Winter Sowing

Gardening in Maine can begin after the winter solstice…Truly! Winter sowing is a popular method of germinating vegetable and flower seeds. Winter sowing saves money, uses recycled materials, and is a fun winter pastime. Join Jacquie Leighton as she shares how she winter sows annuals and perennials with great success. The result has been some of the strongest and hardiest seedlings she’s ever grown. During the workshop, you will learn how to create your own winter garden and take home mini greenhouses prepared from gallon milk jugs. These can remain outside to await the arrival of perfect conditions for germination. It’s amazing!

Jacquie Leighton lives in Milbridge in an old farmhouse at the head of Pigeon Hill Bay. She has had her hands in the soil for nearly all her life. Her earliest memories are of her mother’s marigold gardens, which are still a favorite for winter sowing (they are deer-resistant). Jacquie is retired from teaching and enjoys learning new ways of creating beautiful plantings.