Hi Marquest. I start my sowing spreadsheet list now as I gather my seeds. Then when I sow I note the date. When I see germination I note that date as well. Last year when I discovered I hadn't labeled several jugs I figured out what they were with my list and the ones I did label. Be sure to leave jugs out where mother nature can water them a little in case you are away traveling. You shouldn't have to remove or bend back the tops until you return from the warm island(aren't you blessed!) In zone 5 I don't know when it starts staying warm all day. Don't try to sow all at once. I drag out the fun and do a couple each night until I make myself stop. This will only be my 2nd year and I know others more experienced will have great input. It is so much fun. Don't give up.

April is still winter sowing here. I also spring and summer sow. You can spread it out if you want.

According to wintersown.org, it's okay to continue winter sowing until you don't need a jacket or sweater when you go outdoors in the evening. Last year I was still wearing multiple layers of polar fleece well into May. You don't need to stop when it's no longer cold outside; you just need to realize that you're not winter sowing at that point. As bakemom points out, there's always spring sowing and summer sowing. It's the same method, just with a few vent holes poked around the top of the jug.

The trick is to see what works best with your schedule and your priorities, then fit winter/spring/summer sowing in with your other activities when it's most convenient. The sprouts can't read a calendar or a clock so I'm guessing they won't care if they germinate in July or August instead of May or June.

As linda_jo suggested, keep a journal of what you do, when you do it + your results so you can tweak the method as needed. I was a newbie two years ago but have spent quite a lot of time and effort rethinking & streamlining how I approach WS. It's a proven method of growing from seed. How you implement the method is entirely of your own choosing.

You can make your "outside of the container" labels in advance as well if you use foil tape, because it has a backing (unlike duct tape). While your at it, make a cut up ventian blind inside tag or two with the writing done in BLACK paint pen and put the whole set together with the seed pack.

One other thing though - you CAN change entertaining traditions! The only person you are obligated to entertain on Valentines day is your sweetheart (and the house doesn't have to be spotless for that..;)) I am slowly changing my Christmas traditions as I see that all the hoop-la I've created over the years leaves me too spent to focus on what's important. I didn't send cards last year and the sky is still up there! I'm not sending them this year either....

I find it best not to think of winter sowing as a project to be completed all at once. It is a process. Much like you I also entertain a lot, and go to a warm island each winter, so I prepare my bottles a few at a time during the late summer. Mine will all soon be ready. I also make my own labels from any white detergent/laundry softener bottles while watching TV. At the moment I am re-cycling labels from prior years (I use the Lee Valley marker which lasts for years). I just do about 4 bottles at a time. Fill, water, and leave to drain before dinner. Sow, label, place outside after dinner. Be sure to keep a journal of what, when, and leave a space for comments. If you start after Christmas, you'll be able to do 100 jugs easily. Just take it slowly and don't panic...it's supposed to be fun. Hope this helps.
Northerner.

I was having the same concern about time. I was thinking of switching to clear plastic cups which I could have labeled, filled with "dirt", sowed-but-not-watered, and stacked in the basement. Once the weather gets cold, I can water, cover, and stick outside. I haven't decided to do this, but it was an idea you could consider.

Martha