Winter Solstice Celebration

 I've decided the winter solstice is the perfect time to begin stratification of seeds.  Stratification is basically tricking seeds into thinking they've been through the cold, moist of winter in order to encourage germination.  I think many seeds I've started that have failed probably needed this.  

I've purchased seeds from Prairie Moon Nursery, which gives you codes for each seed that tell you how long of a stratification they require, as well as the best method.  The seeds I've chosen will all be done using a method I've never tried before - moist coffee filters.

My first order of business is to sort through and decide which seeds to start now.  Some of the seeds need 90 days, some 60, and some 30.  I'm going to start the 90 and 60 day seeds now, so that by mid February and late March I'll be able to sow them.  Most of these varieties are perennials.

Using the handy brochure that came with the seeds, I did a quick soak by pouring the seeds into a small glass of water, letting them sit for about a minute or so then pouring them into a coffee filter that was set inside a small colander.  (Not so) Pro tip 1: pour the water slowly, otherwise the coffee filter flops over and seeds fall into the colander, and some of them are hard to pick up!  I let the water drip out of the filters then carefully folded them as small as I could and wrung the rest of the water out, then unfolded the filter.  The directions say to lay the seeds in a single layer spread out on the filter, which apparently requires some sort of supernatural dexterity or more patience than I can muster.  Every time I tried to push the seeds around they stuck to my fingers or wadded together on the filter.  I ended up folding the filters in half and giving them a little shake to try to spread the seeds more evenly before sliding them into the plastic bags.  (Not so) Pro tip 2: put the dry paper towel in first if you're using small bags, because trying to get the whole mess in there without spilling seeds or wadding up the towel and filter is another test of one's abilities.  

 And there we are.  Now I just have to remember to check them weekly and keep them moist, but not soggy.  Hopefully this will pay off when I sow the seeds in the spring.  

Happy Solstice!