Many people in warmer zones start planting on the winter solstice, kind of a celebration. When you start depends on your zone and the kind of seeds you have. Some need longer stratification than others so you would start with them. If we have mild weather, i start in late December or early January. Otherwise i wait for a milder spell to start. The bulk of my sowing is done during March break because i have the time then.

There were some things I started last year at Winter Solstice because I was advised to (rose seeds), but I do the bulk of my sowing in February and March. Because we may be away during February this winter, I may start earlier and do all my seeds that need stratification in January. I will soon be direct sowing my poppies - I want to try this method this year to see how it turns out.

Well that makes sense. I guess I can decide what I want to plant, find out the requirements for germination, then plant accordingly.
I would love to have my gardens organized and prepared for direct sowing, but I can never get myself to pull or cut back a plant that has any sign of green or flowers/buds, so I end up leaving them and having to do it in the spring.

thanks for the input. :)

Lois