Here is an article I've written for ATP, but has yet to be published.
I often find it difficult to find time to transplant winter sown seedlings with all the other gardening chores of spring.
chores of spring.
Winter sowing flats
I often find it difficult to find time to transplant winter sown seedlings with all the other gardening chores of spring. So I came up with an easier way to hold the seedlings till I have time. I take a plug tray and put it into solid tray with drainage and place that in a frame style market pack tray. I fill the plug flat with seed starting mix and sow 1-2 seeds in each cell. I then take a second frame style tray and invert it over the 1st attaching it with 4 small zip ties to keep birds and chipmunks from disturbing the planting. The tray is then placed on an outside flats bench for the required cold period and germination. After the seeds are well sprouted you can cut the zip ties and remove the protective frame. Since each seedling has it's own cell, transplanting can be delayed and will be easier.
I found it very easy to cover the surface of the flat with snow to hold everything in place before putting the flats on the bench. It's much easier than trying to wet dry seed mix.
I also find it is better to mark your trays with row numbers using a silver Sharpie an keep records in your garden notes rather than depend on tags which can become lost.
