Winter Sowing

A Simple, Low-Stress Way to Start Seeds Outdoors

January. 26th 2026

If you garden in New Brunswick, you know the feeling—winter seems long, spring arrives late, and suddenly everything needs to be planted at once. Add limited indoor space (and maybe a curious cat), and starting seeds can feel more stressful than fun.

 

That’s where winter sowing comes in.

 

Winter sowing is a simple and low-effort method for starting seeds outdoors during the winter months, using recycled containers. It works with our climate instead of against it—and it’s especially well suited to Zone 5a–5b gardeners here in the Maritimes.

 

Whether you’re a first-time gardener or have been growing for years, winter sowing is a great way to:

  • Start seeds without grow lights or heat mats
  • Grow strong, resilient plants
  • Try new varieties with very little risk

At Scott’s Nursery Ltd. in Lincoln, we love winter sowing because it’s approachable, practical, and perfect for our local conditions. If you’ve ever wondered whether you could start seeds outdoors before spring—this guide will walk you through it, step by step.

What Is Winter Sowing?

Winter sowing is a method of planting seeds in outdoor containers during winter and allowing nature to control when they germinate.

 

Instead of starting seeds indoors and trying to time everything just right, winter sowing lets seeds respond naturally to:

  • Temperature
  • Moisture
  • Day length

Seeds are planted in containers like milk jugs or clear bins, placed outside, and left alone through winter. When spring conditions are right, the seeds sprout on their own—no reminders, no special equipment, no panic.

Important to know:


Seeds do not sprout in winter. They wait patiently until the soil warms and the conditions are safe.

Why Winter Sowing Works So Well

Our climate is actually one of winter sowing’s biggest advantages.

Here’s why it works so reliably in New Brunswick:

 

Cold stratification happens naturally
Many seeds—especially perennials and native plants—need a period of cold before they’ll germinate. Our winters take care of that for us.

 

Snow is an insulator
Snow helps protect seeds from extreme temperature swings and drying winds.

 

Gradual spring warming
Unlike indoor seedlings that go from cozy to shocked overnight, winter-sown plants adjust slowly to real conditions.

 

Built-in hardening off
These seedlings are already tough. No need to harden them off later.

 

For Maritime gardeners, winter sowing just fits. It’s patient, practical, and forgiving—much like gardening here in general.

Why Winter Sowing Works So Well

Winter sowing might sound unconventional at first, but once gardeners try it, many never go back. It’s one of those methods that just makes sense—especially here in New Brunswick.

Whether you’re growing flowers, vegetables, or native plants, winter sowing offers some big advantages.

Stronger, Tougher Plants

Plants grown through winter sowing tend to be:

  • Shorter and sturdier (not tall and floppy)
  • Better rooted
  • More resilient to wind, rain, and cool spring nights

Because they sprout outdoors, they’re adapted from day one to real garden conditions—not a cozy windowsill.

No Hardening Off Required

One of the most stressful parts of indoor seed starting is hardening off—moving plants outside a little at a time and hoping you don’t forget them.

 

With winter sowing:

  • Seedlings are already used to outdoor temperatures
  • There’s no sudden shock
  • You can transplant with confidence

This is a huge bonus for busy gardeners.

Less Equipment, Less Fuss

You don’t need:

  • Grow lights
  • Heat mats
  • Shelving units
  • Timers

All you need are simple containers, soil, and seeds. 

Nature takes care of the rest.

For many gardeners, this makes winter sowing more approachable and a lot more fun.

Perfect for Native Plants & Pollinators

Many native plants and wildflowers—like those from Northern Wildflowers—require cold exposure to germinate.

 

Winter sowing:

  • Mimics natural seed cycles
  • Improves germination rates for natives
  • Supports pollinators like bees and butterflies

If you’re looking to create a more eco-friendly garden, this method is a natural fit.

Beginner-Friendly 

(and Low Risk)

One of the best things about winter sowing is how forgiving it is:

  • Seeds aren’t rushed
  • Mistakes are less costly
  • If something doesn’t work, you’ve learned for next year

It’s an ideal way to experiment with new plants without feeling overwhelmed.

At Scott’s Nursery Ltd., we often suggest winter sowing to gardeners who want to try starting seeds but don’t know where to begin. If you ever feel unsure, just ask—we’re happy to help you choose seeds that work well for this method.

