Winter Sowing Made Easy

Winter sowing of cold-hardy perennial or native seeds is a great way to let nature do the work, and save money. Julie Berbiglia is with an experienced grower who shares a space-saving method to germinate seeds outdoors over winter. Along with the seeds, this method requires gallon-size freezer bags, potting soil, and clothespins.

Post author By NPT Editorial
Post date September 24, 2026

Plants Featured in this Clip

Eurybia divaricatus (White wood aster)
Penstomon
Monarda (Bee balm)
Solidago odora (sweet goldenrod)
Solidago caesia (Blue-stemmed goldenrod)
Agastache foeniculum (anise hyssop)
Eutrochium maculatum (Joe Pye Weed)

Gardener Extras

Oil-based pens such as Sharpee and Milwaukee INKZALL resist fading under heavy sun.
The native seeds will first sprout 2 immature 'false leaves' called cotyledons. They are formed from the nutrients inside the seeds. The 'true leaves' should occur some time after.
Packer aurea 'Golden Groundsel' is an easy-to-grow native perennial valued for its profuse bloom in early summer. It spreads by rhizome to form a colony that suppresses weeds.
One can typically expect somewhere between 70-80% of seeds to germinate.

Julie Berbiglia

Julie is Metro Water Services’ Education Specialist. She is happiest when mucking about in the soil. She revels in community gardening projects, frugal gardening practices, organic growing methods, and clever solutions to landscape challenges