My sunnies are getting big too. I hesitate to plant them out yet partly because the little critters eat them. More than half of them were eaten last year. I want my sunflowers to get bigger to stand a fighting chance against the critters, plus I don't want to cover them if we get a frost. Mine are 2-3 inches tall right now. I'm also trapping the critters because I have sooooo many (moles, voles, and shrews). I was raking the yard today and found about 10 new holes, never mind all the holes I already knew about in my flower beds. I applied castor oil too, but the moles are still busy digging. Anyway, maybe you could pot them up first? or just plant them out and hope for the best.

Sorry to miss guide you on the hosta Samfawzy & slfairless but I am a hosta collector with over 100 varieties. The hosta in the pot was an example that they can be stored in pots in the garage. Only a few make their way there as all the other are in the ground. I am thankful that you responded with advise. I didn't know if they should be in a cold area or basement for winter. I guess what you are saying is it's not the cold but the darkness that is important. So I will try your suggestions. Clean them, wrap them, keep them dry and in the dark. Thanks so much for responding. G

Joe, I don't think the problem is how cold it gets in the winter. You'd have to protect it anyway. In my opinion the main problem is how fast the area you plant it in warms up in the spring, and how much heat it gets during the growing season. I tried Celeste (which is very early) in the ground here, and it didn't ripen (even though it ripens in pots). It just started too late because the ground was so cold. I think it can be done, but the conditions have to be very good.

I winter sowed mine, and haven't had the opportunity to get them in the ground yet (beds not done----new home, starting over deal). Now I'm glad I didn't...front tonight! They do love the warm temps and we've had plenty the last couple of weeks! I brought them indoors tonight. Mine have been in cut down, clear juice containers and on the deck. So they've gotten plenty of heat. Now the frost....yuck! At least it isn't snow! I've never tried the Wall-O-Waters. I think I may try that next year...just to see if any difference.