Winter Sowing Vermont Native Plant Seeds

 If you are like me, the snow, dark, and cold have you yearning for signs of spring. While we are still a few months away from the first daffodils of spring, winter seed sowing tends to lift my spirits. 

You may be thinking that you can’t possibly start seeds in the winter. 

The maintenance? The equipment? The time? Won’t they die?

Winter sowing is actually the easiest, cheapest, and most reliable way to start native plants and other cold-loving flowers. 

You need no equipment, no fancy light setup, and you don’t even have to water them. You get to sow the seeds, and ignore them!

The Science of Winter Sowing in Vermont

There is a quiet magic happening right now under the snow in our Vermont fields. While we are tucked inside with tea and hopefully a good book or two, the most resilient members of our ecosystem—our native plants—are actually hard at work. Or rather, they are waiting.

As a flower farmer and educator, I’m often asked how to get tricky native perennials to germinate. My favorite answer? Let the Vermont winter do the heavy lifting for you.

Winter sowing is a method of starting seeds outdoors that mimics nature’s natural cycle. This increases germination rates for many native plants, or early spring annuals. 

Most native seeds in the Northeast possess a built-in survival mechanism called seed dormancy. If they sprouted the moment they hit the ground in September, the first frost would kill the tender seedlings.

To wake up, these seeds require cold stratification. They need a specific period of cold, moist conditions to chemically break down their tough outer coats. By starting your seeds outside in containers in January or February, and ignoring them until late spring, you are providing the ideal environment for seed germination in the spring. 

This is a win-win situation. You have a reason to get your hands in the dirt in the winter, and there is zero maintenance until there is warmer weather. 

There are a few successful methods for winter sowing in Vermont. 

Tip: Make sure that you create a deep soil environment. Native plants have large tap roots, so the 6-inch pot method allows for the healthiest root systems. 

Method 1: The Milk Jug “Mini-Greenhouse”

This is the gold standard for families and home gardeners. It’s sturdy, easy to label, and acts as its own self-watering ecosystem.

What You’ll Need:

• Clean translucent gallon jugs (milk or water).

• Potting mix (avoid “seed starting mix” as it’s often too light; a standard potting soil works best).

• Duct tape and a permanent marker.

• A drill or utility knife.

The Steps:

1. Drainage First: Flip the jug and poke 4-6 holes in the bottom. 

2. The Cut: Cut the jug in half horizontally, leaving a small “hinge” near the handle so the top can flip back.

3. Soil & Sow: Fill the bottom with 3-4 inches of pre-moistened soil. Sow your seeds according to the packet depth (usually just a dusting for tiny seeds).

4. Seal It: Flip the top back over and seal the “waist” of the jug with duct tape.

5. The “No-Cap” Rule: Throw the cap away. The open top allows rain and snow to enter, providing natural moisture and ventilation.

This method is a great way to reuse plastic jugs, and it also prevents critters like squirrels or chipmunks from eating your seeds. 

Tip: If you are short on plastic jugs, use gallon-sized baggies. Make sure there are holes in the bottom for drainage, and leave at least a two-inch space open at the top for water/snow to get in, and for gas exchange to take place. 

Method 2: 6-inch pots

This is the method that I personally use. I use this method because I do not have high pest pressure, and I can provide a deeper layer of soil to establish the healthiest plants. 

What you will need:

• 6-inch pots

• Potting mix

• Seeds

• Coarse Sand

• Optional – Screen covering

The Steps:

1. Fill pots with soil to the top

2. Sprinkle seeds on top 

3. Add a small layer of coarse sand to help protect the seeds from washing out

4. Can add a screen covering to prevent pest pressure from eating your seeds

The “Set It and Forget It” Phase

Once your jugs, baggies, or pots are prepared, set them outside in a spot where they won’t get blown over but will get rained and snowed on. A shadier spot is also better than a spot in full sun. Then, you wait.

When the sun gains strength in late March and April, your jugs will act as little incubators. On warm days (above 50°F), you may need to open your containers up more, so they don’t get too hot. 

What to Sow in Vermont Right Now

I have also grown:

• Lavender 

• Poppys

• Yarrow

• Larkspur

• Echinacia 

• Bee Balm

I ordered my seeds the other day, and I cannot wait to sow a bunch this winter! 

Pro-Tips for Vermont Success

• The “Wind” Factor: Vermont winds are no joke. If you are placing your jugs in an open area, put a small, clean stone inside the jug (on top of the soil) before sealing. This keeps your “greenhouse” from ending up in the next county during a wind storm. 

• The Mud Season Drainage: In late March, check your drainage holes. If they’ve become clogged with ice or debris, poke them again. We want “moist,” not “a bog.” This is one reason I like the pots, because the added soil depth helps to prevent waterlogging.  

Source Locally: To keep our local ecosystem strong, try to buy seeds from regional sources like Vermont Wildflower Farm or Wild Seed Project. These seeds are already “calibrated” to our shorter growing season and harsh winters. I also like to support Johnny’s Seeds.