By Jeanne Yeoman, Nebraska Extension Master Gardener
Did you know that fall is a great time to plant seeds for next spring? Perennials hardy in USDA zones 3-5 are good candidates for fall seeding, as well are seeds from self-seeding annuals. Many plants, including some native flowering plants, require a period of cold temperatures before their seeds will germinate. This process, known as cold stratification, mimics nature. The cold temperatures and snow cover over the winter and the warm-up in spring triggers them to break dormancy. Wait to plant seeds until after the first killing frost, but before the ground freezes. This ensures that your seeds don’t sprout and will remain dormant throughout the winter.