Winter Sowing

I just learned this year about a technique for gardening called Winter Sowing.  I stumbled upon a website called WinterSown.org a couple months ago and it has opened up a whole new gardening experience for me.  Not only did I learn about the concept of winter sowing vegetables, herbs and flowers, but you can also receive FREE seeds.  Winter sowing is a germination method in which you start your seeds outdoors during winter using mini-greenhouses made of recycled containers or clear plastic totes.  The winter exposure creates healthy strong plants.  I planted some Broccoli, Cabbage, Pak Choi and Swiss Chard in milk jugs back in the beginning of January and some of the broccoli and pak choi started sprouting in the beginning of February.  I did a second planting in the beginning of February using a clear plastic tote with a clear lid and Solo cups.  I planted some perennial flowers, annual flowers, herbs and some tomatoes in the tote.  I checked the tote yesterday and noticed the Bachelor Buttons are sprouting already!  This technique has freed up some space in my indoor greenhouse which I use to start my pepper, eggplant, onions and other seeds that require warmth to germinate.  I use grow lights and heat mats for those seeds.  I only briefly described winter sowing in this post so if you are interested in learning more about winter sowing visit WinterSown.org.  They also have a group you can join on Facebook that I find to be very helpful and informative.  Happy gardening!