There was a thread a while back about WSing in containers, and I believe the consensus was that it would work. Of course, you need to make sure you have the requisite ventilation (which it sounds like you have covered) and drainage.

I have no experience with WSing in containers myself, although I have DS'd in containers. I'd give it a shot if I were you--just watch the sunny exposures.

Prof

I don't see why that wouldn't work. I know a lot of people here w/s right in the planters. I have a container that I plan to do that way for the pool area.

If you have a 2 ltr bottle you could put that over the seeds/seedlings too. My husband was a Scout Leader for many years. He used these metal tent stakes, just heavy duty wire bent into a hook. If you take a 2 ltr and a hole puncher to put four holes in the edge of the bottle, then hook a wire stake in it, it should stay in place. Hubby says you can get the metal tent stakes pretty cheap at any sporting goods store.

Or you can buy 12 gauge wire on a 100' roll for a couple bucks. Cut it to length using wire cutters. Bend it over to form a u-shaped staple and push those through the holes punched in the two liters. But it sounds like the cake lids will work too. Even a small stone on those cake lids should hold them in place for the next month or so.

trowelgal, yes direct sowing in your containers works just fine, I've done it hanging planters for flowers and pots for tomatoes.

Hey, Tina - Remember last year? I did my lobelia that way - hey, it works with anything!! Don't you just love that idea?

I also did it with profusion zinnias - remembering to only plant ONE seed per 10 inch pot - wow, did that fill in!

Carrie

I WS many of my hanging planters and most of my large porch containers. If there is enough head room, I just cover the larger containers with plastic secured with a ring of 1/4" elastic. If the head space is shallow, I support the plastic with drinking straws or popsicle sticks. I just slip a large plastic bag over the hanging planters and fasten it with a tie at the bottom. The chains the container hangs from keep the bag suspended enough. Of course, don't forget to poke holes. I have had good success with lobelia, petunias, larkspur, marigolds, dwarf morning glories, and five spot to name a few.

Bonnie

Hey, Tina! It'll work fine. I've done it in years past, when I know for sure what combos I want in a pot. Just keep in mind the heights of the plants so you put the seeds in the appropriate spots.

Bonnie has some good ideas for you .....

PV

I have done a hanging basket this way,just last week, i sowed Laura Bush Petunias,put holes in the bottom of the plastic bag,( i used a dry cleaning bag) pulled the bag up,and securied it with clothespins to the chain,so far,so good.
I will be doing others the sameway this week.
Good luck,have fun,
cAROL

Thanks for the encouragement everyone, I'm going to try it.
Just got back from a trip to my local nursery's open house. Attended a workshop on containers...pretty, pretty, pretty! Lots of good ideas to try. After I got home my neighbor girl, Karen, the young lady I helped winter sow yesterday, came over. She wanted to go "recycle pickin'" so we took off with an empty trash bag. Came back with it full of milk jugs. She is all excited about winter sowing more seeds. I think she is going to be a winter sowing convert! Wait until she sees sprouts! Just think, if everyone of us took a youngster under our wing and taught them to WS we could have a whole new generation of winter sowers. I have helped Karen, Max, Foster and Evan this spring and they are all excited about the outcome.
Tina or trowelgal