I think the rule of thumb is three to four inches. Most of that is for root growth later on. The seeds will sink to the level they need to be on their own with all the freezing and thawing.

It seems that most of the photos I've seen of WS containers have only an inch or two of soil, even the containers are rather shallow and couldn't be planted too deeply. Are there some seeds that need to be planted deeper?

Also, do you place the containers out in the open for them to be snowed and rained on, or under the cover of a porch? If they are under cover, do you keep them watered?

Sorry, still confused!

3-4" is good. You want to allow for root growth. Planting out early eliminates the need for too much root growth, but you don't want to get into the situation where the roots strangle each other.

Milehigh, put the containers out in the rain and snow, that way they won't need to be watered for quite a while. As long as there is condensation inside the container, it probably doesn't need to be watered.

Not sure where in Colorado you are, but where I am things start germinating in late February, and I don't usually have to water the containers until some time in March.

Hope this helps,
Bonnie

Let it snow and rain on the containers. Right now mine have several inches on them now.

I usually put at least 3 inches. Some I use more cause I figure they will have more dirt for roots and moisture.

Don't worry to much about it. Just dump some dirt in and sow those containers. :)

Karen

3+ for me usually. It always gets compacted anyway.
Never use less than 3" or you'll a great chance of failure.

WSown seedlings usually have a strong and long/large root system.
They won't grow well in shallow soil.

Like karandee sez - "Don't worry to much about it. Just dump some dirt in and sow those containers. :) "

Love it!

PV

I usually try to plant out early but last year had trouble doing that because it was always raining. But these marigolds demonstrate why you need a good soil depth.
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Karen

Karen..when do you winter sow your Marigolds? I'd like
to try some this year..
Margaret

They're tender, so I don't sow them till spring, around late March or April. They sprout fast and grow fast so I wouldn't hesitate to sow as late as May.

Karen