To keep my pollinator garden budget-friendly, I grow a lot of native plants from seed. It is easiest to plant them right in the ground in the fall because most need to go through winter weather before they will germinate. A number of native plant seeds will also grow when planted in the spring though.
Keep in mind that native plants grown from seed may not bloom in their first year. They ‘sleep’ the first year while they develop roots, ‘creep’ in the second year, and ‘leap’ in the third year with more vigorous growth once they’re established. While my new seedlings are settling in, I sometimes buy a few mature plants of the same type to help fill the garden. I also like to plant some pollinator-friendly annuals as fillers.
Cold, moist stratification
Many native plant seeds need to go through winter weather before they will germinate, unlike the tender annual and vegetable seeds we usually plant in spring. This process is called ‘cold, moist stratification’ (CMS), or is sometimes referred to as ‘pre-treatment’.
While you can simulate CMS by placing native plant seeds in a slightly moistened medium in the fridge, I prefer to plant seeds outside and let nature do the work for me.
In fall
It is easiest to plant native seeds right in the garden in the fall. You’re mimicking the way many seeds are planted naturally. When the weather warms in spring, the seeds will sprout and grow in their new home.
Seed planting depth
If you bought seeds, follow the seed package directions or online instructions to find out how deep to plant them. A general rule, planting depth is twice the diameter of the seed. For a large seed like milkweed, plant the seeds 1/4 of an inch deep, but for tiny seeds like mints, surface sow them. Surface sowing means that you sprinkle them on the soil, press them gently into the soil with your fingers or dust a tiny bit of soil on top of them (so they don’t blow away). These seeds need light to germinate.
In winter
Believe it or not, winter is the second best time to start seeds outdoors. That’s right, you can plant your garden outside in January! By fall, I’m usually tired of gardening, so I rarely get my seeds planted directly in the garden in fall like I know I should. After the holidays pass, however, I am eager for spring and ready to start.