I’m wanting to restore our woods to a native woodland, but I’m starting at zero. We are almost finished removing the invasive privet from the understory. I’m here to learn the seed starting process because I know I’ll need to go this route over buying plants for cost savings. (West, TN 7b)
Welcome!!! I am so glad you are here. My native plant journey started with restoring my woodland as well. If I remember, I'll put some video on how it looks now in the community section. You are probably ahead of where I was when I started but let me give you a couple tips that I wish I had known....1. don't clean/clear anything out except the invasives, 2. start putting in understory trees and shrubs now (cage till they are older if you have deer pressure) 3. use plants that will spread fast like golden ragwort, white snakeroot (fyi poisonous), white wood aster, 4. plant in masses and 5. RIGHT PLANT RIGHT PLACE :):):):)
@@ninetypercentnative wow, thanks! So much goodness. I'm watching your FAQ now and was just thinking on commenting to ask what plants spread FAST for impact. Our front woodland area is probably 2-3 acres, with 3 more acres around back. It's what I see when I look out my kitchen window. When we moved here you couldn't see into the woods for all the privet. Now it's mostly a blank slate under the massive oaks. One might wish returning to a native woodland would be easier/cheaper/faster but... alas, what would my hobby be if not working in the gardens :)
just a heads up incase you decide to winter sow outside your seeds with milk jugs, domes, or a unheated greenhouse, your seeds can come across frost and kill all your seedlings, it happened to me =P
J'ai lu beaucoup d'articles sur le Web et ailleurs sur la stratification par le froid du réfrigérateur et votre video constitue la meilleure explication de tout le processus de stratification des semences. Je vous remercie chaleureusement. I have read many articles on the web and elsewhere about refrigerator cold stratification and your video is the best explanation of the entire seed stratification process. I thank you warmly.😇
I just subscribed. Your video is the best that I have seen. It makes the most sense to me because that is exactly how I do my seeds that need stratification. I’m in Georgia, we really don’t get enough cold weather to set them outside all winter. Our winters can have lots of warm days that cause germination. I usually use the refrigerator then spring sowing in milk jugs outside in mid March. The plants are usually ready for transplanting to where I’m going to place them by mid to late April.
When I pot up my seeds, I use soil mix with just a small layer (approx. 1/-1 inch) of seed starting mix. The seed starting mix does better germinating for me and then the potting soil provides the nutrients for the new seedlings. Thanks for a great video!❤
This was such a great explanation, Michelle! I am trying many new seeds this year (tree, shrub, and plant) and have not started all of them yet, so this method gives you some more flexibility for the longer stratification time!
Morning Christi! Thank you!!!! Comes in handy around March when you realize you forgot a couple plants that need 30 days CS. There is a fast forward method using the freezer, but the germination success rate goes down, in my experience. Good in a pinch though!
Hi Michele! I just found your channel and what a wealth of information. Ive been interested in native plants but have always had to buy plants which can get pricey. So this video is very helpful. How do we know which seeds need cold stratification..assuming I've collected seeds and don't have instructions.
Hi Again! Why thank you! I don't always feel organized, but I try! What you do with your cold stratification is what I do when I pot up something random and am sure I will remember what it is because I don't feel like labeling it! ;)
@@ninetypercentnative Thanks for your comments. I’ve only just begun my UA-cam journey and can’t wait for spring to show more bonsai trees. Love your videos!
Just wondering why early January is too late for cold stratifying for 60 days. I'm in Pittsburgh PA, zone 6b. I just put out my milk jugs with seeds and wondering if I'll get seedlings... Love your channel! Jen
Hi Jen! Thank you soooooooo much!!! You will have absolutely no problems getting seedlings as long your seed types only require one cold period (vs like a cold/warm/cold stratification) Here in NOVA it’s about to be a little late for natural stratification greater than 60 days. I am zone 7a probably pushing 7b these days. I know overall I get better results with natural stratification when the plants go out in Nov vs Jan. I’ve been late a couple times 🤦🏻♀️. You reminded me of something I’ve been wanting to try. I’ve used milk jugs for cutting flowers and veg, but I don’t cover my natives because they are getting what they need out in the open. They go out in pots and that’s it. If I remember this week, I’m going to use a milk jug and a few open air pots of the same natives, maybe rudbeckia hirta and see if there is a diff in results come springtime. BTW I ❤️Pittsburgh!!!
