Commenting so I can follow. I'm in southern Vermont and have been researching this same topic all week bc I went a little bananas on seeds...

Tried to get my 60s in the ground before the warm spell but have a few left. Apparently the freezer is not good, you want the fridge. You want temps around freezing but doesn't need to be in deep freeze.

Looking at the weather it will be hovering around freezing at night through May here, so Im hoping my C30s will be good! And even some of the 60s.

I've done cold strat in the fridge before with some success but I'm way too lazy to use 100 little pots so I just kept in fridge for awhile and then direct sowed. I was thinking I would start my few c60s I haven't yet planted in containers as if I was doing the winter sow I planned to do :( and then if it gets warm I'll put in the shade.

Pretty sure Monarda is almost an A? Monarda will def be good. Im also planting Penstemon. Lets stay in touch and report back. 🤓

First, a good book helped me recognize the number of cold nights we need. (Recommend the one by Jan Midgely.) I start WS with the seeds needing the longest period of time, usually middle December, and continue into February with those only needing 30 days or so. I also have left containers out for several years...never toss anything until at least three years have passed. Native Clematis have often taken three years for me. I am in a cold zone 7, and we have fluctuating weather, but the night temps are usually at least in the low 40's, which is all you need to mimic frig temps. I have had little luck using the frig, as I fail to check often enough! Ha, ha!