D - I just started wintersowing this year and it couldn't be easier. If you go to the Wintersowing forum, at the top of that page you'll see a link to "FAQ" ... that's going to answer a lot of your questions, from how to prepare your containers to what types of seeds are good for wintersowing in your region. Don't worry, you don't need to build or get frames. After you've checked out the FAQ, please come back if you with any questions - I'm sure lots of folks will be happy to help you out. Diane

Thanks to all who replied to my question. I read both the WS FAQs and SS thread. I honestly never thought I had to cover anything I planted outside when the weather was nice - just let Mother Nature do her job. Now, I'll put the stuff I had inside, outside with a cover. I especially liked the FAQ "Poster Suggestions for Flats from Recycleables" and also, the suggestions posted to this thread regarding containers. I needed to know what to start saving now in order to WS as economically and environmentally as possible. What wonderfully invented ideas people had. I had asked about coffee cans a few months back but did not get a resounding "Good Idea" so I guess I'll put those in the cycle bin and stick to the more widely used plastics that light can get through. Great to hear from my New England and Canadian neighbors - we can all commiserate together about all this rain (what was THAT last night?). Also, thanks to all for the "Welcomes" to the forum. I appreciate your time and thoughtfullness in helping me out. I'm sure I'll you'll be hearing from me again with more stupid questions! Zahzeen

Oh, I have lots of seeds I forgot about! I have Territorial seeds for purple coneflower, Rudbeckia 'Cherokee Sunset', Sunflowers 'Apricot Twist'and 'Jade'. I also havae borage, butterfly weed, ornamental millet, and nigella. Can you winter sow annuals? Anyway, I'll bring them all and try to bring some markers along also. Susan

Carla, I do both direct sow and Winter Sow. I direct sow seeds if I have a huge collection of them. I Winter Sow those seeds that I don't have too many to waste in the rain or snow. I like Winter Sowing because of its ease and it does not require as much care and expense as indoor sowing. I also have a lot of success with it. I am able to grow a lot of seeds that I failed to grow indoors. Please check out the link below. It's still not too late to start. The seedlings are healthy and grow very fast and well. They cost a lot less than those seedlings from garden centers or nurseries. Have fun. Here is a link that might be useful: Winter Sowing FAQ