Hello! Yes. You can also use the freezer and I have a video on that if you want to get the job done faster. I will warn you that I do see a little drop in the germination rate when I use the freezer (not a scientific study). 😉 ua-cam.com/video/VLX6fSGmaRw/v-deo.html ua-cam.com/video/W8Qxxz7PS7c/v-deo.html ua-cam.com/video/W5c5G4i3VSs/v-deo.html
Do you need to check for sprouting on 60 day Cold Moist Method at some point? My 1st batch from Prairie Moon arrived last night so 2-14-23 is my begin date on this 1st experiment. I'm in Maine so we still have plenty of cold outside weather. I do have an unheated greenhouse to play with later. Only 1 pack of seeds was 10 day CMS so would I treat that more like normal seed starting under lights later? March 5th was my best seed starting date inside in the past. New territory here!
Hello L! If your pack of seeds only needs 10 day CMS, then I would sow in a container or flat and put it outside for mother nature to take care of the rest. I get the best germination results that way. I would say the same for any 30 day CMS as well since you are in Maine. Just make sure that it can get all the rain and snow and also won't be bothered by any wildlife. What are you sowing, something in the pea family? Let me know if you have any other questions!! ;)
I really have a question for you 🙋♂️ , is it okay that I can cold stratify seeds in the mini fridge? Can I cold stratify them in the mini fridge? Is that okay? Yes or no?
Hi SH - It all depends on the length of time your seeds need for cold stratification. Dry storage in the fridge will not prepare the seeds for germination. It's the cold moist part that does that. A lot of the legumes like Blue Wild Indigo only need 10 days of cold moist stratification in the fridge. Be careful using the freezer. I have a video about using the freezer if you want to check it out. You don't just throw them in there in leave them. Also, my experience is it works, but my germination success rate is lower. I would still try it if you are in a pinch. Videos about the freezer method follow. My video - ua-cam.com/video/NF7vKV_kW_I/v-deo.html I learned this from Miriam at Wildlfower Farm - ua-cam.com/video/aE3yapox1sY/v-deo.html
Hi Matthew - For my native plants seeds, I like to collect my own seeds as much as possible now that I have been growing for so many years. However, the best place to get native plant seeds is from suppliers that provide local ecotype native plant seeds, so those are seeds that have been ethically collected in your area. If that is not possible, then there are other sources like Prairie Moon Nursery (Midwest), Wild Seed Project (Maine), Toadshade Wildflower Farm (new Jersey), Ernst Conservation Seeds for bulk or meadow seeds (PA). I am planning to try and get a list going and do a video, hopefully I can get to that soon. For annual flowers and veg, I like Baker Creek, Botanical Interests, and Southern Exposure Seed Exchange, Hoss and High Mowing. Let me know if you have any other questions! 💚😊
I’m wanting to restore our woods to a native woodland, but I’m starting at zero. We are almost finished removing the invasive privet from the understory. I’m here to learn the seed starting process because I know I’ll need to go this route over buying plants for cost savings. (West, TN 7b)
Welcome!!! I am so glad you are here. My native plant journey started with restoring my woodland as well. If I remember, I'll put some video on how it looks now in the community section. You are probably ahead of where I was when I started but let me give you a couple tips that I wish I had known....1. don't clean/clear anything out except the invasives, 2. start putting in understory trees and shrubs now (cage till they are older if you have deer pressure) 3. use plants that will spread fast like golden ragwort, white snakeroot (fyi poisonous), white wood aster, 4. plant in masses and 5. RIGHT PLANT RIGHT PLACE :):):):)
@@ninetypercentnative wow, thanks! So much goodness. I'm watching your FAQ now and was just thinking on commenting to ask what plants spread FAST for impact. Our front woodland area is probably 2-3 acres, with 3 more acres around back. It's what I see when I look out my kitchen window. When we moved here you couldn't see into the woods for all the privet. Now it's mostly a blank slate under the massive oaks. One might wish returning to a native woodland would be easier/cheaper/faster but... alas, what would my hobby be if not working in the gardens :)
Thicket forming bushes and aggressive perennials! Keep me updated, happy to answers any questions!
