If you are a newbie, then I would recommend reading wintersown.org and the FAQs and some past threads from this forum, collect containers (which you're doing), and look for some good deals on potting mix and stock up before the winter. Collecting seed is good from now through the fall. Buying or trading seed is a fun late fall/winter activity.

Good luck - it's lots of fun and you will be thrilled with how many plants you can grow using this method.

Thanks, Terrene- I'm on it!

Welcome to winter sowing, merrygardener. Personally, I don't worry whether the collected seed will resemble Mama. I gather from everything that produces a seed large enough to recognize. For me, the pleasure is as much in the doing as in the results.

In my garden, it will be about 10 months from gathering seed to blooming plant. During that time there will be many opportunities to monitor and work with every seed. Some won't germinate; some will die in their bottle (always my fault!); some won't like being potted up; some won't make my cut for garden worthiness; but a lot will be around for next summer's harvest. No matter which. I will enjoy having known each and every one.

Its not wintersowing but its a good time to start your biannual :)

You could start prepping your containers - putting drainage holes in them, for example, is much easier now if you are using a soldering iron - better to do it outside now than in winter, lol. I speak from cold experience!

Even if you are not using a soldering iron, you can still make your holes, cut your containers if needed and/or put in ventilation holes as well if needed. You can start stocking up on potting mix and seeds as well. If you will be working in a dedicated area (basement, shed, etc.) you can set up your assembly line now. I work in the kitchen, so I have to set up (and put away) every time I sow.

You can stock up on label supplies, tape, etc. too.

Good luck! I know you will have a lot of fun!
Dee

This is a good time to buy your potting soil. I can 100% guarantee you that you won't be able to find it in the stores in December.