Winter Sowing: We get a LOT of snow!

by Jesica
(Anchorage)

This was taken early last winter... ended up getting 13 feet!

Winter Sowing: We get a LOT of snow!

Hi there,

I planted thousands of seeds indoor this past spring, and I think I was fairly successful, but it's mid-July and so far all I have is a ton of greenery and very few blossoms.

Granted, it's been a cold, gray summer so far, but our summers are already too short and I've been frustrated that the bloom-time is even shorter.

I just recently heard about winter-sowing, and am extremely eager to try it, and hopefully get blooms earlier in the summer, but I'm worried about the amount of snow that is possible up here. Anchorage winters are loooooong and cold and dark; and while last winter was unusual and a record-breaker, we got THIRTEEN FEET of snow!

I fear that my milk jugs will get crushed under the weight... do you have a recommendation? I think I'd be tempted to go clear them off after each snowfall just to keep them from getting buried too deeply.

I'd appreciate any wisdom anyone can offer.
Thanks,
Jesica