By Kim Van Zorge

Each year, as the fall season fades and we settle into the rhythm of the shorter, darker days of winter, the much-anticipated return of spring feels far away and out of reach. But even as the snow flies and the ground freezes, a hopeful gardening task awaits – one you might not have considered yet. A small gift to your future self, winter seed sowing is the promise of spring color and life, now suddenly easier to imagine on the horizon. Tucking native seeds into their winter “beds” on a frigid January day is a delightful and rewarding way to grow plants that support local wildlife, culminating in the thrill of watching tiny seedlings emerge in early spring.

How does the magic of winter sowing work? Many Maine species require a period of cold, moist stratification. This is a natural process that softens the seed coat and signals that winter has passed. By sowing outdoors in December or January, whether in repurposed containers like plastic jugs, or in nursery pots protected with a screen, you’re simply recreating what would happen on the forest floor. These setups act as tiny greenhouses or sheltered seedbeds, protecting the seeds while still exposing them to the cycles of freezing, thawing, and moisture they need to grow. Come spring, the warming sun cues germination, and those containers or pots begin to green up with new life.

Focusing on Maine native flora makes this winter project even more meaningful. These species form the backbone of local ecosystems, and by planting them, your garden or meadow becomes part of that network. Insects, birds, and other wildlife rely on these plants for food, shelter, and to complete their life cycles. Think of the Monarch butterfly and its dependence on milkweed. Native plants are also naturally adapted to our soils and climate, meaning they require less watering and fewer interventions once established. Not to mention, every square foot occupied by a thriving native plant is one less opportunity for invasive species to take hold, especially in areas recovering from invasive plant removal.

For beginners, some reliable and highly beneficial species to winter sow include:

• Milkweeds, such as butterfly weed (Asclepias tuberosa) and swamp milkweed (Asclepias incarnata), essential for Monarchs
• Purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea), beloved by pollinators
• Bee balm (Monarda fistulosa) and black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta), both vigorous and adaptable
• New England aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae) for vibrant fall color
• Common boneset (Eupatorium perfoliatum), a top nectar source for native bees
• Blue vervain (Verbena hastata), ideal for moist soils
• Shrubby St. John’s Wort (Hypericum prolificum), a compact shrub with sunny, pollinator-friendly flowers

Some require cold stratification, while others simply benefit from it, making winter sowing an easy, low-effort way to start a diverse collection of native plants suited to almost any combination of sun and soil conditions.

Growing native perennials from seed does require a bit of patience. Many spend their first year building deep root systems, so they may not bloom until their second or even third year. But that underground investment makes them long-lived and well worth the wait, and in time, those mature plants will eventually supply you with seeds to share, swap, or sow again. Even better, each spring brings the welcome joy of seeing those first little seedlings push through the soil, a vivid reminder that even during the darkest winter months, new life is quietly preparing to surface above the soil, and that your efforts are directly supporting local wildlife and biodiversity right here in Harpswell.

Learn More and Get Started

To explore native plants, learn proper winter sowing techniques, and find high-quality seeds, I highly recommend Wild Seed Project. This Maine nonprofit offers excellent educational materials, workshops, and an annual native plant sale every year in September.

While winter sowing is a wonderful and affordable way to grow many species from seed, purchasing nursery-grown native plants can be a great way to supplement your garden, especially for slow-maturing or hard-to-start species, such as certain shrubs, trees, and advanced perennials. Buying a few established specimens alongside your winter-sown seedlings helps you build a fuller, more varied garden with ease.

Other great local resources include:

• Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association (MOFGA) – Offers workshops, native plant guides, and statewide events.
• Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens – Their Native Plant Program is rich with educational resources for beginners and experienced gardeners alike.
• Bas Rouge Farm and Forge – Hosts an annual native plant sale featuring Maine-grown species.
• Native Gardens of Blue Hill – Offers a selection of native plants and annual sales to support pollinator-friendly gardening.
• Harpswell Garden Club – Actively participates in native-plant restoration and invasive-plant removal in town through the Harpswell Invasive Plant Partnership (HIPP). They offer programs and volunteer opportunities for members and guests interested in supporting local native plants.

Many more Maine-based resources, including plant lists, suppliers, and workshops, can be found on the Wild Seed Project website. With these tools, winter seed sowing becomes more than a way to bring spring closer but also a meaningful way to support Maine’s ecosystems and enjoy the long-term rewards of a thriving, flourishing garden.