Same method. Done in shade here in Columbus. Moisture watched very carefully...but easy to do. Process just moves a whole lot faster and I personally reserve plantout until cooler temps in later fall.

Problem is, with the drought, I haven't finished plantout and I'm reluctant to start summer sowing until I have my Joe Pye, Impatiens and Jacob's Ladder (thanks Ron) into the ground.

I'm thinking at the least I need 4 2-liters of dianthus - perhaps more.

are we using covered jugs until germination? and while I have looked at Tom's guide for germination. As long as it's over 68 degrees could I try thiose for the summer??

I can't even consider it until after summer vacation, which will make it probly mid August. The neighbors have enough to worry about watering the stuff I already have in the ground. They tell me the pressure is immense to care for my flowers when I go out of town.

Is mid August too late to try biennials like digitalis and hollyhock? If they would germinate in time to plant out in fall?

Karen

I have found increasing the soil volume reduced some of the pressure in terms of water need. I am sowing seed in about 4 to 6 inches of soil in open containers. The day and night temps are above 70 dgerees so germination occurs quickly. I am germinating rudbeckia, foxglove, hollyhocks, and grasses in open containers and transplanting hunks into one gallon contaiers to be planted out in early september. I have an incredible amount of plants to choose from (or give away) for new beds. While most of this stuff might not bloom this year, it will put on a show in the future. My neighbors think I have lost it; our garden is full of potted plants waiting for a home.

Plastic trays for summer sowing (Recycled medication trays from the hospital: the back row of pots is weeping love grass.
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Potted up 'hunks'
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PC

chestnut - what do you repot your seedlings in? Do you use regular Miracle Gro Potting Mix or a special "re-potting" blend....? (There's some kind of recipe for that blend, but I'd prefer just using potting soil).

Thanks - Carrie

I cant say specifically because I have not payed attention to the labeling. I do go with a mix that is somewhat heavy on the peat to hold onto moisture. I buy it 4 cubic feet at a time for about $20. I am on bale number six since december. This is the most soil I have ever used. I have gone a bit overboard; oh well, it has been fun.

PC

Yep, covered jugs until germination. You can also use saran wrap and rubber bands. I try to finish summer sowing by 7/15 so the plants will be established enough for the fall swap here and eventual fall plantout.

Oh yes, at least 3-4 inches of soil and place the jugs in saucers to keep their feet moist. It's really easy and fun.

thank you Bakemom -

it's overcast today so I am going to get them into the into their jugs.

I had just about 99% germination on my WS'ed plants.

then a freeze, then an unexpected death, and the onset of the earliest 90 weather I can remember (I know I am talking to the choir here) ) but I really have enjoyed it and I am pleased with the results. My garden beds look much improved as well. But the things I lost were really the ones I was looking forward to adding for next year.
So I am going to try the second time around....

I ordered several special perennials from Gardens North, and early this week seeded them and many biennials in wintersowing jugs that didn't germinate. A number of these specified 70 degrees and high humidity, which the enclosed jugs provide. One jug is in the fridge for 6 weeks. I'm very hopeful!

doronicum
two kinds of heuchera
tiarella
4 kinds of foxglove
canterbury bells
sweet william
forget-me not
some sort of campanula
2 kinds of primula

I have lots of shade and wild areas.