On a long winter’s night, the vivid scents, sounds, and colors of a native plant garden in bloom can feel like a half-remembered dream. But if you think you have to wait for the ground to thaw before you can grow beautiful and beneficial species, think again—winter is the perfect time to get started. For many gardeners, raising native plants means swinging by a local nursery come spring. Planting these species is one of the best ways to help birds around your home or community. They provide a buffet of seeds, fruit, and nectar while also supporting insects that birds need. The cherry on top: Plants adapted to your local environment also tend to require less upkeep than non-native species. But if you’re itching to start preparing for the warmer months, consider growing native plants from seed this winter. Doing so is simple and affordable and comes with other benefits, says Emily Baisden, seed program manager for the Wild Seed Project, a Maine nonprofit that advocates...