Taking the Plunge!

18 years ago

Being a new homeowner, I now have a wonderful little place of my own to garden. We moved in July, so I am getting to experience each new season as a gardener, and it's been awesome:) I've spent the past months collecting, hoarding, and obsessing over seeds for my spring and summer garden. I've also made myself CRAZY with trying to keep track of start times, which ones need to go in the refrigerator first, hardening-off times, ahghghg! Lo and behold, I stumbled across this thing called winter sowing!!!

I know it might be too late (here in Central OH), but I am determined to try this! I've got an assortment of seeds (snaps, hollyhock, calendula, larkspur, poppies, alyssum, the list goes on..), and I really want to experiment! Thanks to everyone for your posts...I've been scouring this place for hours:):) I am hunkering down tonight with my milk jugs, soil, seeds, and all other "equipment"! Even if it is too late, I still want to try my hand at this, so I'll be all the more prepared for next time:)

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Comments (6)

dirtbert
18 years ago
I can't imagine that it would be too late for you.
Are you still getting freezing temps at night?
bakemom_gw
18 years ago
It's certainly not too late. GOGOGOGOGOGOGO!
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kqcrna
18 years ago
Welcome, jessamae, and no, you're not too late. I'm in Cincinnati and still have lots of seeds to sow.

It might be getting a little late for seeds that need a long cold stratification, like several months, but most don't require that. I think all the varieties that you listed are fine to sow now.

You might want to wait a month or more for more tender things, like zinnia. The danger is that they might sprout in an early warm spell, only to be killed by return of normal cold freezing weather. I don't start those things until mid March or early April.

Jump in and have fun!

Karen
tiffy_z5_6_can
18 years ago
Another welcome Jessamae!

No you are not too late. Actually, you are right on time! For me in USDA zone 5, things are going in full swing and will continue until late April.

Have fun and keep a bucket of patience beside you. You are about to start growing some beautiful gardens!
jessamae22
Original Author
18 years ago
Wonderful! And, thank you for the welcome:) We are definitely still getting freezing temps (it's only 16 degrees now, as I write this...oh, Ohio...)....I will also heed Karen's advice about the zinnia and other tender annuals.....I have a little chart thingy set up for approximate dates for each type of seed:) Wow, I'm so obsessed :P
gardenluv
18 years ago
If you are already obsessed, you are definately in the right place. Good luck and welcome to wintersowing.