Thanks everyone!!! This is exactly what I wanted to see and hear. I've got WS containers that are thick with sprouts that I definitely want to plunk in so there's a huge, healthy display next year rather than puny "specimen" plantings here and there. I want masses of blooms rather than a flower here and another one over there. Last year (my first to WS) I planted a few things HOS/PAR. They're looking good so far this year and I should know later this season how they fare.

Oh, Agastache definitely acts like it's a member of the mint family! I left the seed heads on, to possibly feed birds, and because they looked neat. With all the sprouts this year, I could have a hedge of it surrounding my yard next year, if I desired! The plants are not spreading from the base ultra-fast, however. I think it's a great plant. I'm still planting out, and I agree that plunking in 60 or 70 degrees is a lot nicer than in 80 or 90 degrees, and one doesn't have to water as much.

You're giving me more ideas! Curious about dill....I had always heard direct seed, it doesn't like to be moved......what is you experience with transplanting dill?

Welcome bellabella_2008 Isn't it amazing how much there is to learn on this website. It's certainly a great place for anyone the least bit interested in everything from gardening to home improvement...and beyond. I'm also new here as well as to gardening but I've already met so many kind, generous people willing to share their time in helping out a newby like myself. I'm sure you'll find the same. Another great source of information is http://www.wintersown.org There you will find answers, data based information and lots of pictures to steer you on. It is there that I found that hollyhocks have been successfully sown from Zones3-9. This will good news to you. I'm not experienced at winter sowing myself. This is my first attempt at it. Regarding the use of the 2L pop bottles for your hollyhocks I would assume you would follow the procedure as you would no matter what seed(s) you were planting. Therefore ... cut the bottle but keep the top. It's important to tape the top back on until the seeds have sprouted. When it is safer to expose them to the outdoor elements the lid will be removed. The idea is that you are creating a mini greenhouse by leaving the top part of the bottle on. The baby plants would be too fragile to survive without it at first. You must leave the screw top off the bottle for ventilation and you may also want to add a few more vent holes/slit in the top of the bottle as well. The bottom portion of the bottle must be given drainage holes before you add your soil and seeds as well. Very important. Be sure to really clean the bottles well before you plant in them. Personally I would cut it lower than half way. It would give your seeds more head room if they grow tall & fast. I only say this because I know hollyhocks are tall plants but I don't know if they sprout and grow quickly. These are just general responses to your questions. I was more concerned that you seemed to think that you didn't need the bottle top. You do. Like I said...for really good indepth advice check out the website I mentioned above. Lots of info and pictures too. If you have any more questions feel free to ask. Maybe someone with experience will answer you. You could also start a thread of your own asking your questions. That would ensure it would be seen and addressed by a larger audience. I only knew you posted here because I'm connected to this particular thread. Anyway...keep the bottle tops so you can reattach them. Not sure about when they will flower. Take that question and start another thread in the gardening section regarding " hollyhocks " and you'll get all your answers I'm sure. Happy planting. kanuk