Fall planting question

What should I be planting this fall, besides the spring bulbs, I mean? I'm thinking poppies, potato vine, what else? Any advice? (I'm in zone 6.)

I'm still wondering. However, reading Trudi's answer about winter sowing on gardenweb.com was helpful. Any other advice? Anyone ... anyone ... ?

You got me, Granny. Sorry I can't be of any help. I need help on this subject as much as you do! lol

Aren't you supposed to sow bleeding hearts seeds in the fall? I think there are many perennials that are supposed to be sown in the fall, but I'm not totally sure on that.

Hi Granny
I don't have any answers for you just some thoughts...I just starting growing from seed this year myself so not a lot of experience with fall sowing. Will experiment more next year.

I think Trudi's winter sowing would be better...if seeds are sown now and sprout there is little chance of them making it through the winter unless they are protected in some way. I think fall sowing means early fall so that the plants have some growth and stand a chance of survival. There are some that have "double" dormancy and actually need a few weeks sowed in warmth prior to stratification but I don't know if your weather will cooperate with you now.

I sowed a bunch in Sept and Oct so they are all now anywhere from 2" to 5" high...they will also spend the winter protected in a cold greenhouse so I'm sure they should survive just fine. I won't heat it until sometime in Jan/Feb when I start my veggies.

If you do sow them be sure not to feed them as this will cause artificial growth stimulation and actually weaken the plant for winter survival.

Perhaps you have a nice bright window that you could sow a few...just to give you some joy until spring has sprung...or until Jan when you may sow outside.

Good Luck, if you sow them, let us know how it turns out.

Jody

Hi,
I've been asking a simular question on several message boards: "What seeds can I sow in the autumn in my cool greenhouse?". I never really got an answer either and I'm sure there must be some rule of thumb for it.

But a little while ago I did hear someone say that I could sow anything that's hardy in my zone in the autumn (either in the greenhouse or outside protected by a polytunnel).
And that's what I've been trying, sofar I haven't lost any plants yet and the temperature is dropping to around freezing point at night.
The idea behind this is that while you still got reasonably warm and sunny autumn wether the plants will grow. When the wether gets colder and darker the plants won't grow so much anymore but will establish a great root-system, wich will give you quite a big headstart on spring sown plants. The plants should become fuller and bushier and better quality in general then the plants sown in spring.
Also a lot of perennials who normally flower in their second year, will start to flower in their first year.
This is the first year I'm trying this method, so let me know what you think about it!
Agnes