And would that also be by the sea shore? Could no resist.
I am willing to bet your great grandparents never heard of winter sowing.
If your swappies don't have the time listed for planting in your area, find a website that sales seeds and see if they have a planting guide listed. Maybe try winter sowing some and tossing some out where you will want them.
I tossed out larkspur poppies and nigelia seeds the day I took possion of this house, right before Halloween. The ones on the South side of the house are about 1/2 inch tall and the ones on the North are just starting to come up.
If MD is like TX you are just now getting the coldest weather yet. The seeds that need the cold to stratify them should do ok.
Now...if they don't do well you have my permission to come bop me on the head.

It's not necessary to winter sow, although the winter sowers do seem to love it. I second Kathy's idea that you can find out when to plant each type outside and just direct sow them if you like. Most seeds are pretty simple -- just plant them after your last frost. It has worked for me for many years. The winter sowers' plants will probably be ahead of yours, but not by a lot, I think.

ThinMan

Hi Cooper,

You don't have to winter sow anything. But we winter sowers become addicted because the method works beautifully! Winter sowing is great because your seeds don't wash away, blow away, get eaten by bugs and other critters, the seeds are easily identified and kept track of for the most part.

Direct sowing still has its moments though. Personally, I think larkspur actually does better direct sown. I also direct sow bachelor buttons,and nigella (love in a mist). My seeds from these plants have already germinated and are thriving despite the snow and dips into the teens that we have had. If any of these seeds are on your list, I'd go ahead and get them out there. They will germinate in their own good time and will survive any weather. From my understanding the seeds I just mentioned like to be sown in the fall anyway. So feel free to get them out as soon as you see bare ground.

Natvtxn has a great idea of looking up the seeds on the internet. Also a great idea to throw some out and maybe holding some back for winter sowing or regular under lights sowing or maybe try all 3 methods...whatever you want. Gardening is always a learning experience.

I am so sorry I didnt get back to this thread. RL got in the way. Thanks for all the info. And the pun. I think I will try all three. Thanks Sue