What You Need to Get Started

One of the best things about winter sowing is how little you actually need. Many gardeners already have most of these supplies at home, and the rest are easy to find.

The Basics (Must-Haves)

Containers

Clear or translucent containers act like mini greenhouses. 

Popular options include:

  • Milk jugs
  • 2L pop bottles
  • Clear takeout containers with lids

💡 Tip: Clear containers let sunlight in while protecting seeds from wind and excess moisture.

Potting Soil

Use a light, well-draining potting mix.

Do not use garden soil

Avoid heavy mixes that stay soggy

Good drainage is key to preventing rot.

Seeds

Choose seeds that are well-suited to winter sowing—especially:

  • Native plants
  • Perennials
  • Cold-hardy vegetables and flowers

At Scott’s Nursery Ltd., we carry great options from Northern Wildflowers, Halifax Seed, OSC, and more, and we’re always happy to help you decide what to try.

Water

You’ll need water to moisten the soil before planting. After that, nature does most of the work.

Labels & Marker

This step matters more than you think.

  • Use a permanent marker
  • Label both the container and a tag inside if possible

Winter can fade ink faster than expected.

Helpful Extras (Nice to Have)

These aren’t required, but they can make things easier:

Duct tape or zip ties to secure containers

Stones or bricks to keep containers from blowing away

A tray or bin to group containers together

Mesh or hardware cloth if critters are a concern

What Not to Use (Common Beginner Mistakes)

Avoid these common issues:

❌ Containers without drainage holes

❌ Garden soil or compost-heavy mixes

❌ Dark or opaque containers

❌ Forgetting to label

A few small prep steps now can save a lot of frustration later.

When to Winter Sow in New Brunswick (Zone 5a–5b)

One of the most common questions we hear is:
“When should I start winter sowing?”

The good news? Winter sowing isn’t about hitting one perfect date. It’s more of a season-long process, and New Brunswick’s climate gives us a wide, forgiving window.

Think in terms of what you’re sowing, not the calendar.

Winter Sowing Is a Season, Not a Single Day

In NB, winter sowing usually happens from late December through early April, depending on the type of seed.

Seeds won’t germinate until conditions are right, so planting earlier than necessary doesn’t hurt them—it often helps.

Late December to January

Best for cold-loving seeds

This is prime time for:

  • Native plants
  • Perennials
  • Seeds that need cold stratification

Examples:

  • Milkweed
  • Lupine
  • Echinacea
  • Black-eyed Susan
  • Columbine

These seeds benefit from long exposure to winter temperatures and snow cover.

February

Hardy vegetables and herbs

February is great for seeds that can handle cooler conditions but don’t need as long a cold period.

Good choices include:

  • Lettuce
  • Swiss chard
  • Kale
  • Spinach
  • Parsley
  • Dill
  • Chives

These plants are well-suited to early spring transplanting.

March

Half-hardy plants

As daylight increases, you can start:

  • Broccoli
  • Cabbage
  • Brussels sprouts
  • Calendula
  • Sweet peas
  • Bachelor’s buttons

Containers will warm more quickly now, so keep an eye on moisture.

April

Tender plants (with monitoring)

Some gardeners also winter sow tender plants later in the season, such as:

  • Zinnias
  • Cosmos
  • Sunflowers
  • Nasturtiums

At this stage:

  • Containers may need more frequent watering
  • Venting on warm days becomes important

If you’re unsure whether a seed is a good candidate, this is a great time to ask us for advice.

A Maritime Reminder


New Brunswick springs can be unpredictable:

Warm days - Cold nights - Late frosts

Winter-sown seeds are well adapted to these swings. 

Trust the process and let the weather guide germination.

The Best Seeds for Winter Sowing

Winter sowing works best with seeds that thrive in cold, outdoor conditions. Here’s a guide for New Brunswick gardeners, broken into easy categories. We’ll also highlight some of the seeds we carry at Scott’s Nursery Ltd.

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Native Plants & Wildflowers

  • Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)

  • Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)

  • New England Aster (Symphyotrichum spp.)

  • Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis)

  • Lupine (Lupinus perennis)

  • Milkweed (Asclepias spp.)

  • Blanket Flower (Gaillardia aristata)

  • Bee Balm (Monarda didyma)

  • Columbine (Aquilegia canadensis)

  • Milkweed (Asclepias spp.)

