Wish I could help answer your question, Lisa, but I am so NOT a seed person (unless I can sow it outside, that is).
I have just never seemed to get the hang of it, though I keep trying...............LOL>

Thanks Carrie- probably a little bit of beginner's luck :-) I think the lights and heat underneath helped a lot (especially in my house). I was REALLY excited when things started germinating.

I think I can get through the first part since I'd just have to mist a couple times a day, but the transition to outside is going to be the tough part.

Lisa

Maybe once you move them outside you can use frost cloth or row cover to protect from the cold without creating the greenhouse effect during the day because it can breathe. Maybe create a small hoophouse covered with the row cover and tuck your flats or pots inside?

I don't want to tell you how many times I fried seedlings because it was too cold and dark when I left for work to vent anything and then it warmed up. I don't do seeds much anymore.

Thanks Pam- I'll give that a try. Maybe set something up on the North side of the house and keep my fingers crossed.

Lisa

I try to do some winter sowing every year. I used to use recycled milk jugs, but that doesn't work with our dog. They are just toys to her.
Now I use the small 4" pots to sow my seeds and put them in the big semi-clear plastic storage containers from Walmart. The lid and bottom of the container needs to have holes for air flow and water drainage.
I do water when needed and take the lid off on really warm days, but otherwise they stay on the patio until I'm ready to plant.
Hope this helps.

Thanks Ruth - when you mentioned "take the lid off on really warm days" that's what I'd worry about. Knowing my luck I'd leave the house early and things would warm up more than I'd have expected =Fried plants when I got home.

Can I ask what side of your house your patio is on? Is it shaded or not? Maybe I'll hedge my bets and try both ways.

Lisa

The patio is on the South side and where I put the containers is partially shaded. I think you'd be fine with it. The lid has holes in it, and it's much easier to push a lid to the side or take it off, then having to move pots around.
I started 20 - 4 inch and 1 - gallon size pot on the 1st. Hoping to have enough cold weather for the things that need cold stratification.

Looks as if MN is going to oblige you, Ruth !!!!

My big issue was not being at home to push the lid to the side :-)

Thanks for the info Ruth- sounds like you have a good system working for you. I think you're going to get the cold snap you need.

Pam - I think that would be my issue too.

Thanks for all you all's help - Lisa