We start them in pots outside. there is plenty of cold weather to give them the chill which they need. Probably not as many germinate as with the refrigerator work, but for us that wouldn't be fun. We have a trench & the pots are in that for the winter. Screen over the top for protection, but when DH redid the area this summer, the sides were left open. I don't like that & will use some boards to block the opening.