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Post by ottawagardener on Mar 2, 2009 16:54:33 GMT -5
Ceara: That is a fantastic way to start toms. I guess something similar can be done with yoghurt containers (the large ones) under direct lights or other reusuable containers.
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Post by bunkie on Mar 2, 2009 18:33:45 GMT -5
right on the plastic blue. i use any plastic bags i get over and over and over again till they are too holey to use...hmmm...course the holes would work well for the wintersowing now, wouldn't they?! ;D
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Post by ceara on Mar 2, 2009 19:00:54 GMT -5
Yes I will be using yogurt containers, but I only have 12 large ones and guess I will be using those to give some sweet corn a head start for a brand new 3 Sisters plot experiment.
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Post by grungy on Mar 2, 2009 22:21:31 GMT -5
Again ceara, think paper pots 1 1/4" - 1 1/2" = 12 to a milk jug bottom. I use an cardboard tube from paper towels for the form to roll the newspaper around. Tear the news paper in 7 1/4" inch strips that will go at least twice around the form (2 and 1/2 times is actually better). Measure up 6" from the end of the tube and draw a line around it at this point. Wrap your newsprint around the tube, Fold the excess under to form the bottom of the pot. Slip off the pot, fill with dirt and you have a nice deep pot 6" deep that will stay good for at least 3 weeks. Then when you are ready to plant out, you plant the corn, pot and all. Tear off the top inch or so and bury the paper pot completely.
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Post by ceara on Mar 2, 2009 23:29:21 GMT -5
We must have been on the same wavelength. hehe Because a few hours ago I was reading about the paper pots and watching videos on the different methods people use. I am liking the origami version that gives a square pot over the round ones. I have two plastic boxes full of cut paper towel tubes and some toilet paper tubes all ready to go as well. Been collecting all winter. I'm learning! Slowly...  Thank you all for the lovely advice. |
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Post by bunkie on Apr 15, 2009 13:56:36 GMT -5
woohoo! finally, about three days ago the winter sown seeds are starting to sprout above ground!!! we have sage, fennel, carnations, and many others! they're so beautiful!!!
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Post by bluelacedredhead on Apr 15, 2009 20:51:46 GMT -5
Good to hear, Bunkie!! Congratulations on becoming a Successful WinterSower!!
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Post by ottawagardener on May 9, 2009 16:14:09 GMT -5
My successes were some alliums, some brassicas (but not the cabbage - only one seedling), edible chrysanthemum, bachelor's buttons, tomatoes - developing their first set of true leaves, lettuce a few assorted others.
I think next year, I'll place my plastic containers in a larger container and add more dirt. I do believe I wintersowed in January.
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Post by Penny on May 11, 2009 5:54:12 GMT -5
Sounds great, i am happy with my results too, and will be starting even more next year~~!
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Post by greeneyes on May 13, 2009 1:16:23 GMT -5
Yesterday I transplanted the spinach and kale that i wintersowed,they are so nice and healthy,much better plants than the ones i usually get when i direct sow..Cabbages were a no show,but i expected that,i had the seeds for quite a long time now.Calendulas are doing good and i am getting ready to transplant them into pots..After several years of wintersowing,i pretty much have it figured out what is successful and what isn't...One thing I haven't wintersown yet is tomatoes even though i have been assured by several people that it can be done..Maybe next year i'll try it..
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Post by ottawagardener on May 13, 2009 4:48:06 GMT -5
My cabbage didn't work either so maybe they don't perform well with wintersowing. I was thinking of a hybrid for some my hardier plants next year that only need a short headstart.
Actually, I did this with some brassicas, magenta spreen (I don't know how I convinced myself to actually grow this now I'll never be rid of lamb's ear), magnolias and something else?? I started them inside but put them out during the day as long as it was slightly above freezing at least. They were in and out from April to May and they grew really well. At the end, I just left them out all the time and transplanted the other day.
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Post by bunkie on Dec 18, 2009 17:29:15 GMT -5
woohoo! 3 more days and winter sowing begins! are ya ready???! ;D
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Post by sandbar on Dec 24, 2009 0:12:17 GMT -5
I winter sowed tomatoes, peppers, herbs, etc. with mixed results. Tomatoes sprouted, but were 3-4 weeks behind the transplants I started indoors. Since I grow for market, I can't give up a month's worth of production, so I won't be doing maters the winter-sown way anymore. If you can put up with the delay, I had good germination on them. Peppers never came up. Herbs did very well, so will do them again. Winter sowing is fun and Trudi has lots of good advice on her site as well as free seed offers. Hard to beat that!!  |
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Post by ottawagardener on Dec 24, 2009 16:29:04 GMT -5
Solastice has passed. Does that mean I can start seeds now?
Sandbar: My toms were okay but I"ve had success with 'some' brassicas such as kale, mustards and other really winter hardy ones, winter hardy lettuces and other stuff you would put in a polytunnel/greenhouse. Also, perennials that need stratification including lots of wildflowers. No surprise there, I suppose. I've seen good results of other people for the short headstart required for some vining crops such as squash.
I use a variation on the technique by taking the seed trays inside at night for some plants that prefer a bit more heat to get going.
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Post by bunkie on Dec 25, 2009 9:55:12 GMT -5
Solastice has passed. Does that mean I can start seeds now? ....... yup! i'm readying to start some of those greens (Orach and mustard) you sent me earlier! |
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