Aw darn..I just missed meeting you by a few minutes. I wanted to get home and start planting. People traded and chatted,I brought a map so we know where others are located, some left before lunch. Some locked up their cars and went to sit on the benches for lunch. I'm thinking for the fall swap we begin by meeting at lunch time and then do the swap so folks have more time to arrive. Hope you'll come back for the fall swap. I hear there will be lots more (although there sure were plenty of plants) since what is seedling now will be mature to share then. Would that work better?

Hi Cooper, You don't have to winter sow anything. But we winter sowers become addicted because the method works beautifully! Winter sowing is great because your seeds don't wash away, blow away, get eaten by bugs and other critters, the seeds are easily identified and kept track of for the most part. Direct sowing still has its moments though. Personally, I think larkspur actually does better direct sown. I also direct sow bachelor buttons,and nigella (love in a mist). My seeds from these plants have already germinated and are thriving despite the snow and dips into the teens that we have had. If any of these seeds are on your list, I'd go ahead and get them out there. They will germinate in their own good time and will survive any weather. From my understanding the seeds I just mentioned like to be sown in the fall anyway. So feel free to get them out as soon as you see bare ground. Natvtxn has a great idea of looking up the seeds on the internet. Also a great idea to throw some out and maybe holding some back for winter sowing or regular under lights sowing or maybe try all 3 methods...whatever you want. Gardening is always a learning experience.

Ok, seriously.....today was the first day I got the chance to come look at the forums.....now picture me jumping up & down like I'm going to wet my pants!! lol I can't wait to meet you Carol and get my seeds. I don't even care if I have only a few seeds I just like getting new and different seeds. I have tried something new every year for the past two years and will continue because this is the only way I can find out exactly what will do well in my garden. This year I would like to concentrate more on herbs. I'd like to start drying herbs and making my own spice mixes. I haven't yet talked my hubby into building on a sunroom for a year round garden though. Which, is what I really want. I am really excited to get the garden started as are the kids. They actually helped me put my seed envelope together. I think they get just as excited as I do about getting seeds. My five year old is starting to show a great interest in them as well, lol. Hopefully, starting them early will make them experts by the time they are my age. Ok, now I need to get my dirt mixture ready and pots ready to start seeds indoors. I think I will try Carol's container method from last year which was small paper cups. Those worked well and are cheap. Now, maybe I can kick my husband from my office so I can use his study space for my seeds. Well, maybe not....hmmmm....looks around the house........where oh where.......... By the way........I love this place.....I would rather come here and read all the posts about gardening and such than go to the mall shopping!! lol I'm pretty much like Carol....I like being home and being in my garden. I will call you Carol and thank you again. Melissa

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