I experimented with a lot more Winter sowing this past season and was pleasantly surprised by the results of “seed it and forget it” outdoors into re-used plastic jugs.

Everything I Winter sowed did germinate🥳! Of course, crop selection played a big part in my success. I started with proven cool-weather crops like cilantro, oregano, swiss chard, and kale. Then, I expanded to include medicinal plants with recommended cold stratification periods. I reasoned that it was just as cold (if not colder🥶) outdoors in Winter as it was inside the fridge. The seeds agreed and proved that I can also Winter sow chamomile, yarrow, valerian, astragalus, mugwort, feverfew, and motherwort.

In my experience, most perennial herbs grown from seed take 2-3 years before they’re strong enough to consistently harvest and propagate. I REALLY want to be able to add these herbs to my apothecary, so I will baby them through Summer to reduce heat stress and increase their survival rate🤞🏾.