No, seeds don't die when frozen. They just go to sleep. They won't wake up and sprout until the temp suits them.

My garden is sub-freezing temps most of winter. But many plants drop seeds into the soil then reseed and volunteer, plants pop up the following year when the temp and other conditions are right.

It's the same in the container, just as if the plant had dropped the seeds naturally. Freezing won't hurt them, they just don't do anything then. When temps warm, and days are long enough, and humidity is adequate, they pop.

Karen

What seeds failed for you when the first time?

A lot. Butterfly bushes, Gentians, daisies, meadow rue, tree seed, shrub seed, fruit seed, annuals, perennials, biennials.

minniemouse,I too am zone 7.This will be my 3rd yr to ws.Since xmas holidays are so hectic on the soltice when alot of wsers start wsing.I start wsing in January.The seeds need that freezing weather.In the spring when it starts warming up,you will see lots of green.I do not open my containers when germination first starts-my choice.I find if I keep the containers closed and sealed and water some if needed,when I do open them ,they are huge with a great,strong root sytem.Once you get started,you will find what works best for you.Read the faqs and ask lots of questions.The vets will walk you through it.I have 2 portable green houses on my screen porch that I also use.I use miracle gro mix-not the soil.Wsing is so easy.Feel free to email me any time and I will help you all I can,as will others here.Now is a good time to start prepping your containers and buying your mix before the holidays get started.If you are a newbie,take advantage of all the SASBE offers to get you started with a good selection of seed.
moonphase

Wait a sec... Open your containers? You use closed containers? I thought you were supposed to use your regular 4x4 nursery pots for this.

minnamouse: I think that might have been your problem. We use covered containers, and don't open them until warm spring weather, after germination.

Most of us use used, recyclable containers (milk jugs, carry-out containers, etc, or pots covered with plastic). The top part of the container needs to allow light to pass through. Trudi's "rule of thumb" is if you can see your thumb thru it it's OK to use. Also, shoot for 3" of soil depth and don't forget drainage holes.

My absolute favorite is gallon milk jugs. I cut thru 3 sides, forming a hinge. Also add drainage holes and duct tape shut. Two liter pop bottles are also popular.

{{gwi:260472}}

I hope you'll decide to jump in and give it a try again. I have wintersown for the past 3 years with great success. Occasionally one won't germinate, but most, by far, do.

Also see Trudi's site wintersown.org

Karen

Lol. Thanks. I think I found the problem. We go through a lot of soda, but not milk, so I'll start collecting. I just hope my dad doesn't decide to keep throwing them out when I'm not looking. ...Hmm... I need to find a place to hide them!