Pre-Spring Fever
Don’t clean up yet.
A late winter snow on last year’s plants
Don’t clean up yet! Get those native seeds planted for stratification.
If you didn’t get a fresh two inches of snow yesterday like we did, you might be tempted to head outside and start cutting down the grasses and native plants you left standing last fall. Don’t do it! Insects are still overwintering in the stalks and there may be some berries or seeds left for the birds. Wait another couple weeks until you see some green poking through the ground. Besides, the snow on last year’s plants looks kind of pretty. The birds have even started singing adding to the late winter show.
It is is time to plant those native seeds that need a cold period, or stratification, to germinate. I use a variety of methods. One effective method is using plastic gallon jugs that make good planters. I rinse them thoroughly, then cut most of the way around leaving the handle to attach the top to the bottom. I put several holes in the bottom, then fill with good potting soil about half way up the bottom half. I have successfully started two different varieties of seeds with a stick dividing them. Don’t forget to use a permanent marker to label each side and include: common name, Latin name, starting date, source of seed. The only problem I have had is small animals (I suspect “whaskaly whabbits”) eating my young seedlings. I have had excellent germination rates this way. If you place them outside, make sure you tape the jugs shut to discourage the eating of your seeds or seedlings.
Plastic gallon jugs make good seed starters. Yes, I reuse them.