  • Tip: Natives sown now will often bloom in their first season, and your garden will thank you with pollinator visits.

Vegetables

  • Kale (especially winter-hardy varieties)

  • Spinach

  • Arugula

  • Bok Choy

  • Kohlrabi

  • Cauliflower

  • Lettuce

  • Swiss chard

  • Broccoli

  • Cabbage

  • Brussels sprouts

  • Onion seeds

Herbs

  • Parsley

  • Borage

  • Dill

  • Oregano

  • Mint

  • Lemon Balm

  • Chives

  • Chamomile

  • Cilantro

  • Thyme

  • Sage

  • Lavender

Annual Flowers

  • Cold-hardy annuals:

  • Calendula

  • Snapdragons 

  • Nigella

  • Pansies and Violas

  • Sweet peas

  • Poppies

  • Bachelor’s buttons

  • Larkspur

  • Tender annuals (sow later in season):

  • Zinnias

  • Cosmos

  • Sunflowers

  • Alyssum

  • Marigolds

  • Morning Glory

  • Petunias

  • Nasturtiums

Why Winter Sow These Seeds?

  • They benefit from natural cold stratification
  • They develop strong root systems
  • Seedlings are hardier and easier to transplant
  • Many are pollinator-friendly and native

At Scott’s Nursery Ltd., we carry all these seeds and are happy to help you pick varieties suited to your garden and experience level. Don’t hesitate to ask—we love helping gardeners make the best choices.

Step-by-Step: How to Winter Sow Using Containers

Winter sowing is simple, practical, and surprisingly low-maintenance. 

The most popular method uses milk jugs or other clear plastic containers, but the steps work for a variety of containers.

The Beginner-Friendly Milk Jug Method

Follow these steps to get started:

1. Prepare the container

Cut a milk jug in half horizontally, leaving a hinge at the back.

Poke drainage holes in the bottom for water runoff.

2. Add soil

Fill the jug with 3–4 inches of moist, well-draining potting mix.

Lightly firm the soil; don’t compact it.

3. Plant seeds

Sow seeds according to the packet depth.

Small seeds: sprinkle on top and press gently.

Larger seeds: plant a little deeper.

4. Label everything

Use a permanent marker on the outside.

Add a label inside if possible—winter can fade ink.

5. Seal and ventilate

Close the jug lid loosely or leave the cap off for airflow.

Tape the container shut if needed to protect from snow or wind.

6. Place outside

Find a sunny, protected spot.

You can place containers on the ground or on a table.

Avoid areas with strong wind or heavy foot traffic.

💡 Tip:
Group containers by seed type or planting date. 

This makes monitoring and watering much easier.

Placement Matters

Sun exposure: South-facing locations are ideal

Wind protection: Lean against a fence or wall if needed

Elevation: Keeping containers off the ground helps drainage and protects them from pests

Winter-sown seeds are tough, but a little thoughtful placement goes a long way.

Quick Checklist

Container cut and drainage holes added

Soil moist and well-draining

Seeds planted at proper depth

Labels added inside and outside

Lid secured and ventilated

Containers in a sunny, protected spot

Caring for Winter-Sown Seeds Through the Seasons

One of the best things about winter sowing is how low-maintenance it is, but knowing what to do (and when) ensures your seedlings thrive.

Winter Care (Hands-Off)

Once your containers are outside, nature does most of the work. In New Brunswick, winter care is mostly about letting the snow and cold do their job.

  • Do nothing most of the time. Seeds are dormant until the soil warms.
  • Snow is good. It insulates your containers from harsh winds and temperature swings.
  • Check occasionally. If there’s a long dry spell and the soil is frozen solid, you can gently sprinkle a little water—but usually it’s unnecessary.

💡 Tip:
Resist the urge to move containers indoors; 

cold stratification is exactly what your seeds need.

Spring Care (Pay Attention)

As temperatures rise and days lengthen, your seedlings will start to wake up. 

This is when a little attention pays off:

  • Monitor moisture: Soil should stay damp but not soggy.
  • Vent containers on warm days: Open lids or caps to prevent overheating.
  • Remove lids permanently: Once night temperatures consistently stay above freezing, your containers can stay open.
  • Thin seedlings: If too many seeds germinated in one container, gently thin to avoid overcrowding.

