Only perennials for me right now (53 jugs this weekend!) I will sow annuals like sunflowers and basil much later - like March. Even if a seed CAN be WS I do wait if I know it is a warmth loving plant (like Zinnia)

Technically there is no need for sunflower or basil to be started at cold. My preferences to start such things later, when the weather warms up and I could see gratifying instantaneous results- see germination in couple of days instead of a month. Wait for stable temps of 40-nights before starting zinnias.

Lindalana: "Wait for stable temps of 40-nights before starting zinnias."

Exactly! I wait on my tender annuals until the night temperatures are consistently above freezing. If you can sow them early in your zone, then go for it!

Laurie,
Remember to post your container count on the Official Count thread!

I sow perennials and hardy annuals thru the winter and wait until March'ish to start cool season veggies: broc, lettuce, chard, ect.. Heat loving tender veggies: tomato, pumpkin, melon and tender annuals usually hold off until mid April early May. A few times I got impatient and started things like Zinnia, Tithonia, Marigold and tomatoe 2-4 weeks too early and paid the price :)

Vera