Page 17 - Sports Energy News, Cornwall, Issue No 145

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www.sportsenergynews.com Issue #145 February 2025 17
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Let it Grow – Winter Sowing
By Marion Dalley there be a frost, these seedlings may is not to conserve heat or protect cover will allow for growth, once
be harmed. seedlings but rather to conserve the seedlings sprout. Choose a spot
moisture—it keeps condensation where there is diffused light, dappled
or those gardeners who just With winter sowing, seeds from evaporating. You’ll see your shade, or just morning sun. Its also
Fcan’t wait to get their fingers germinate when they’re ready. By containers ‘fog up’ even in the fine to put the containers in the
in the soil again, this may be a fun the time they’re large enough to be winter. This is normal—it’s simply shade, until the soil is thawed, and
little winter project to try. Now is the planted out, they’re more than ready the soil moisture condensing. You germination is possible. Then move
ideal time to do some winter sowing. for garden conditions, so you won’t may need to water your containers the containers to a sunnier place.
Generally, you want to do this about have to harden your plants. occasionally, dribble water down the
6 – 8 weeks before we begin to get Choose the right soil mix. For side of the container, or use a spray Winter sowing doesn’t have many
frost-free days. most seeds, you will want a finely bottle to moisten the surface, but not hard and fast rules. It can be a fun
Winter sowing can save you some screened medium. For tiny seeds, dislodge the seeds. Be careful not experiment for gardeners who get
money, should you be successful, use soil-less mix made especially for to make the soil sopping wet, plant bored in the wintertime. You don’t
especially if you are growing native seed germination. If you only have roots need air to thrive. stand to lose much; a little bit of
perennials. Other crops that are good basic potting mix, you can put it The soil surface should get some time and energy, and possibly an
to try include herbs, kale, and flowers through a 1/4” screen to get rid of the sunlight… but not too much! Too assortment of scrounged containers.
that mature fairly quickly, such as lumpy bits. To save a bit of money, much heat, and the soil and seeds But isn’t this what gardening is
marigolds. Crops to avoid planting try using the basic course mix for the will cook. Be sure that there are slits all about? There are many roads to
would be root vegetables. You won’t bottom few inches, and then top with in your plastic covers to allow the success, so give it a whirl. Happy
need to spend money on grow lights, a super fine mix. This will be where heat to escape. And be sure that the experimenting!
heated pads, or racking systems. And the seeds rest. For larger seeds, a
it can save a mess if you are in a basic potting mix is fine, but you
confined situation, small home! may want to cut it with a perlite to
keep the soil aerated. It is important
All you need is easy and regular
that the soil not be compacted and
access to an outdoor space—on
dense. Using your own garden soil is
your patio, deck, or right in your not recommended.
garden. Winter sowing is done in
clear or translucent containers which The depth of soil in the container
are labelled, so you know what has should be about four inches. Much
popped up come spring. Large plastic deeper than that would be a waste
pop bottles are great, as you can cut of your soil. Seeds need moisture.
them in half, and then replace the top Moisten the mix before you fill the
to keep little critters from digging containers. Add tap water to the point
up your seeds. Ask your neighbours where a squeezed handful holds its
for discarded bottles (plastic), shape but does not drip. It is a good
conversely, you can also use small idea to cut a few holes in the bottoms
bins and containers. of your containers, to allow for
drainage. Once the seeds are planted,
*One thing to watch for is once the
don’t allow the mix to dry out. The
seedlings have started - that should
purpose of the ‘greenhouse’ cover Photo Submitted