Winter Seed Starting

[darkcedars]

I am trying out a winter seed starting idea - milk jugs to winter start hardier seeds outside. The seeds should start growing when it's time but be protected from the worst swings.  Details here: Penn State Extension.  

Tried with: magnolia tendril peas, parsley, purple coneflower, calendula, sunflower. 

The last two I'm more uncertain about but the first three should be fine. The coneflower is native and I planted others in fall, both the parsley and peas said to plant well before end of frost.  

I always have sown in place, but last year spring was so cold and late I had a lot of failures.  I have a little indoor seed starting kit as well.