RARITAN TOWNSHIP, N.J. (Hunterdon County) — The Raritan Township Environmental Commission and Green Team will host a winter sowing workshop later this month to teach residents how to grow native plants using mini greenhouses.
The workshop is scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 31, from 10 to 11 a.m. at the Raritan Township Recycling Center, 204 Pennsylvania Ave. in Flemington. Space is limited, and advance registration is required.
Participants will receive native plant seeds and plastic containers that will be used as miniature greenhouses. The translucent containers allow sunlight to reach the seeds while protecting them as they sprout.
Once assembled, the containers can be taken home and placed outdoors until spring. Winter sowing is especially effective for native plants because many species require cold stratification — exposure to temperatures below 40 degrees for several months — to successfully germinate.
Organizers said native plants play an important role in supporting local pollinators and wildlife. Residents can see examples of native vegetation in the pollinator garden near the main entrance of the Raritan Township Municipal Building at 1 Municipal Drive, which features plants that support butterflies, moths, native bees and birds.
Seeds available at the workshop will include black-eyed Susan, blue mistflower, butterfly milkweed, cup plant, cutleaf coneflower, New England aster, New York ironweed and sneezeweed.
More information and registration details are available online.
