@NoSlugsPlease, the ones in the picture are in the sun, but I actually keep most against a NE and a NW facing wall. You do have to be careful once the weather starts warming up that they don't get cooked. The general advice is to open the lids in the daytime or increase the ventilation holes at that point.
This is my second year Winter Sowing and I learned from last year in terms of drainage. This year I made more/bigger drainage holes and smaller top holes. There's been enough rain over Winter that I've only had to water a couple of times and that's been in the last couple of weeks. I check individual containers and just water those that need it. Winter Sowing is low maintenance, but not no maintenance. If you want more info on the method, there's a ton to read through here https://www.facebook.com/groups/wintersown/learning_content/?filter=999979760896985&post=641267800950422
Yes lots of good points already. In summary I would say if you only want a small number of plants and nothing out of the ordinary then buying in plugs plants is a good way to go. That said many of us love the satisfaction of raising plants from seed but as seen on TV this weekend even ardent seed sowers buy in plants sometimes . As mentioned buying from a nursery, or on line is often cheaper, better than from a Garden Centre, though in fairness some GCs raise their own stock too. Do what suits you best.
I only sow things that are a bit out of the ordinary, otherwise it’s easier to buy plugs or the odd tray from a shop. I use a home made propagator box with integral grow lights, heat at and thermostat for early stuff like chillis, aubergines etc. Annuals sown are either on a window or in the greenhouse.
If you give seeds the proper conditions they will definitely grow, it’s in their nature, but if your growing a lot then you really need a greenhouse or at the least a cold frame and ideally both. You can of course sow many varieties in situ. You mentioned sunflowers which are particularly suited for this, plus the flowers come later giving much needed colour near seasons end.
Posts
That said many of us love the satisfaction of raising plants from seed but as seen on TV this weekend even ardent seed sowers buy in plants sometimes . As mentioned buying from a nursery, or on line is often cheaper, better than from a Garden Centre, though in fairness some GCs raise their own stock too.
Do what suits you best.