Propagation: Norm Deno's "Outdoor Treatment" - anyone try it?, 1 by

wrote:
Heck, I skip all that extra work with baggies now and sow seeds straight into my simple, homemade coldframe. These are seeds that require stratification to germinate. Did that the first time with Aster alpinus, Echinacea, Oenothera and Callirhoe. Sowed the seeds during Oct 2007. They started to sprout as the weather warmed in 2008. I was happy that I no longer have to do it inside. Aster alpinus even bloomed spring 2008.

On Oct 2008, I sowed more seeds, this time filling my coldframe.
In addition, February 2009, I sowed more seeds, including Clematis tangutica, Penstemon, Helianthus, in a seed flat, covered and placed in a window in my heatless garage. The flat is covered with a clear plastic dome. I ran out of space in the coldframe.

Caption: Photo of my simple coldframe before sowing seeds. It sits on the ground. I replaced the soil inside with purchased soil. The cover is hinged and a shade cloth is hooked to and used when needed. I have chicken wire stretched across to keep animals out. I use this coldframe to start cuttings, seeds, and harden off plants. Couldn't garden without it. Built from scrap lumber.