Yeah - I have been Fall/Winter sowing for ~ 35 years. Works great. I start ~ 1 month before first frost.
The lidded container sowing works well when placed on a screened porch where they are easy to access.
I do annuals and perennials.
For those seeds that I purchase mid winter - like right now - I start in my basement grow light area.
Fall/Winter sowing is great for the annuals since you extend the blooming period immensely. WRT perennials, many will bloom the first year - especially when fall/winter sown rather than spring sowed.
Another hint is to make a working bed that can do double duty. I plant many seeds in 3 - 4 " containers and sink to the rim in the bed. Then in the Spring, move them to a more sunny area where they can grow out. Then I use the working bed to start other seeds or as a holding area for seedlings that are SLOW to grow and may need to be sat out the following year. Note that the working bed serves as a cold frame without the frame.
I live in 5b/6 and planted some outdoor seeds a few days ago Sunday when it was 60 - yesterday it was zero. :-)
I have always been fascinated that people learn about fall/winter sowing. It is the method used by Mother Nature. :-)
cheers
