i have an urge to sow seven packets of seeds i bought of winter flowers in a randomn way.....that means to throw them into long containers and let them get along with what they get.that means no thinning out.is it a bad idea.?will iget small plants trying to fight for food?
as a partial answer i am having a great enjojement from my self sown dahlias.they have not stopped flowering for ages.i thinned out and have 4 beautiful plants.but this is a more scientific attitude.and want to let go a bit

If you're not worried about the cost of the seeds for experiment, go for it. I'd be careful about over-seeding (too much seed) as you might end up with a lot of spindly plants. Do pay attention to seeds that need light to germinate vs seeds that like to be buried. You could get lucky or you may need to do minor thinning depending on how big the resulting plants get. No harm in trying, right?

i like your attitude thank you

I agree with Cindy. David, I have done what you suggest a few times. About half the time I have been pleased with the results and half not so much. :-)

If you think about it, in nature random sowing is what often happens.

One other thing to be aware of though. Height of plants. For example, if you planted 2 types - 1 grows to 3 plus feet and the other grows to 6 inches. The latter will fail cause the other will shade the smaller one.

Finally - obviously do not mix full sun with shade only. :-)

Good luck.