As we report and gear up for late fall and early winter, we often remind folks that fall is the best time to start your own native plants from seed (read about the importance of fall and winter seed dormancy and dispersal here). Maine native plants are beneficial and beautiful, and growing your own from seeds is economical, fun, and rewarding.
We want to make it as simple and easy as possible for you to create wildlife habitat where you live, whether you have acres of land or a window box in your apartment. So we have teamed up once again with Wild Seed Project on winter seed sowing training and resources for you and yours. Growing native plants from seed is a cost-effective way to get more native plants and biodiversity into our landscapes. Plus, by using the seeds and other materials our organizations source and supply, you’re also growing organically, reducing waste, and buying local!
We’ve got two ways to help you learn more about growing native plants and spread the learning around: seed sowing kits and workshops.
Our native plant Seed Sowing Kit has everything you need to get started. The kit comes inside a beautiful and sturdy multi-purpose custom tote bag. Inside the bag, you will find pots, seeds, soil, sand, a screen, a marking pencil, and plant labels. An information card provides a link to a short instructional video to show you why and how to grow your own native plants from seeds, using the supplies provided in the bag.
Each kit also comes with three packets of Maine native wildflower seeds from Wild Seed Project’s extensive inventory. We chose versatile species that are easy to grow and find homes for.
To purchase the 2022 Fall Seed Sowing Kit for yourself and for others on your list:
- Shop online here starting on November 27. Purchase online for pick-up at Gilsland Farm (Falmouth/Greater Portland)
- Visit a Maine Audubon Nature Store at Gilsland Farm in Falmouth or Fields Pond in Holden/Greater Bangor (starting November 28; call ahead to Fields Pond at 207-989-2591 to be sure kits are in stock).
This seed sowing kit from Maine Audubon and Wild Seed Project contains everything you need to grow Maine native plants from seed. This short video can give you a sense of what to expect, from sowing seeds in winter, to seeing shoots appear in summer, to planting in the ground in the fall.
Workshops: Please also consider joining Maine Audubon for in-person seed sowing workshops at Gilsland Farm (Dec. 10 and Jan. 7) and Fields Pond (Dec. 17). We’ll talk about native seed propagation, take a walk to identify native plants and demonstrate ecologically-responsible seed collecting, and participants will leave with several pots sown with seeds and ready for maintenance-free outdoor germination. Bring a friend and help spread the love of native plants!
Maine Audubon works to conserve Maine’s wildlife and wildlife habitat by engaging people in education, conservation, and action. Wild Seed Project’s mission is to inspire people to take action and join in increasing the presence of native plants grown from wild seed.
