Carla,

As I mentioned elsewhere, there is a Winter Sowing forum. However, I prefer to start my seeds early inside under fluorescent lights, because here in Maine we have a shorter growing season, so I need to set out plants with a big head start. I'm installing a lean-to greenhouse kit for that same reason. Our "safe" no-frost date here is Memorial Day.

MM

It really depends on what you're sowing. This has been my first year winter-sowing and it's going really well. I've sown seeds of perennials, hardy annuals and shrubs. However, here in the UK we have a short growing season. Spring lasts a long time and the weather doesn't really warm up until May. So I sow all my tender annuals and warmth-requiring veg (tomatoes, peppers, aubergines) indoors in warmth. One of the best things about winter-sowing is that the seedlings are already acclimatised to the outdoors and don't need hardening off.

Carla,
I do both direct sow and Winter Sow.

I direct sow seeds if I have a huge collection of them. I Winter Sow those seeds that I don't have too many to waste in the rain or snow.

I like Winter Sowing because of its ease and it does not require as much care and expense as indoor sowing. I also have a lot of success with it. I am able to grow a lot of seeds that I failed to grow indoors. Please check out the link below. It's still not too late to start. The seedlings are healthy and grow very fast and well. They cost a lot less than those seedlings from garden centers or nurseries.

Have fun.

Here is a link that might be useful: Winter Sowing FAQ