Hey everyone! So, I decided to try winter sowing for the first time this year and I think I might have messed it up. I sowed my seeds on February 18, but now it's March 5 and only one seed has germinated. I'm wondering if I did it too late, or if maybe the drainage holes in my containers are too small? I ended up moving them to my portable greenhouse this weekend. Am I too late to see results, or is it just a matter of being patient? Any advice would be appreciated!
5 Answers
Remember, winter sowing allows seeds to germinate when they're ready based on the weather. You don’t gain any time compared to regular sowing, so be patient! They're probably just waiting for the right conditions to sprout.
What types of seeds are you trying to grow? It could make a difference in how quickly they germinate.
I tried winter sowing this year too! I'm in Kentucky and used clear totes with pots inside. I placed them outside just before a snowstorm about three weeks ago. It's cold here right now, so I'm not expecting sprouting just yet, especially since I mostly planted flowers. My indoor tomatoes are doing great, though!
It’s still early to tell, honestly. Winter sowing is different; seeds germinate based on their natural timeline. They could take longer than expected, especially since they were planted outside in the cold. Just hang in there a bit longer!
Check the germination time listed on your seed packets. Some seeds take 5-10 days while others may take a couple of weeks. Also, make sure you planted them at the right depth; if they're too deep, it can delay growth or cause them to rot.

Thanks for the reassurance! I guess I'll just wait a little more.