Yes, every way I tried, they germinated. I now have 50 seedlings growing in a bed outside, covered with leaves and snow.
For me, I liked the "rocks" method the best. But all worked. I had the least success with direct sowing outside. But that could have been because shortly after planting, we had some sever storms, which may have washed away some seeds, or covered them up with too much soil.
In the end, no matter which way I planted them, by the end of the summer, there was no way to tell which seeds were germinated by which method. I think being outside is a great equalizer.
My goal this year is for 45 seedlings (the beds I made fit 45 comfortably) and to have everything planted outside by the beginning of June (weather permitting) and then to leave them alone except for occasional watering.
I am crossing my fingers that at least a few of last years seedlings bloom this year. Last year was my first year messing with seeds, and I enjoyed it. In a few years we will see how much I enjoy it - depending on what types of results I get! ~Jan
