what is winter sowing

I've been a DGer since last August. I am a veggie gardener, but tried flowers (geraniums) and may do more next year. How do you winter sow? What can you wintersow?

Well, it can be a long story, but basically winter sowing is the sowing of seeds, outside, during the 'winter' months - in (throwaway) containers, with covers. Sow your seeds, toss 'em outside into the cruel world, snow and all, and pretty much forget about them.

You can wintersow any kind of seed, with the exception of tropicals (unless you like pushing the envelope - then sow those too). You can also wintersow vegetables.

The two links below will provide you with the information you'll need:

http://www.wintersown.org/

- or -

http://faq.gardenweb.com/faq/wtrsow/

Maybe you'll give it a try ........

PV

Yes, great links above and you will love Wintersowing once you try it.

I am a total wash-out on seed starting with lights and so on, but once you try WSing for a season or two (it took me two seasons because I keep 'customizing and altering' the directions given on Wintersowing site) of WSing you'll find it's a snap.

I love it for perennials and I haven't spent a dime at the nursery for plants this year. No kidding.

Ditto - this was my first year and will definitely NOT be my last year for wintersowing!! I'm already making my list for next year!