Supplemental lighting is needed 1" above the plants. Check out all the FAQs (there is one on leggy seedlings and lighting) and info on this question posted over on the Growing from Seed forum here. Dave Here is a link that might be useful: Growing from Seed forum

highalttransplant, I thought about doing that, but since many of my tom seeds came from trades (and there's NO info on most of them... rare seeds apparently) I have no way of knowing the DTM. I can safely assume that most IND beefsteaks have higher DTM so I'll keep those babies inside with me. How readily do tom seeds rot when they've been winter sown? I'm a little concerned because of our weather as of late. It will get warm for a few days then a hard frost hits for multiple night in a row. And what about other veggie seeds? What is safe to wintersow without a high likelihood of losing the seed to rot? Thanks! Abby

I don't think this really applies to this forum but the folks over in Growing From Seed told me to post here. I stlll think it applies to that forum but if they won't answer my questions then what can I do. It most definitely was NOT a matter of refusing to answer your question and I am sorry you choose to take our efforts that way. Instead of trying to discuss it with us you just accused us of not even reading your post. It was our attempt to direct you to the forum where your "idea", minus the use of the space heater, has already been tried, tested, and proven to work. You want to start seeds outside using natural light - that is not the focus of the Growing from Seed forum. It is Winter Sowing at its most basic which is why 2 of us directed you here for help. But you made it clear that you do not understand how Winter Sowing works so I suggested you check out the FAQ's here for a great deal of good info before ruling it out. As the others have said, space heaters are dangerous to use outside, especially in a self-contained small environment, and as I pointed out on the other forum, very expensive. But if you wish to skip either of the tried and proven methods of starting seeds (inside under lights using heat mats or Winter Sowing outside) and try your approach by all means do so. Good luck. Dave

Boboz, I started mine in 6 parts perlite, 3 parts sphagnum, and 3 parts organic potting soil. They all came up well, but now unfortunately I have lost them all, the last 2 today due to damping off. I don't know why, but the last few days, some of my sprouts just decided to poop out on me. They were doing so well, I really don't understand what happened. I'm very disapointed. Especially at the loss of all my hibs. Good luck with yours! Daniella