just a heads up incase you decide to winter sow outside your seeds with milk jugs, domes, or a unheated greenhouse, your seeds can come across frost and kill all your seedlings, it happened to me =P
J'ai lu beaucoup d'articles sur le Web et ailleurs sur la stratification par le froid du réfrigérateur et votre video constitue la meilleure explication de tout le processus de stratification des semences. Je vous remercie chaleureusement.
I have read many articles on the web and elsewhere about refrigerator cold stratification and your video is the best explanation of the entire seed stratification process. I thank you warmly.😇
OH MY GOODNESS!!! Thank you so much!!!!
I just subscribed. Your video is the best that I have seen. It makes the most sense to me because that is exactly how I do my seeds that need stratification. I’m in Georgia, we really don’t get enough cold weather to set them outside all winter. Our winters can have lots of warm days that cause germination. I usually use the refrigerator then spring sowing in milk jugs outside in mid March. The plants are usually ready for transplanting to where I’m going to place them by mid to late April.
When I pot up my seeds, I use soil mix with just a small layer (approx. 1/-1 inch) of seed starting mix. The seed starting mix does better germinating for me and then the potting soil provides the nutrients for the new seedlings. Thanks for a great video!❤
Hi Lisa! Thank you for sharing your experience!
This was such a great explanation, Michelle! I am trying many new seeds this year (tree, shrub, and plant) and have not started all of them yet, so this method gives you some more flexibility for the longer stratification time!
Morning Christi! Thank you!!!! Comes in handy around March when you realize you forgot a couple plants that need 30 days CS. There is a fast forward method using the freezer, but the germination success rate goes down, in my experience. Good in a pinch though!
Hi Michele! I just found your channel and what a wealth of information. Ive been interested in native plants but have always had to buy plants which can get pricey. So this video is very helpful. How do we know which seeds need cold stratification..assuming I've collected seeds and don't have instructions.
😊 Wow, you are so organized! I just find random baggies of wet paper towels in my fridge months later and I'm like okay what was this...? 🤣🤷
Hi Again! Why thank you! I don't always feel organized, but I try! What you do with your cold stratification is what I do when I pot up something random and am sure I will remember what it is because I don't feel like labeling it! ;)
Just signed up….great video! Cold stratification can be done many ways, your method was very interesting….All the very best from the UK 🇬🇧🇬🇧
Ahhhh, the UK! I am obsessed with the culture of gardening in the UK!
@@ninetypercentnative Thanks for your comments. I’ve only just begun my UA-cam journey and can’t wait for spring to show more bonsai trees. Love your videos!
Hello from Leetonia Ohio ❤
Thanks for the information
My pleasure!! ;)
Coffee filters seem like a good idea, better than kitchen towel. Also stating how many days on baggy
Thank you, Jane!
Such a great channel!
Thank you so much!!! 😊
Just wondering why early January is too late for cold stratifying for 60 days. I'm in Pittsburgh PA, zone 6b. I just put out my milk jugs with seeds and wondering if I'll get seedlings...
