Never hurts to try something. Some folks here try any and everything they can find.

Even things that aren't hardy to your zone- WSown annuals do great as do many seeds hardy in warm southern zones but tender up here in the north. (i.e.I WSow things only hardy in warm zones, I just use them as annuals.) I consider a lot of these "disposable plants"- pretty plants today, compost food tomorrow. So easy to replace next year with new wintersown ones.

Karen

Hi there and welcome! You might like to try the seed data base at Wintersown.org. It shows those that have been successfully sown in our zone. Personally, I've tried just about everything except tropicals and I've been successful with most of them although some don't bloom until late summer or fall. I'm technically in Zone 8, but I live on a mountain so it stays about 7 degrees cooler than the Willamette Valley, and I lose at least a week growing time in the spring and again in the fall.

Here is a link that might be useful: Wintersown. org

I can't comment on z8 and rainforest type climate, but here at least, I tend to not use things that will rot in cold wet soil if sowed outside. Specifically, I don't do squashes and cukes and corn because in my experience, those require warm soil to germinate and the big seeds rot. Smaller seeds that require warm soil to germinate have done well for me though (e.g. basil).

I also haven't done things that take too long to get to blooming size in my climate - I suspect you won't have that issue in z8.

Avoid any and every seed! Send them all to me. I will promptly e-mail you my addy... I will test them for you and let you know if they sprout or not. :O)

Just kidding. Well, not really...

When I started, I did basic plants, things that were already familiar to me. As the years have gone, I have challenged myself and sowing things which might take a couple of years or which I never would have sown before aren't out of my realm now.

Have fun! :O)

Avoid tropicals and invasives.

Oh Tiffy, you're too funny this early in the morning!! I just spit coffee all over the computer(wiping off screen)
I was going to say "avoid poison ivy seeds" now I know who to send those to for a trade!!LOL!!
Last spring was such an odd one(cold and damp)here, and my first at WS so I'm still learning, but I finally have lupines! Something I couldn't get to "work" before.
-B

Thank you all! This is very helpful.