Although I have been wintersowing for many (about 6) years and I read lots of stories about HOS, I was always a bit skeptical of it: after all, aren't you supposed to give seedlings ample air for proper development? However, last year I did a lot of WSing for a neighbour and had lots of heliopsis and monarda left over in containers and it was the end of the season. So I just HOS'd them in a soggy, shady, holding bed and left them there over winter. Surprise Surpsie today!!! They are sprouting, even in that terrible environment. Living and still learning!! Ain't life great!!