8 February 2026 9 www.SmallFarmCanada.ca TOP: LISA CARTER - ADOBE STOCK 35 Howard Ave, Elmira 519-669-5500 NOLT’S COMPACT MULCH LAYER CROP CARE PICK ASSIST TAR RIVER ROTO TILLERS 41”-81” width In-stock 1. 3 & 5 row. Also a good selection of Seed Rollers and Replacement Parts. JANG PUSH SEEDERS We’re helping you grow with these great brands: Weeding, planting & harvesting with ease! GOOD FOR A TIGHT BUDGET SOLAR CHARGED CROP CARE SPRAYERS From 25-750 gallons. Also Specialty Sprayers. CALL US FOR A FREE VEGETABLE AND FLOWER GROWING SUPPLY CATALOGUE AZS BRUSHER Call with your fruit and vegetable washing needs. Winter sowing is an outdoor seed starting method that uses recycled containers as mini greenhouses, allowing seeds to germinate naturally with winter’s freeze–thaw cycles. This technique mimics what happens in nature when seeds drop in autumn and sprout in spring, offering farmers and rural gardeners a simple, inexpensive way to start robust plants—especially native perennials. WHY WINTER SOWING WORKS Instead of relying on lights, heat mats, trays, or indoor growing space, winter sowing uses natural cold moist stratification. Seeds experience real winter conditions that break dormancy, then germinate in spring as temperatures and light levels rise. Because seedlings grow outdoors from day one, there is no need for hardening off. KEY ADVANTAGES FOR GROWERS • MINIMAL EQUIPMENT: Clean recycled containers— milk jugs, pop bottles, or clear totes—are the only tools required. • LOW COST: Skip the expense of flats, lights, and indoor infrastructure; seed starting mix and saved seed are often the only purchases. • REDUCED RISK: Seeds are protected from birds, rodents, and being washed out by rain, unlike direct sowing. • NO BABYSITTING: Containers need almost no attention until germination begins in spring. • STRONG SEEDLINGS: Naturally acclimated, compact plants transplant easily and withstand field conditions. HOW TO DO IT 1. CHOOSE THE RIGHT MEDIUM: Use finely screened seed starting mix for small seeds; potting mix or Pro Mix for larger ones. Avoid garden soil—it introduces weed seeds, pathogens and can compact in containers. 2. PREPARE CONTAINERS: Ensure 3–4 inches of moist growing medium, plenty of drainage holes and venting at the top so heat can escape. 3. SOW AND LABEL: Apply seeds according to their light and depth requirements, label clearly and secure the container shut. 4.SET OUTSIDE: Place in a spot with winter light but not full intense sun. Containers will freeze, thaw, and naturally maintain moisture through condensation. 5.WAIT FOR SPRING: When temperatures rise, seeds germinate. Once seedlings are large enough, they can be pricked out and transplanted. WHAT TO GROW Winter sowing excels with: • NATIVE PERENNIALS requiring stratification (e.g., milkweed, coneflowers). • HARDY ANNUALS that self seed naturally. • COLD TOLERANT VEGETABLES when started later in the season. Any species hardy in your region—or naturally adapted to winter cycles—can be a candidate. TIMING Sowing can begin as soon as seeds would naturally fall—typically late fall through midwinter. Species vary in how much cold they require. Some need weeks, others months, and a few require multiple warm–cold cycles. Many can still be started into early spring as long as they get adequate chill time. WINTER SOWING: A LOW COST, LOW INPUT WAY TO GROW HARDY SEEDLINGS ARTICLE BY JULIE HARLOW UNCONVENTIONAL GROWING High Quality Aluminum Greenhouses I A A te C C m 5 5 6 6 2 1 0 0 5 5 D 5 e x x x s 6 6 6 cr A A A ip l l l u u u tio m m m n i i i C C C o o o o o o p p p O O O p p p t t t i i i o o o n n n 1 2 3 L C C o o o a o o d p p e w a d n / P d L a a F c y e k e e a r d g P e e a rs c / k W ag a e te w re/ r o s F P e a e c d k e a r g s e and Waterers $ $ R 2 2 e , , 0 2 ta 6 9 i 5 5 l . . 5 00 0 A A C C 5 5 6 6 4 3 0 0 1 1, , 6 9 8 1 7 0 . . 5 25 0 $ $ 5 x 6 Alumi Coop Option 4 Coop OnlyPackage A A C C 6 6 1 1 0 0 2 1 6 6 6 x x x 1 1 1 0 0 0 A A Al l l u u u m m m i i i C C C o o o o o o p p p O O O p p p t t t i i i o o o n n n 1 2 3 L C C o o o a o o d p p e w a d n / P d L a a F c y e k e e a r d g P e e a rs c / k W ag a e te w re / r o s F P e a e c d k e a r g s e and Waterers 4,117.50 $ $ 3 3, , 6 9 1 0 8 1. . 0 50 0 A A C C 6 6 1 1 0 0 4 3 $ $ 6 x 10 Alumi Coop Option 4 Coop OnlyPackage 3,395.25 A A A C C C 1 1 1 0 0 0 1 1 1 2 2 2 3 2 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 x x x 1 1 1 2 2 2 A A A l l l u u u m m m i i i C C C o o o o o o p p p O O O p p p t t t i i i o o o n n n 1 2 3 C L C o o o a o o d p p e w a d n / P d L a a F c y e k e e a r d g P e e a rs c / k W ag a e te w re / r o s F P e a e c d k e a r g s e and Waterers 5,062.50 $ $ 4 4 , , 3 8 6 2 7 6 . . 2 25 5 $ $ A A C C 1 10 0 1 1 2 2 4 G 1 1 0 0 x x 1 1 2 2 A Al l u u m m i i C Co o o o p p G Or p e ti e o n n H 4 o C u o s o e p O O p n tio ly n P( a A clu k m ag . e Frame and Tarp) 4 4 , , 8 1 0 5 6 1 . . 0 25 0 $ AC1212 12 x 12 Alumi Coop Broiler Package w/ Feeders and Waterers 4,488.75 $ AC1224 12 x 24 Alumi Coop Broiler Package w/ Feeders and Waterers 7,053.75 $ Option1 A R l o u o m s i t Coop B S Yu u e p n lle e M r e i a k o t r i N c N e W e s w t a b t o S e x t r y e l r e S F y e s ete d m er Option2 A R l o u o m s i t Coop Yuneek Nestbox Option3 A B Su l e u p l m le M i ri C a o t r o ic o N p W ew at S e t r y e l r e S F y e s e te d m er Option4 Alumi Coop gateway3941@gmail.com Des ! "d %&om ) *+,c. e! ’s 0e&s012t,4e 56 c78 9le; 1<y ">i@ nB;e CtD1Cs. Effective Jan. 1 2024 - 8mm Polycarbonate -Aluminum welded frame - Wheel options available - 4 size options • 8 x 10 • 6 x 8 • 4 x 4 • 2 x 4 - Breaks down for shipping NEW! Alumi-Gardens™Greenhouse Lifetime FRAME Warranty FARMCRAFT MFG Free Catalog Gateway Sales & Service 52056 Glencolin Line Aylmer ON N5H 2R3 (800) 705-4221 gateway3941@gmail.com Your Canadian distributor:
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