Viewing post #1601865 by Lakeside

poisondartfrog said:

Problem I have with direct sown in winter is that birds and cats love disturbed earth. The first scratches around in the seeds, the second...buries them. If you direct sow, it is a good idea to put a few sticks or a screen loosely over the seeded area if you have issues with animals disturbing your sowings. Or, you can use a little straw (not hay) just like you would for grass seeds.

Gotta go.

Thanks, everyone, for the suggestions! I have enough poppy seeds that I may try several different methods. A light straw mulch might help. I hadn't really thought about it, but I bet a lot of my direct sowing attempts get washed away or covered up. I live and garden on a hillside with very few flat spots. Most of my sunny beds are sloped. Lots of various critters to scatter things around too. Winter sowing may be my best option because it would provide protection and a temporary flat spot for getting things started.

Thanks!