Head on over to winter sowing. This will be my first year trying it, but it sounds like lots of fun and doesn't require lights at all. Or the space to set them up.

Pauline

Here is a link that might be useful: winter sowing

Ooooh, I check it out and looks like it's way fun. Perfect for us northerners! I'm going to try it. It looks super easy. They even have offers for free seeds to get you started... check out the link below for some instructions on getting started. Anybody out there had sucess doing this?

Here is a link that might be useful: wintersown.org

I've gotten pretty good results with winter sowing. Just as good, however, from direct sowing which is even less work! Depends a bit on the viability and germination requirements of one's seeds.

Since I'm in grad school right now, I'm doing mostly direct sowing. Perennials already on the ground, the annuals will go out in very early spring. I do have some vegetables and a few special seeds that I'll start in my office's south-facing window.

Best of luck in your seed starting efforts in 2006--it's so fun and rewarding!

Last winter was my first winter that I tried winter sowing. It worked GREAT for me. I had over 150 milk jugs and close to the same amount of other containers such as cups, butter tubs, clear cookie/grape containers, etc. You name it, it probably will work for a container.

The only things that didn't work well for me is the tender annuals. They were slow to get started and seemed to be behind the ones I started indoors, but most did grow! I will still do annuals outdoors but will continue to still do some of them indoors under my lights. I did though, have almost 100% success with perennials in winter sowing. Way more than I could handle - mom, sisters, nieces, neighbors, co-workers all benefited from my success.

I have a few jugs outside already this year, and plan to really work on them over the New Years week-end!!!

Wishing everyone GREAT success in their seed sowing adventures!!

Sandy

Are there any plants you would especially recommend, Sandy? I found a couple of lists on the winter sown website, but I'm curious what people have had success with here in the Twin Cities.

Welcome to the Minnesota Gardening Forum, Shawna!

mackie, I've done pretty much every plant on my trade list that also has the botanical name listed... It's so fun to see the babies pop their first leaves up in one container and then another.

Mackie, for guidelines on plants that work the best for winter sowing, go to the winter sowing forum and click on FAQ. There are several items in the FAQ that will tell you how to select the sorts of seeds that will work best. I've put the direct link to the FAQ below.

Here is a link that might be useful: Winter Sowing FAQ

Try these other forums in addition to the winter sowing forum. Lots of info.

growing under lights
growing from seed
seed exchange (for trading)
round robin exchange (for trading)

You might also want to attend the Winter Blues Seed Swap on Jan 29th posted on the exchange page. There will be lots of seeds and info there too.

Dave

I use wintersowing (ALOT!) for hardy perennials mostly- and if it something I really want- I have, in the past, Wintersown and indoor started it. Wintersown seeds are more protected from mother nature and her host of hungry beasties, therefore- I have found I get a greater yeild of plants.

I direct sow some seeds of my established plants in other areas of the yard (and elsewhere...). Somehow, I am not as concerned if I get more of an established plant- as I am about insuring a greater yeild of something new to me.

If you plan to start annuals and tropicals indoors- be sure you have bottom warmth (in a pinch, heating pads might work- but do be cautious of fire/electrocution hazard) for those that need it- and bright lights!

For those of you that have forced air heat- without finished basements- you too may have the "Ideal" space to start many of your seeds- I slide plastic wrap covered trays/pans of planted seeds ontop of the heated runs, but not on the cold air returns. There is just enough space between the beams to do this at my place. Be sure to check them every day and pop them under the lights as soon and as close to the lights as possible.

I felt I had to do alot of research as I started many seeds indoors last year- many need light to germinate- many need darkness- many need to be cold for a prescribed amount of time and some will come up what ever you do.

I would suggest that you start out with a sterile soil-less medium to grow in- last year was the first year I didn't, and I had lost several wee sprouts to an "infestation" of tiny black flies- sort of gnat looking things who lay eggs in soil- then their larva eat the tender roots of the seedlings- so very sad!

I also sprinkle a small amount of clean, very fine construction sand on top of the flats of newly planted seeds. It seems to help keep the dreaded damping off away. As does a well ventilated area with a slight breeze. If the breeze is strong enough- the seedling will put a bit of energy twords becomming stocky, sturdy enough to withstand the breeze- Rick, don't ask me where I got this info- I read it somewhere- but I do believe it to be true.

Bottom watering is very nessesary- at least to me. I had all of my flats in trays and pans (those aluminium baking kind)and poured the water into them. I found it best not to leave water in the bottom for too long though- which meant I had to tip and drain the ones I put too much water into.

These are a few of the things I have tried that I can remember to share with you-

I hope this is helpfull-

Julie

Hi
QUestion on milk jug seed starting? Do you punch holes in the bottoms for drainage? Do you transplant at all?
For years (20+) I have used the paper milk cartons cut sideways for seeding (wrapping in clear plastic bags) then transplant when they germinate. I am thinking that the seedlings might get a jump start on taking off if I didn't transplant, ALtho it would take alot more seedless mix.
ANy thoughts , advice??
Lynn

Everything I've read so far has said to be sure to have good drainage... if making homemade containers to put holes in the bottom.

I have alot of suggestions for seed starting inside. As for the grow lights don't bother spending the money on them. Regular florescents work just fine. I would put in one warm white light and one cool white light. This will give you the widest spectrum of light for the plants. Also make sure you hang the lights just a few inches above the seedlings. Make sure you check them every day for water and for the light some can grow very fast. When germinating the seeds, just germinate under the lights this will add extra warmth that will aid in germination. If using one of the dome covers make sure to remove the dome after some have sprouted. Don't worry if all of them haven't sprouted yet the ones that didn't will soon follow the ones that did. Make sure to keep them constantly moist until germination and then water regularily. Most don't care to dry out so keep them constantly moist but not too moist. Having them too wet will cause damping off. Another thing on damping off make sure you are using sterilized containers. If they aren't new use a solution of bleach and water to clean them before you sow the seeds that will help prevent damping off.
Any more questions feel free to ask. Once you start you won't be able to stop.

I've been doing this now for years. It gives me the sense of gardening during the winter months.
Some of the perennials have to be started 60-90 days before the last frost.
I do use the Jiffy pots and black planters because they save space and they're reuseable.
I've also used plastic containers that mushrooms and such come in as long as I can have a catch all underneath them.
By doing this winter sowing, you open up the kinds and types of plants not available for sale or hard to buy, for your garden to say nothing of the gratitude of your friends and neighbors when you give the "overstock" away.

My only advice is not to start stuff too early- especially if we have such a cold and windy May like last year. I've found that 'large seed' annuals like zinnia, 4clocks, and nasturtium germinate and grow very quickly. This by no means is scientific- just what I've experienced in 5 years of starting stuff inside. I used a heating mat last year and got sprouts in as little as 5 days for some varieties. I'd rather have stuff be on the small side than having floppy stems be the victim of high winds.

Keep in mind- it hurts to put all that work into growing them inside- only to see them get leggy and fall over each other because its too cold yet to put them in the ground.