You've missed the season for starting the seed from direct sowing. That should be done in Spring, right after last frost. You'd be better off starting them in seed-starting containers, like 21-cell trays, and then planting out the starts in early fall. It'll take time to prepare the hell strip anyway.

Thanks Donn,

I figured that it was late. My seed packet says plant in the fall about 12 weeks before last frost. I wanted to have fairly established roots by fall so that they last the winter. I figured if I start now in tray, they will look full by the fall and I can plant out. Thanks again!!!