💡 Tip:
Winter-sown seedlings are hardy but can still be stressed by overly hot, wet, or dry conditions. Check them regularly, but don’t over-manage—they’re surprisingly resilient!

Signs Your Seedlings Are Happy

  • Green leaves, upright stems
  • Even, steady growth
  • No yellowing or drooping (unless still very small—it’s normal at first)

💡Maritime Reminder:
Spring in New Brunswick can be unpredictable:

Warm days, cold nights

Late frosts

Variable rainfall

Winter-sown plants handle this better than indoor starts—they are already acclimated to outdoor conditions, so even if the weather swings, your seedlings are prepared.

When & How to Transplant Your Seedlings

Winter-sown seedlings are some of the hardiest little plants you’ll ever grow, thanks to months of outdoor exposure. But knowing the right time and method to transplant them makes all the difference.

How to Tell If Seedlings Are Ready

They have several true leaves (the second set of leaves after the initial seed leaves).

The stems are strong and upright, not spindly.

Roots are well-developed but not root-bound.

Night temperatures are consistently above freezing.

Remember, even hardy seedlings benefit from a cloudy day or evening transplant. Avoid scorching midday sun if possible.

Step-by-Step Transplanting

1. Prepare the garden bed

Ensure soil is workable, free of frost, and enriched with compost if needed.

2. Water seedlings before transplanting

Moist soil makes removing them from containers easier and reduces stress.

3. Carefully remove seedlings

For milk jugs or small containers, gently cut open the container and lift seedlings by their root ball or leaves (avoid pinching stems).

4. Plant into garden

Dig a small hole slightly larger than the root ball.

Place the seedling at the same depth it was growing in the container.

Gently firm soil around the roots.

5. Water thoroughly

Ensure soil around roots is settled and moist.

6. Spacing

Follow recommendations for each plant type to allow air circulation and growth.

Why Winter-Sown Seedlings Are Special

They are already hardened off—no need for gradual adjustment to outdoor conditions.

Less risk of transplant shock compared to indoor-started seedlings.

Often grow faster and stronger in the garden.

Friendly Reminder
Transplanting is one of the most rewarding parts of gardening. Seeing your winter-sown seeds turn into robust young plants is incredibly satisfying—and with the steps above, even first-time gardeners can succeed.

Common Winter Sowing Mistakes 
(and How to Avoid Them)

Even though winter sowing is simple, there are a few common mistakes that can trip up gardeners, especially beginners. 

Knowing them ahead of time makes success almost guaranteed.

No Drainage Holes

Mistake: Using containers without holes leads to waterlogged soil and rotting seeds.

 

Fix: Always poke several drainage holes in the bottom of your container. Milk jugs, bottles, and clear bins all work perfectly.

Using Garden Soil

Mistake: Garden soil is often too heavy and may contain pathogens.

 

Fix: Use a light, well-draining potting mix instead. Seeds need airflow and consistent moisture, not dense dirt.

Forgetting to Label

Mistake: Snow and rain can erase marker labels.

 

Fix: Label both the outside of the container and an inside tag. Permanent markers work best.

Starting Tender Seeds Too Early

Mistake: Some seeds, like zinnias or sunflowers, will rot or fail if exposed to harsh winter conditions too soon.

 

Fix: Wait until later winter or early spring for tender seeds, when soil is slightly warmer and conditions are less extreme.

Overwatering in Spring

Mistake: Assuming seedlings need constant water once they emerge can cause mold or rot.

 

Fix: Check soil moisture before watering. Winter-sown seedlings often need less water than indoor starts.

Bringing Containers Indoors “Just in Case”

Mistake: Moving containers inside defeats the purpose of winter sowing.

 

Fix: Trust the process. Seeds need outdoor conditions to develop properly and harden off naturally.

Even experienced gardeners make these mistakes. 

The good news: winter sowing is forgiving, and most errors are easy to fix. 

Start simple, follow the basic steps, and adjust as needed.

Give Winter Sowing a Try This Year

This winter, don’t wait for spring to get your garden started. 

Winter sowing is approachable, fun, and incredibly satisfying. 

With a few simple supplies and a bit of patience, you’ll be amazed at what sprouts when the weather warms.

Your New Brunswick garden—and pollinators—will thank you.