Wintergreen is a beautiful creeping ground cover. It grows low to the ground, and has a shrub-like appearance. In the summer, Wintergreen has sweet little bell-shaped flowers, and in the fall and winter it has lovely red berries.

Plant indoors 4 - 6 weeks before the last frost. Or, start directly outdoors after danger of frost has passed.

Plant in partial shade with well-drained, high in organic matter soil.

• You have two options for planting seeds: Sow them directly into the garden by pressing them into the soil but not covering after risk of frost has passed. Alternatively, start seeds indoors four to six weeks before the average last frost date in spring.
• Wintergreen grow best after a cold treatment. Refrigerate the seeds for 4 - 10 weeks prior to planting, as the cold temperatures help to break the dormancy of the seed.
• Transplant into garden when temperatures are consistently warm.
• Before transplanting seedlings into the garden, it's essential to "harden them off". This involves acclimating young plants to outdoor conditions by placing them in a sheltered outdoor area for about a week. Initially, shield them from strong winds and direct sunlight. If there's a risk of frost overnight, either cover the plants or bring them indoors, then return them outside in the morning. This hardening off method helps strengthen the plant's cell structure, minimizing transplant shock and sun damage.
• Space plants 24 inches apart in garden.

• Maintain weed control throughout the growing season. Weeds can compete with plants for water, space, and nutrients, so it's essential to manage them by regular cultivation or by applying mulch to stop their seeds from sprouting.
• Mulches play a crucial role in retaining soil moisture and regulating soil temperatures consistently. When dealing with annual plants, using organic mulch made from shredded leaves can enhance the appearance of the bed naturally and enrich the soil as it decomposes over time. Remember to avoid placing mulch directly against a plant's stems to avoid potential rot issues.
• Consistent moisture is important for your Wintergreen. If the plant is in more sunlight, then they require more moisture. In the dry, hot summer months or during a drought, it is best to provide one inch of water per week.
• Wintergreen can be grown in a container longterm. During the winter however, it should be kept outdoors, not indoors. Make sure its roots are sufficiently insulated aginst the cold. Place the pot in a larger container to create a planting silo, and fill it with mulch or sand. Or bury the pot in the ground, then in the spring dig it out, and transplant into the garden.
• In the early spring before new growth starts, remove any unsightly, old, or broken stems.