Learn to grow native plants the easy way! Register now for Winter Sowing 101.
- WHEN: 6 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 23
- WHERE: Nara Chalet and Interpretive Center, 501 Nara Loop, Houghton, near the Copper Country Humane Society
- WHO: This is a family-friendly event. Kids are welcome when accompanied by an adult.
- WHAT TO BRING: Keweenaw Wild Ones will provide all necessary materials, including a selection of native seeds. If you wish, bring your own seeds and/or garden gloves.
- COST: Free
What is winter sowing?
As the name suggests, winter sowing involves starting seeds in winter, but with a twist. Instead of sprinkling seeds on the ground or in an open tray, participants will create mini-greenhouses using milk jugs, salad boxes or other containers, They will then take them home and leave them outside to overwinter.
As spring weather arrives, the greenhouse provides a warm, moist environment, ideal for sprouting seeds.
The Keweenaw Wild Ones website has plenty of information on winter sowing. Here’s a technique used by Illinois horticulturalist Dolly Foster.
Why winter sowing?
Many native seeds require a period of chilling before they germinate, sometimes up to three months. Winter sowing provides this period of chilling and then gives seedlings a warmer start in the spring.
Registration
Sign up here to attend Winter Sowing 101. You don’t have to register to attend, but it helps organizers plan for the event and notify participants if the workshop is rescheduled. In the event of bad weather, the alternate time is 6 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 28, at the Nara Chalet.
Winter sowing using a salad box