Hi netwiz,

I tried it last winter with mums but had no success. It could have been the self-harvested seeds. I just haven't had any luck with fall or winter sowing yet.

I'll be interested to hear how you do.

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Ladies, there is a bunch of great info at Wintersown.org that should be very helpful. I've been "studying" recently and plan to make a stab at it this year. Good luck to all of us. lol!

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Rosie z7a

Joanne, I've been saving half gallon milk jugs but that's as far as I've gotten. I'm worlds worst procrastinator so it may be another year or two before I make an attempt. There is so much to read and browse through on that website, I still haven't read every area and link. I've heard lots of positive comments from gardeners that use this method though so I do want to try it. I've had miserable luck with trying to start seeds indoors in the late winter\early spring. Marigold, Morning Glories and Hyacinth Bean Vine have been my only successes. I either kill them with kindess or neglect...no happy medium. lol!

I think your idea of the paper pots is excellent. Be sure to let your helper plant seeds of her own and you'll make a lifetime gardener out of her. You can plop the whole thing in your planting hole and not disturb the roots as the paper will break down.

I saw an episode of Gardening by the Yard that Paul James actually planted some seeds in egg shell halves. When it was time to plant out, he lightly crushed the shell and planted the whole thing. I guess the shell provided extra nutrients? I can't remember all the details.

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Rosie z7a

I am hooked on wintersowing now. I have found timing is key though. Some people told me last year to sow in our area in February. If we planted in Dec. plants did not do well with the freeze thaw, then thaw again in Feb.

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http://www.flickr.com/photos/audwoman/

If you want the rainbow you have to put up with the rain!!

Joanne, if you have the room, creating a "teepee" from plants is so much fun for kids to participate in. You can use any of the climbing vines for the teepee and then surround it with a "wall" of Sunflowers. Three 6' bamboo stakes should do the trick.

It's been so danged long since I've had little ones around, I thought I would search out some info for you. There are some cute ideas at Worm's Way.com that would excite any five year old.

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Rosie z7a

Joanne, I am in Pittsburgh. I started my winter sow in Feb.

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http://www.flickr.com/photos/audwoman/

If you want the rainbow you have to put up with the rain!!