MDC offers free native Winter Seed Sowing class Feb. 11 in Warsaw

Hardy native plants add color and form to flower beds, and they can be started in winter. The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) will offer a free Winter Seed Sowing class from 1-2 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 11, at the Lost Valley Fish Hatchery in Warsaw.

Participants will learn how to use recycled materials such as milk jugs to make mini greenhouses to grow seedlings. Wildflowers planted in containers can then be transplanted into flower gardens in spring. Kara Entrop, MDC community education assistant, will discuss the benefits native wildflowers and grasses can provide. Besides beauty, natives benefit wildlife such as songbirds or pollinators such as butterflies. MDC will provide all materials and seeds for wildflowers such as Missouri evening primrose, purple beardtongue, glade coneflower, and longhead coneflower.

In the class, participants will learn how to partially cut a container like a milk jug so soil and seeds can be added. Then the container is taped shut again. Gardeners can then set them outside till spring. The cold will help stratify the native seeds that need winter to prepare for germination. In spring, the containers can be opened again and the seedlings transplanted.

This class is open to participants ages 8 and older. COVID-19 safety precautions will be observed. Registration is required. To register, visit https://short.mdc.mo.gov/444.