This is the perfect time to get native seeds ready for spring germination. Most Ontario native seeds need to experience a cold moist period before they will germinate. In nature, the winter weather takes care of the seeds' chilling requirements. Seeds sown in containers and overwintered outside will germinate when weather warms in mid-spring.
However, for better control over weather variables (temperature, moisture, light) and reduce predation, seeds can be stratified - i.e. moistened and chilled indoors in the fridge for 90 days - then germinated under grow lights and transplanted outdoors in late spring. For Blooming Boulevards, stratification begins in late December and sowing happens in early March, so seedlings will be ready to transplant at end of May.
