they’re perfect for this time of year.
Why Sow in Winter?
Winter sowing mimics nature’s process of letting seeds rest and germinate at just the right time. Many plants, especially hardy annuals and perennials, need exposure to cold temperatures to break dormancy and germinate effectively. This process, known as cold stratification, helps seeds prepare for growth as the days warm and lengthen.
By sowing now, you’ll:
Jumpstart Growth: Winter-sown seeds germinate earlier and more robustly than spring-planted seeds.
Simplify the Process: Winter sowing reduces the need for grow lights, heating pads, or indoor setups.
Work with Nature: Seeds are naturally adapted to thrive when exposed to the freeze-thaw cycle of winter.
We also find that starting some varieties of plant starts over the winter here in Georgia, sets them up for success when entering our spring season since we often have short springs before the temperatures heat up. By planting now, it allows the roots to get established and you can simply cover with frost cloths when the temperatures dip too low.
The Best Plants for Winter Sowing
Not all plants are created equal when it comes to winter sowing. The plants below are cold-hardy champions that love the winter stratification process and will reward you with strong, healthy growth in the spring.
1. Calendula (Calendula officinalis)
Why It’s Great: This hardy annual is a cheerful addition to any garden, with vibrant orange and yellow flowers that bloom through the cooler months. Its petals are packed with healing properties, making it a favorite for herbal teas, salves, and skincare.
Sowing Tip: Scatter seeds directly in the soil during winter. Plant starts and cover them with a light frost cloth when temperatures dip below freezing. Calendula thrives in cool temperatures and will sprout early in the spring.
Bonus: Pollinators love Calendula, and so will your apothecary!
2. Borage (Borago officinalis)
Why It’s Great: Known as “Bee Flower,” this fast-growing annual attracts pollinators and adds a whimsical touch to your garden with its stunning blue, star-shaped flowers. The leaves and flowers are edible, making it a versatile choice for teas, garnishes, and salads.
Sowing Tip: Borage seeds germinate beautifully after a cold period, making winter the ideal time to plant. Choose a spot with plenty of room, as this plant loves to sprawl.
Bonus: Plant borage near tomatoes to naturally deter pests like hornworms in the summer.
3. Wild Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)
Why It’s Great: Often mistaken for a pesky weed, wild dandelions are a powerhouse of nutrients. Every part of this plant is edible, from the leaves to the roots, making it an essential for herbal teas and remedies. Its bright yellow blooms are also a welcome sight for early pollinators.
Sowing Tip: Dandelion seeds and plants thrive when exposed to freezing temperatures. Plant them in a sunny spot where they can establish without disturbance.
Bonus: This perennial is a low-maintenance addition that can help fill gaps in your garden while improving soil health.
4. Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla & Chamaemelum nobile)
Why It’s Great: Chamomile’s delicate white flowers are not only soothing to the soul but also perfect for teas, tinctures, and skincare. German Chamomile is an annual that grows tall, while Roman Chamomile is a low-growing perennial that doubles as fragrant ground cover.
Sowing Tip: Chamomile seeds are small and benefit from a cold period to encourage strong germination. Sprinkle them lightly in soil and let winter’s chill do the rest. Plant starts of the plants now and lightly cover with a frost cloth when temperatures get too cold. This allows their roots to get established over the winter season.
Bonus: Chamomile naturally deters pests, making it a fantastic companion plant.
How Winter Sowing Supports Biodiversity
One of the greatest benefits of winter sowing is that it supports your local ecosystem. Many of the plants listed above attract essential pollinators like bees, butterflies, and even birds. Starting these plants now ensures that your garden will be ready to welcome wildlife as soon as the warmer weather arrives.
By choosing native and pollinator-friendly species like Wild Dandelion and Borage, you’re also playing a role in preserving biodiversity and reducing the need for pesticides.
Pro Tips for Winter Sowing Success
Choose the Right Plants: Stick to hardy varieties like those listed above — plants that love the cold and will naturally thrive when sowed in winter.
Prepare Your Soil: Ensure your garden beds are ready for planting by loosening the soil and adding a layer of organic compost.
Let Nature Lead: Don’t worry if it snows or freezes — these conditions are exactly what the seeds need!
Mark Your Rows: Label your planting areas to keep track of what’s been sowed.
Shop and Sow: Get Your Winter-Friendly Plants Now!
Ready to start sowing? Planted Wellness Co has everything you need to kickstart your winter gardening journey. Stock up on hardy varieties like Calendula, Chamomile, and Wild Dandelion. Shop now!
