00:00Think it's too early to start flower seeds? Think again. Winter is actually the perfect time to give your garden
00:06a head start, and I'm going to show you exactly which seeds to start now so your summer blooms are
00:11bigger, brighter, and earlier than ever.
00:14And you won't need a greenhouse or any other fancy equipment. I'll share my seed starting secret, a lazy method
00:21that uses something you already have in your home.
00:33But first, we need to select the right seeds. When you're seed shopping, look for words like perennial, hardy, or
00:41frost-tolerant. These flowers are built to handle the cold and will sprout naturally as spring gets closer.
00:48Let's start with one of my favorite perennials to start from seed. Delphinium, also known as larkspur, need plenty of
00:55time to develop strong, healthy roots, which is why winter sowing gives them such a huge advantage.
01:01These stately flowers grow tall and elegant, and they're absolutely worth the effort. Plus, they make terrific cut flowers.
01:10Cone flowers are another excellent choice. In nature, their seeds drop to the ground in late summer or fall and
01:17naturally endure the cold winter months before sprouting in spring, making them perfect for this method.
01:23This cold period isn't just coincidence. It's actually what triggers germination. And once temperatures warm up, they'll wake up on
01:32their own with no babying required.
01:35Columbines are another perfect flower to winter sow, since they, yet again, actually rely on those natural freeze-thaw cycles
01:43to germinate.
01:44Come spring, you'll have strong and healthy seedlings ready to grow into those delicate-looking, nodding blooms we all love.
01:52As a tip, just lightly press the seeds into the soil. They need a bit of light to get started.
01:57And the best part? They're really forgiving, which makes them great for beginners or anyone who wants a splash of
02:04early color in the garden.
02:07Foxgloves, one of my all-time favorite flowers, can actually be sown during the winter months as well.
02:12Their striking blooms add vertical drama to your perennial beds and attract pollinators like bees and hummingbirds.
02:19The seeds do need a period of cold to germinate properly, so sowing them outdoors naturally mimics the conditions they'd
02:26experience in the wild.
02:28And once those seedlings develop their true leaves, you can transplant them right into the garden in spring.
02:33Keep in mind, though, that most common foxgloves are biennials, so they won't flower the first year.
02:39But trust me, they're absolutely worth the wait.
02:43Milkweed, the quintessential flower for attracting butterflies, is a must for any perennial garden, and it's perfect for bringing pollinators
02:50near vegetable beds, too.
02:52The cold and moisture of winter naturally bring the seed's dormancy.
02:56Then, when spring does finally arrive, the seedlings are ready to grow strong and healthy,
03:01producing those iconic flower clusters packed with nectar for adult butterflies,
03:05while the foliage serves as a host for monarch caterpillars.
03:09On top of that, all milkweeds are low-maintenance and drought-tolerant,
03:14making them a beautiful and practical addition to any landscape.
03:18Lupins are another hardy perennial with tall, stately flowers that instantly grab your attention.
03:24They also require cold stratification, so sowing the seeds in winter is ideal.
03:29Once you transplant them into the garden in the spring, lupins have an extra bonus.
03:34As members of the legume family, they naturally add nitrogen back into the soil, enriching it and benefiting nearby plants.
03:42Whether you're scattering seeds on top of the snow or planting them in containers,
03:46poppies are one of those classic flowers that bring the whimsical charm only they can offer.
03:52They may look delicate when in bloom, but these plants are surprisingly hardy and thrive when winter's sown.
03:58The seedlings emerge strong and ready to produce vibrant, eye-catching flowers.
04:03And on top of that, poppies are low-maintenance and drought-tolerant, making them a breeze to grow.
04:22So, how do you start these seeds?
04:25You can always start them indoors the old-fashioned way,
04:28but why not save yourself some time and patience and get a head start the easy way.
04:33Yes, some seeds can be sprinkled onto the ground, even covered in snow,
04:37but we really like the milk jug method.
04:40Whether it be an actual milk jug, a water jug, or a juice container,
04:44most large plastic prior liquid-holding vessels will do.
04:48First, we'll grab a few supplies.
04:50You'll need your jugs, potting mix.
04:53We do recommend actual potting mix or potting soil for this, not seed-starting mix.
04:59And, of course, we'll need some seeds.
05:01You'll begin first by cutting the jugs in half,
05:04leaving a hinge on one side, creating a mini greenhouse.
05:08Do not forget to punch several drain holes, at least four on the bottom.
05:13Pre-moisten your potting mix.
05:14This trick works well for any seed-sowing or container project.
05:18Add in some quality potting mix and pop those seeds right on top.
05:22Most like to be covered just slightly with soil.
05:26Lightly water the top and cover the container.
05:28Label your seeds both inside and out and then close the lid and apply strong tape to seal it shut.
05:35Leave the cap off to allow moisture to get to the seeds.
05:39Set the jugs in a sunny spot while they'll receive rain or snow.
05:44Monitor the jugs and the seedlings as the weeks go by and supplement with water during dry periods.
05:49As spring arrives and temperatures start to rise, you may need to open the tops to vent.
05:55You've essentially created a mini greenhouse with this technique.
05:59Once the weather finally breaks and it's safe to transplant,
06:02move your seedlings into larger pots or directly into your garden beds.
06:07Winter seed-starting is one of those quiet gardening moves that really pays off later,
06:12without all of the extra work.
06:14Which flowers will you be starting this winter?
06:16Let us know in the comments.
06:18And if you want to check out some of the items I used in this video,
06:21you'll find links in the description.
06:24Thanks so much for watching and happy planting!
