To Stratify or Not To Stratify

Frost alert! If you haven’t seen the forecast, it looks like we’ll be dipping back down into the 20s in the coming evenings. I don’t say this to freak you out, but to keep you aware of the coming temperature fluctuations. We have been blessed with rain and sunshine this past week, and it looks like we have a good mix of weather to come — all of which bring us ever closer to the joy of Springtime.

We’ve been busy filling out the lot, so you will be once again greeted by the gorgeous textures of conifers and evergreens. In the greenhouse, the color is on full display with dianthus, pansies, and snapdragons in bloom. The perennials are beginning to wake up, and some aptly named Lenten Roses are already putting on a show. Did I mention our pottery selection? We’ve been unpacking all winter, and our inventory is at its peak!

We’re plumb in the middle of seed starting time, friends. The coming chilly temps reminded me of seed stratification, which is reproducing the climate of where the seed typically grows in order for it to germinate. Some seeds need fire, some need a bit of roughing up, others need cold and/or damp. Here in the South,  certain seeds need a bit of the latter to get going. If you’ve had difficulty germinating a specific variety, this may be the answer. Mickey Gast of Blooming Backyard shares her experiences and methods, along with a list of popular plants that require stratification over on her blog. It’s worth a read for novices and seasoned gardeners alike.

That’s it for this week, friends. Thank you for your continued readership and patronage. We can’t wait to share in the joy of Spring with you! Tune in Saturday mornings at 8 am for Gardening Inside Out. Follow our Instagram for behind the scenes fun. Queue up the podcast for your next adventure. Bring your notebook of ideas and come see us!

Happy Gardening,

Sara Bates