Love your channel! Jen
Hi Jen! Thank you soooooooo much!!! You will have absolutely no problems getting seedlings as long your seed types only require one cold period (vs like a cold/warm/cold stratification) Here in NOVA it’s about to be a little late for natural stratification greater than 60 days. I am zone 7a probably pushing 7b these days. I know overall I get better results with natural stratification when the plants go out in Nov vs Jan. I’ve been late a couple times 🤦🏻♀️. You reminded me of something I’ve been wanting to try. I’ve used milk jugs for cutting flowers and veg, but I don’t cover my natives because they are getting what they need out in the open. They go out in pots and that’s it. If I remember this week, I’m going to use a milk jug and a few open air pots of the same natives, maybe rudbeckia hirta and see if there is a diff in results come springtime. BTW I ❤️Pittsburgh!!!
Good explain
Hello Hani! Thank you!!!
I have a simple question: what size coffee filters do you use, 2-4 servings or more than that?
I use a size 4 filter. Thank you for stopping in!
Ques: so, must place in refrigerator for same length of time required out of doors?
Hello! Yes. You can also use the freezer and I have a video on that if you want to get the job done faster. I will warn you that I do see a little drop in the germination rate when I use the freezer (not a scientific study). 😉
ua-cam.com/video/VLX6fSGmaRw/v-deo.html
ua-cam.com/video/W8Qxxz7PS7c/v-deo.html
ua-cam.com/video/W5c5G4i3VSs/v-deo.html
Do you need to check for sprouting on 60 day Cold Moist Method at some point? My 1st batch from Prairie Moon arrived last night so 2-14-23 is my begin date on this 1st experiment. I'm in Maine so we still have plenty of cold outside weather. I do have an unheated greenhouse to play with later. Only 1 pack of seeds was 10 day CMS so would I treat that more like normal seed starting under lights later? March 5th was my best seed starting date inside in the past. New territory here!
Hello L! If your pack of seeds only needs 10 day CMS, then I would sow in a container or flat and put it outside for mother nature to take care of the rest. I get the best germination results that way. I would say the same for any 30 day CMS as well since you are in Maine. Just make sure that it can get all the rain and snow and also won't be bothered by any wildlife. What are you sowing, something in the pea family? Let me know if you have any other questions!! ;)
I really have a question for you 🙋♂️ , is it okay that I can cold stratify seeds in the mini fridge? Can I cold stratify them in the mini fridge? Is that okay? Yes or no?
No not cold enough
Hi! Does the fridge/freezer method for one week work?
Hi SH - It all depends on the length of time your seeds need for cold stratification. Dry storage in the fridge will not prepare the seeds for germination. It's the cold moist part that does that. A lot of the legumes like Blue Wild Indigo only need 10 days of cold moist stratification in the fridge. Be careful using the freezer. I have a video about using the freezer if you want to check it out. You don't just throw them in there in leave them. Also, my experience is it works, but my germination success rate is lower. I would still try it if you are in a pinch. Videos about the freezer method follow.
My video - ua-cam.com/video/NF7vKV_kW_I/v-deo.html
I learned this from Miriam at Wildlfower Farm - ua-cam.com/video/aE3yapox1sY/v-deo.html
@@ninetypercentnative Thank you sooo much!
where do you get your seeds from?
Hi Matthew - For my native plants seeds, I like to collect my own seeds as much as possible now that I have been growing for so many years. However, the best place to get native plant seeds is from suppliers that provide local ecotype native plant seeds, so those are seeds that have been ethically collected in your area. If that is not possible, then there are other sources like Prairie Moon Nursery (Midwest), Wild Seed Project (Maine), Toadshade Wildflower Farm (new Jersey), Ernst Conservation Seeds for bulk or meadow seeds (PA). I am planning to try and get a list going and do a video, hopefully I can get to that soon. For annual flowers and veg, I like Baker Creek, Botanical Interests, and Southern Exposure Seed Exchange, Hoss and High Mowing.
Let me know if you have any other questions! 💚😊