We don't get snow in winter. Can I still Winter Sow?
Yes you can! Really!
You don't need snow and ice or freezing temperatures to Winter Sow, you just need the season called Winter, and where you are Winter isn't a season that is long or bitterly cold, it's milder and gentler....and you don't have to shovel out from a snowstorm.
Lucky you!
Which seeds can I sow?
You can sow almost any annual, and most certainly all biennials and perennials that are suited to growing in your warmer zone. Look for "sub-tropicals" when you search for seeds, you can even try a few tropical seeds too....but if you don't have confidence in sowing tropical seeds then hold back some seeds to start inside, compare the germination and learn from your efforts.
As your Winter is so very short I would suggest placing the seed flats outdoors where they will get direct light only in the morning or afternoon, brilliant overhead sunlight at midday can be too intense causing the air inside the flats to super-heat which will "cook" the seeds....bummer.
Tip suggests these links for further study.
Alabama
ACES ~ Alabama Cooperative Extension
Extension Service of
Alabama A&M University and Auburn University
Auburn University
Arizona
Southwestern Gardening Information
College of Agricultural Life Sciences, University of Arizona
California
Florida
The Florida Nursery, Landscape and Growers Association
Institute of Food and Agricultural Services
Electronic Data Information Services
University of Florida
Georgia
by Wayne J. McLaurin and Darbie M. Granberry, Extension Horticulturists
Cooperative Extension
University of Georgia College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences
Produced by: The University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences
and Georgia Public Television (GPTV)
Louisiana
LSU AgCenter, Research and Extension
Louisiana State University Agricultural Center
Louisiana Garden Club Federation, Inc.
Available from the Louisiana Natural Heritage Program
Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries
Mississippi
Mississippi University Extension Service
MSUCares ~ Coordinated Access to the Research and Extension System
by Felder Rushing, Area Horticultural Specialist
and Steven E. Newman, Associate Professor of Horticulture
Publication 1826, Extension Service of Mississippi State University
New Mexico
Circular 457
George W. Dickerson, Extension Horticulture Specialist
College of Agriculture and Home Economics, New Mexico State University
College of Agriculture and Home Economics
New Mexico State University
South Carolina
by Gail E. Wagner and Jamie Civitello
College of Liberal Arts, University of South Carolina
by Paul Thompson, York County Extension Agent
Department of Horticulture, Clemson University
Texas
wildflower.org
