Many native plant species require cold, moist stratification (a period of cold, including freezing, temperatures) for their seeds to germinate. That’s our basic winter, full of danger for seeds that need to land on suitable soil, avoid drought and floods, and elude hungry birds, and other winter hazards. What if there was an easy way to mimic winter conditions without all the risk?
As gardeners we can control the germination process somewhat by winter sowing. Seeds are planted in clear or translucent containers (such as large jugs or pop bottles) modified to provide soil, moisture, light, drainage, and ventilation. Once the containers are prepared and placed outside, usually in December or January, we just ignore them until the seeds begin to germinate, usually in April.
Seedlings, when large enough, are pricked out and grown on until ready to plant in the garden, usually by the late summer. You get a lot of almost-free plants!
Learn how to winter-sow
The Augusta Township and Area Butterflyway Project (a program of the David Suzuki Foundation) is hosting a hands-on workshop on November 16, 2026. It’s a great way to learn the principles of winter sowing and the many options available to creative gardeners. Participants will take home at least one completed container.
When: Monday November 16th from 7 to 9 p.m.
Where: Maitland Ontario (~20 km east of Brockville) at the MERC Hall 120 E Mclean Blvd
Workshop Leader: Bev Wagar (certified Master Gardener and long-time native plant enthusiast) with assistance from group volunteers (Butterflyway Rangers)
Registration: by email: augustabutterflyway@gmail.com limited to ten participants on a first-come basis
Cost: $15 — etransfer to augustabutterflyway@gmail.com Proceeds support the community service work of the Augusta Township & Area Butterflyway Project
Organizers will provide:
• one container
• knives & scissors
• greenhouse and other tape products
• markers and paint pens
• plant marker sticks
• enough germination mix for one container
• bins / bowls for mix, water
• seeds for native plants
Participants will provide:
• additional containers (optional)
• additional germination mix (if doing 2+ containers)
• sturdy box to carry completed containers home
Top-quality germination mix will be available to buy for $5 a bag (cash) at the workshop.
View or download a one-page pdf summary handout on the instructor’s web site https://morethanaprettygarden.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/wintersowing_ws_handout-2026.pdf
Here’s a series of three articles providing a detailed look at the process and options: https://www.rbg.ca/winter-sowing-part-one/