Let’s Get Growing! Winter Sow Yarrow for a Burst of Summer Color
Winter blues got you down? I totally get it! But guess what? There’s a super fun and easy way to beat those winter blahs and give yourself a head start on a blooming, beautiful garden! It’s called winter sowing, and it’s perfect for growing gorgeous yarrow. Trust me, you’ll be amazed at how simple it is!
What is Winter Sowing Anyway?
Think of winter sowing as a cozy little outdoor nursery! You’re essentially mini-greenhousing your seeds in recycled containers right outside your door. The elements nurture them – the freeze and thaw, the rain and snow – mimicking nature’s own process. It’s practically gardening magic!
Ready to try it with Yarrow? Let’s go!
Yarrow is a fantastic choice for winter sowing. It’s a hardy perennial with feathery foliage and cheerful flowers that butterflies adore! Plus, it’s so easy to grow.
What You’ll Need to Get Started (Don’t worry, it’s simple!)
- Yarrow seeds: Choose your favorite colors and varieties!
- Recycled containers: Think milk jugs, water jugs, or even plastic tubs. Get creative!
- Potting soil: Nothing fancy, just good quality potting soil.
- Water: Nice, fresh water for soaking your seeds.
- A little bit of patience: After you sow them the weather does the work!
Winter Sowing Yarrow: Step-by-Step
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Prep Your Container: Grab those water or milk jugs – I find they work great because they let in plenty of light. Plus, they’re deep enough to give those roots some room to stretch!
Want to know more about my favorite containers? [Check out my favorite containers to use!](Link to containers blog) -
Add Soil: Fill your container with 2-3 inches of damp potting soil.
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Sow Your Seeds: Sprinkle your yarrow seeds on top of the soil (they’re teeny, so be sure to do it spread them out a little!)
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Give them a drink Gently push press the seeds into the soil, and water the soil by setting it into a tray of of water to soak for about an hour.
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Find a Good Spot: Place your container outside in a spot that gets rain and snow. I like to nestle mine in a raised bed so they don’t tip over, and I elevate them so they drain well.
Winter Sowing Yarrow Care:
Nature will mostly take care of things! Just give them a peek occasionally (especially if you don’t get rain or snow).
- Check for Moisture: Lift the container and check if it feels moist. If it feels dry, give it a soak, but don’t leave it sitting in water for too long.
- Look for Condensation: On sunny days, you should see condensation inside the container – that’s a good sign!
Seedlings are Sprouting! Hooray!
As the weather warms up, you’ll start to see those little yarrow seedlings emerge!
- Open them up: On warm, sunny days, pop the container open to give the seedlings some fresh air, and close it again at night.
- Fertilize (Maybe): Once they have their first real leaves, you might want to give them a little boost with a very diluted water-soluble fertilizer. I like to use one that feeds the soil!
Want to feed the soil not the plant, check this out! (link to stop fertilizing blog)
Now Comes the Fun Part: Planting your Yarrow in the Garden!
Once the danger of frost has passed, it’s time to transplant your yarrow into their permanent home!
Want to learn more about growing yarrow? [Link to Yarrow Growing Guide]
My Favorite Yarrow Varieties for Winter Sowing:
- Colorado Blend Yarrow Seeds
- Summer Berries
- Sassy Summer Sunset
- Cerise Queen
Winter sowing is such a rewarding way to start your gardening season early. It’s easy, inexpensive, and so satisfying to watch those little seeds transform into beautiful flowers!
So, grab your containers, seeds, and soil, and get ready to bring some sunshine to your winter! Happy Winter Sowing!