This is turning into a very weird weather year for many of us. Because of that, it's hard to give you an absolute answer. Be aware that no matter what any of us tell you, it's nature that has the final answer in when those seeds will sprout.

My best guess is that it's probably fine for perennials hardy to your area, and hardy annuals too. I'd definitely wait for anything tender. And if perennials and hardy annuals would sprout early, they have a much better chance of survival in their containers. And keeping them in a shady spot is definitely a good idea until spring is in the air.

This is probably our coldest part of winter most years, and it's when I sow my hardy annuals and perennials. I sowed my first jugs a few days ago. I'd go for it if I were you. The chance that they'll sprout in shade is minimal I think, and winter might just stay mild this year.

Karen

I agree with Karen. Mother Nature would have already sown those seeds. Your's in protective covers stand a better chance than hers at this point. :)

Keep them shaded so they don't get too warm. The seeds will sprout when its time.

The weather you are having is "normal" for us here in N Texas. We're still winter sowing, but we keep our containers in the shade until we see sprouts then keep a close eye on them when they are moved into the sun so they don't get too hot or dry out. We all do the container shuffle here in early spring or build over head shade for them to keep the mid day sun off of them.

Thank you!

I think I'll start some now and save extra seed in case I might need to use the refrigerator method (I hope not!) later.

Another question: Where do you find your information on what seeds to use for winter sowing? I've gone through several lists and websites, and I'll sometimes find conflicting data or something that confuses me (like I've read that columbine is winter sow-able, but I find it omitted from some lists). So far, I've found Tom Clothier's site to be very informative. This site too: http://earthnotes.tripod.com/seeds.htm .

I find Jelitto, linked below, to be the most consistently helpful resource for sowing needs, in addition to being a fabulous source for seeds. They list over 100 different Columbine cultivars. Here's an example:

Aquilegia alpina

Sowing instruction #8:

These perennial seeds germinate very irregularly over a long period. Lower temperatures of less than +5ðC [41ðF] are very effective. Seed trays should not be discarded prematurely. Constant moisture must be maintained. Do not leave in direct sunlight. For Alstroemeria we recommend to keep sowing for 3 weeks at approximately +30ðC [86ðF], then 3 weeks at +5ðC [41ðF], then at +21ðC [70ðF].

Here is a link that might be useful: Jelitto

donn ~

Here is a website that gets mentioned often on this forum

http://wintersown.org/wseo1/WS_Database_Z6.html

Stacy

Thanks, Stacy. I've had Trudi's site in my favorites for several years.

I use Wintersown.org too, but I get a bit lost in all the pages of seed lists and comparing what will and will not germinate in each zone.

Very informative site! That's where I learned what a hunk-o-seedlings was. It saved a lot of time.

vajeff, where are you? I'm in Chesapeake... so far my broccoli and cabbage have begun to sprout but I am not worried about them, I know they can handle it. In fact, I'm going to start some lettuce this afternoon just to see how it goes. I have NOT started my pepper seeds yet, but I have also started some herbs. This is our first year here, and also my first year winter-sowing.

I'm in Portsmouth. Our fall planted broccoli, cabbage, and brussels sprouts haven't done a thing yet. I suppose it wasn't a good idea to build a hoop house over them. Salad greens are doing great, as are the leeks, and bunching onions. Those are in the hoop house too. I took the peppers out after they got nipped by the cold, and moved potted lily bulblets and daylilies in since they have started to grow and I didn't want them to get hit by frost.

I think I'll be starting herbs, peppers, and slow growing plants indoors come February. Some in the aerogarden and some in flats in a sunny window. Maybe some tomatoes too just in case the winter sown bunch don't turn out. This will be my first time winter sowing, so it'll be more of a learning experience for me.

Welcome to the area!