I have started a whole lot of things the past couple weeks and am currently sowing trays of tomatoes. Leeks, green onions, broccoli and some lettuces have already sprouted and have been left on the enclosed (but chilly) back porch in grow racks to get as much light as possible - these specimens can take some cold. Eggplant, peppers, tomatoes, and certain herbs are out there during the day (not sprouted yet) when the sun makes that porch warm, but in again at night. It can be a challenge getting enough light to all the new plants as they come charging through the seedstarting mix - let's hope the weather is favorable this Spring with lots of sunshine!

I went to a seed swap last week-end and people there told me that metal bits work better than wood bits at drilling through plastic jugs. I was glad to find that out because my wood bits just weren't cutting it! My drill is now my friend. I'm still scared of my wood-burning tool, though. Don't know why, just scared. Wasn't winter-sowing, but was cutting small skewers into short lengths to use as plant labels last spring and cut off the tip of my (hmmm..., which finger has that scar?) index finger. OH MY, it did hurt. Took off nerve endings and couldn't feel the piano keys under that finger for MONTHS. Was so happy when I began to feel again! Drill-happy Diana (Who is now only allowed to play with the kindergarten scissors.)

Do you really REALLY want to know??? Last year I planted at least 16 around the property (2/3 acre), and in my holding bed I have another 20. Brought 5 to my DM, 6 to my SIL, 3 to my sister. Gave away 5 at the first meeting of our garden club, and 3 to the GC President. So far this year I've winter sown 36 containers and might I add that when I sow I do so with a heavy hand so a lot of seeds go in one container. I will be doing a 'double wsing' soon, so you can double those containers. These sometimes germinate a bit later than other seeds. After all, mature plants usually start growing a bit later than other plants in the gardens. This is not a plant that you can leave in it's small container for a long period of time. I'm not saying have you have to transplant it as soon as it germinates, but leaving it in it's original container will not do it justice. Transfer it to a bigger pot or right into the gardens so that it may bloom for you in it's first year if it is inclined to do so. I had many first year bloomers last year from the plants that I transferred. The dominant Buddleia is the mauve coloured one. Seeds from it will germinate like crazy, and the closer to this 'strain' of the plant, the more germination you will get. I got just a few reds last year - 3 to be exact - but many purples. Also keep in mind that you may not get exactly the colour of the parent plant's blooms. The bees and butterflies are to blame for this!! :O)

Kathy, I too have a heat mat. I agree, they are handy. Sometimes but not often I start seed on it. Mostly I use it for cuttings. Either way, I do not think you need to get the little greenhouse kit. I just do my seeding in old 4" cups and put them in a flat. Then I tie some dry cleaning plastic over it until it germinates. Then I remove the plastic and spray with water regularly. But most of the time I just use the plastic baggie tent method to start cuttings with the bottom heat. I have some camellia cuttings from PINS rooted and growing now, thanks to the mat. Buford, look on the list of forums and find the winter sowing forum. You may try winter sowing to start your seeds. Some seeds also do better here sown directly in the ground in the fall or winter. They germinate way too early (or germinate in the cold, and grow their leaves then) for winter sowing. GGG