Tony, The way I figure it, you were originally asking about putting a heater in your plastic thing because you were possibly interested in replicating a greenhouse. The winter sowing people generally use methods that roughly replicate a coldframe (but with the improvement of letting some precipitation cycle through). Coldframes and such are awesome for starting things that need stratification, which I don't think applies to any of the seeds you listed (not sure about the rockwort offhand). And there's nothing wrong with using them for other stuff either--snapdragons, for one, like it cool. On the other hand, heated greenhouses and indoor light setups can give you more of a jump on many things, which may be a benefit when you're sowing many annuals and more tender things. I'm sort of sorry you didn't try out your experiment. I would have been curious to hear how it worked. Some people from the winter sowing forum like to use their method exclusively. I think that in cold places like our state of Illinois, indoor lights and warm greenhouse environments are great tools. I do agree, however, that much of what you're sowing will be fine with either method, though I'm not sure I'd want zinnia seeds experiencing below-freezing soil temps. In case you're still considering it, I'd be a little nervous about the space heater idea just for fire/safety reasons--those tented shelving units have been known to blow over--but I think it's a worthy experiment if you have the time and proximity to keep an eye on it.

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

I think the key to raising healthy seedlings lies in observing them closely to make sure they are kept in optimal conditions... proper watering, root space, enough light, a well-draining medium... and making sure they are fed. Yes, Java... this will be my first year of growing hippeastrums from seed... but I'm an old hand at gardening in general, and have been growing some type of plant or other since I can remember! At one point in my life, I had well over 200 house plants in a small cape cod home! Half of those were moved into that small home from a one bedroom apartment! I've had my oldest hippeastrum bulb, a Minerva, going on 8 years or more... but I just recently became completely addicted to collecting, growing and breeding these bulbs! It's funny... for most of the time I've had my Minerva, I sort of neglected the poor thing... and she's been the most wonderful plant I've ever had! She blooms almost every year without fail, and this past winter, she grew a baby! Anyway... I was thinking along the lines of orchid pots for young bulbs... they tend to be tall and narrow, and have slits, which would allow the roots to "breathe"... it's just a thought, but I might experiment with a few. The clear, taller cymbidium pots would be worth checking out! I just planted a flat of hippeastrum seeds last night... I've got a 72 cell flat planted with rows of 6 seeds, each in a cell, the rows running across the flat... if you know what I mean. Planted are: 2 rows of Prelude x Self 1 row of San Remo x Self 1 row of Happiness x Candy Floss 1 row of Minerva x Self 1 row of Limona x Picotee 1 row of Charisma x Self 1 row of Limona x Self 1 row of Vivaldi x Self 1 row of Delphinium "Green Twist" - a gift from Lizalily! 1 row of Exotic Star 1 row of Lovely Garden If these do well, I'll plant more... I just want to be sure germination takes place, and one flat will be a good test. The medium I used is just plain old MiracleGro potting soil mixed with quite a bit of sand. I've got the flat covered with a little plastic greenhouse cover, and since it's been a bit chilly, I've got it indoors on a heat mat. Once I see a sprout, I'll move the flat outside to grow in the sun, along with all my other flats of annual and perennial seeds. I had very good luck germinating hippeastrum seeds by floating them in water, but once I transplanted them, they went downhill and all expired. I think it may have been due to the poor indoor propagation area I have... the ambient temperature fluctuates over winter, humidity is low, and my grow lights are cheap! After losing the dozen or so seedlings I started over winter, I decided to wait until spring to start again. This is a much better time of year for seeds to germinate and grow, and I can do it all outdoors in the natural elements of sun and fresh air. I think this time I will be successful.

I'm in Dallas, I planted some peppers in late July a few years back. In October I had peppers out the wazoo. You're fine starting them now. You may not see much fruit production until it cools down a little in the fall. 95-100 degree daytime temps and +70 nightime temps equals blossom drop (in my opinion based on my short 4 year career growing peppers).