Autumn planting: what to sow in the winter

Planting continues even after frost sets in. However, before beginning, consider the region where the plot is located, the seedling variety, and the temperature conditions. There are several cold-loving crops. Some of them, including perennial flowers, benefit particularly from winter sowing. These plants grow better in the spring and require less care.

Selecting a variety

Crops suitable for winter planting are characterized by good cold tolerance and a short growing season. Suitable vegetables include:

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These seeds easily withstand cold weather and germinate early in the spring. Annual flowers are planted before winter, including calendula, cosmos, alyssum, aster, gypsophila, godetia, matthiola, iberis, snapdragon, and others. They bloom 2-3 weeks earlier than the spring shoots. Biennials are also suitable for growing: mallow, daisy, forget-me-not, and sweet carnation. Perennials include gaillardia, doronicum, lychnis, lupine, carnation, chamomile, and aubrieta. Winter planting allows you to skip the stratification process they need in the spring. At this time, it is recommended to plant seeds with an expiring shelf life to avoid wasting unnecessary energy on them.

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Reasons and timing of winter planting

The reasons for winter sowing are rooted in the pros and cons of this approach. Here are a few advantages:

• Plants planted during this period are characterized by increased resistance to adverse weather conditions;
• such seedlings form a very strong root system, becoming more drought-resistant;
• chance of getting an early harvest;
• seedlings are hardened and therefore get sick less often;
• Perennial crops will not require replanting in the future.

Among the disadvantages is the cost of seeds, as they require slightly more. There's also a risk that if temperatures rise, the seedlings will germinate prematurely and then die.

Sowing begins with the onset of stable autumn cold weather. When planning the soil preparation for planting, choose days when the average temperature is close to freezing. Sudden fluctuations in temperature are harmful to seedlings. In central Russia and the Moscow region, the suitable period begins from late October to early November. In the southern regions, planting begins from mid-November to late December. Later, seeds are sown in pre-prepared beds in December and January, during the onset of winter thaws.

Features of planting and further care

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A small plot of land isn't allocated for winter sowing. Typically, a plot of 5-6 square meters is used. It's fenced with boards, slate, or polycarbonate to protect it from northerly winds. Winter crop beds should preferably be arranged in a north-south orientation in areas with loose, fertile soil. Well-lit locations are chosen for growing. Two weeks before sowing, the soil is loosened and furrows 2 cm deep are dug. Then, holes are dug for the seeds. The seedlings are sown as densely as possible. The furrows are then filled with sand.

When the first shoots appear, cover the seedlings with spruce branches, brushwood, or dry grass to retain snow cover. In spring, a snow crust forms on the crops, hindering seedling growth. To break up this crust, gently loosen the soil. During cultivation, water the seedlings infrequently to prevent freezing. When 2-3 leaves appear, weed and then thin out the plants. Fertilize as needed. If the seedlings are too dark, use supplemental lighting.

The success of seedlings depends on careful selection of varieties and the timing of the work on the plot. By sowing before winter, I get a harvest much earlier than usual. Seedlings planted at this time tolerate colder temperatures better and are less susceptible to infection. These fruits grow larger due to the absence of insect pests.