Cold Stratification. What is it? Basically, some seeds need a little “winter wake-up call” before they’ll sprout. In nature, these seeds drop in the fall, sit through the cold months, and then—boom!—spring rolls around, and they know it’s time to party. But when we’re starting seeds at home, we have to fake that winter period to convince them it’s time to wake up for the disco. That’s where cold stratification comes in! This is my first year really giving it a go, and wow—there are so many metho

Frosts can cause major damage to a garden. However, there are many benefits to them also. Improves Flavor in Certain Veggies: Frost-tolerant crops like Kale, Brussels sprouts, Parsnips, and Carrots actually taste sweeter after a frost. This happens because the plant converts starches into sugars as a defense against freezing. Natural Pest Control: Frost can kill off harmful insect pests and their eggs. Breaks Dormancy for Some Seeds: Some seeds (like those of spinach or garlic) benefit from a co